Harris-Ward bought the trade and assets of his old company via a pre-pack from administrators Wilson Field, following their appointment on 13 June.

According to Harris-Ward, the Southend-on-Sea company was forced to take action due to pressure from HMRC to clear its outstanding debt.

He claimed that a plan to repay the company's creditors, including HMRC, over a period of a few months was scuppered when HMRC refused to accept the delay.

A spokesperson for HMRC said that it could not comment on individual cases due to taxpayer confidentiality. However, he added: "HMRC’s aim is not to wind up companies or make individuals bankrupt, but to collect, as efficiently as we can, the debts that are due.

"HMRC only initiates winding up or bankruptcy action where it believes this is the best course of action to protect the interests of the Exchequer in respect of a particular debt. We do not take such action lightly.

"Anyone who is struggling to pay an HMRC debt should call us. HMRC has an outstanding track record in supporting those who are experiencing genuine difficulty paying their debts, and this approach will continue."

Harris-Ward said he was advised by his solicitor to pursue a pre-pack administration in order to secure the future of the five-staff business. Leigh Print & Packaging intends to honour outstanding debts to the majority of its previous suppliers, according to Harris-Ward.

Leigh Print was established in 1976 and has produced work for Natwest, Heinz and Boots.