The commercial and large-format printer closed last Tuesday (31 October) and PrintWeek understands it now intends to appoint Brighton-based Begbies Traynor as liquidator.

At time of writing, Begbies Traynor was unavailable for comment, but it is understood a buyer will not be sought for the business.

Founder and managing director Paul Hampton along with his wife and fellow director Isabel Hampton had taken a step back from the day-to-day running of the business over the past 18 months.

Paul Hampton cited the behaviour of a number of key staff, who he alleged had recently departed the business taking with them sensitive client information, during a recent attempt to restructure the company as the main reason for closure.

Hampton told PrintWeek: “If I was younger we would have continued, but at our age we have had enough, which is sad for the guys that work here.

“We’ve had heaps of messages wishing us luck, and people asking who these people were and how they could do this to us.”

Hampton also said that he had sold Express' five-colour Komori litho press two months ago, with a view to reinvesting the money in additional digital and large-format kit, getting more use out of its two Heidelberg GTOs and also streamlining its commercial print work to a 'print farmer' model. He said the business also ran a Speedmaster, Konica Minolta digital machine, large-format kit and finishing kit. 

In a letter seen by PrintWeek and sent out by Express, which was based at the Elbridge Farm Business Centre, to 400 clients, the Hamptons, 60 and 67, described their “amazing 32-year journey” running Express. 

“I have had the pleasure of working for and with some fantastic people,” said the letter. 

“The highest point being the overall winner of the Bognor Observer Business Awards in 2004. The lowest point has just happened.” 

The letter also cited the "fantastic loyalty" from customers and staff, but said the business could not carry on due to the “callous and unnecessary” actions of a few former employees.

The letter directed clients looking to place future work to contact St Richards Press in Chichester as well as Hampton’s son Oliver Hampton, who has set up a new company, Chichester-based Ollie’s Signs and Graphics.