The Birmingham-based start-up, headed by Rob Hart and Peter Hill, expects  turnover in its first year to be around 300,000-400,000 and has recruited its first two employees.

"It's hard to create a new start-up. So I approached Stan Newton, the local Heidelberg rep, and he's helped me all the way through. He has been brilliant," said Hart, who previously headed production at AGA Print Finishing.

The firm has ordered a Polar 115X guillotine, two buckle folders, a Stahl TD 78 and TH 66, and a six-station plus cover feeder Stitchmaster ST 300.

Ace will open on 1 July, but with the TD 78 and Polar installed it has already started to take on its first jobs. The kit deal was financed by Close Print Finance.

Story by Darryl Danielli