The DTIs Gloucester office has been investigating Humes business activities for several months (PrintWeek, 11 April) and is behind the charges, which relate to Humes directorship of Midlands Publishing Holdings.
Humes has had to contend with a difficult summer so far. Midlands Publishing Holdings and Newey Print are both being wound up by the Official Receiver after being hit by winding-up petitions from disgruntled creditors ((PrintWeek, 17 July), while Newey Print was also put into administrative receivership in June at the request of its factoring company, Bibby Factors ((PrintWeek, 19 June).
Humes then started trading from Neweys premises with a new firm, Midlands Print, but it was placed into administrative receivership in late July at the request of its factoring company, Royal Bank of Scotland Commercial Services ((PrintWeek, 31 July).
Receivers from Begbies Traynor immediately had to make the firms 40 staff redundant as it was in no position to continue trading. Staff hadnt been paid by Humes for six weeks.
Humes has also been linked with a bid for Nottingham printer Hill & Tyler, which is in administration, but he hasnt managed to tie up a deal so far.
Humes was unavailable for comment as (PrintWeek went to press.
Story by Gordon Carson
