Mike Newbould has returned to York Direct as managing director, after leading a buyout of the firm he left in 1998.


The firm, which went into receivership in August, will be integrated into York Mailing, which is owned by Newbould. Both firms will operate from the York Direct site within six months, according to Donald Place, joint branch secretary at Leeds and Central Yorkshire GPMU.


Regarding the loss of jobs, the news is good, as there have been 15 voluntary redundancies, Place added.


York Mailing, which has 60 staff, was set up in June 1998 as a direct mailing house specialising in finishing and folding. It did not previously have any printing operations. The new site will be an advantage for the firm, which will have a new printing arm, said Place.


York Direct has three presses. One of its Rotoman presses has been sold and the other is under offer, while its Harris press has been purchased by Mike Newbould, although the cost has not been revealed by the firm.


As PrintWeek went to press, York Mailing declined to comment about its plans due to its confidentiality agreement with receiver PriceWaterhouseCoopers.


Receivers are still trying to tempt buyers to take over Silverscreen Print.


Story by Jeremy Allen