Ian Best and Adrian Wolstenholme of Andersen were appointed last Wednesday (23 January). A statement said they aimed to sell the business as a going concern.

But ten days after the appointment Andersen had still not issued any further progress report, and questions regarding Flair went unanswered.

Despite reports of two offers on the table for the company, sources in the area believe it is unlikely that it will be sold. "Id be very surprised if the business was resurrected. All the kit is leased, so what is there to buy? Youre buying the customer list, but it is low-margin work," said one.

A number of the firms sales staff have already been approached by rivals.

At least two firms are also known to be potentially interested in Flairs 10-colour Speedmaster 102.

The situation regarding the trading status of the 30m Spectrum Flair Group caused confusion last week, because it was not clear which of the firms trading companies was involved.

Andersen said 210-strong Flair Press had experienced difficult trading conditions, and the directors had been unable to secure a refinancing deal to allow the company to continue.

Story by Jo Francis