Managing director Robert Burnett, financial director Andy Booth and sales director John Cocker head up the new management team. The three directors bought out the firm for an undisclosed sum, although a financial package of 400,000 was provided from Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance.

The company is now looking to add to its equipment with the addition of a third five-colour press.

Five Castles was founded in 1986 and specialises in the commercial printing of brochures, catalogues and leaflets for clients including advertising agencies and independent businesses.

The sale follows the decision by former managing director and founder Mike Castle decided to sell his majority share in the firm.

"Five Castles Press is an established firm and has a strong reputation in the region. When the opportunity to acquire the company came, we grabbed it with both hands," said Burnett.

After recently taking on six members of staff Five Castles has a workforce of 20 and has an annual turnover of 2.2m.

Story by Philip Chadwick