Andrew Rosler and Tom Bowes were appointed as joint administrators at Leeds-based Gecko Direct on 3 February. 

Gecko started life as a print management business in 1999. In 2007 it added its own manufacturing capabilities, which expanded to cover all in-house production by 2010.

The business describes itself as a direct mail agency, offering a range of related services including data and campaign management, and worked for a number of well-known brands. 

In calendar year 2021 Gecko Direct had sales of just over £4m and made an operating loss of £782,438. A £250,000 gain on the sale of discontinued operations resulted in a pre-tax loss of £539,680.

The prior year sales were £5.3m with an operating loss of £1m. Pre-pandemic sales were £8.7m and the business was in the black. 

Staff numbers reduced to 40 in 2021, from 56 in 2020. 

In a statement, Charlesworth Press said the Gecko Direct business and equipment would be moved to its Wakefield site, and “all jobs have been secured for those able to relocate”.

Managing director Mark Gray said the purchase was good news for the customers of both companies. 

“We are extremely excited about this acquisition,” he said.

“Bringing together the knowledge and talent from both companies will create a stronger and more dynamic business, providing a comprehensive range of print and marketing services to our existing and new customers.”

He told Printweek that it was too early in the transition process to comment on further details at this time. 

The nature of the sale was not disclosed. The joint administrators had not commented at the time of writing. 

H Charlesworth Ltd trades as Charlesworth Press and has sales of around £6m. The firm offers litho and digital printing, and its product range includes personalised books and school planners.

Updated: Managing director Chris Bottomley did not become majority shareholder in Gecko Direct parent company Gecko Holdings in May 2022. This statement in the Gecko Direct accounts was incorrect. His shareholding was 25%.