UHY Hacker Young confirmed that Michael Kiely of its London office had been appointed to the Northampton-based printer on Monday 19 January.

Kiely was unavailable for comment at the time of writing.

Printhaus managing director Kelly Harris, who did not return PrintWeek's calls, had previously confirmed that a number of redundancies had been made in December.

The administration will come as a surprise to Printhaus's clients, who were sent a letter by Harris dated 31 December, in which he claimed that the company would be kicking off the new year with "new offerings".

The letter, which has been passed to PrintWeek, stated that the company had secured external investment, "which underpins our future, and enables us to increase the range of services we offer".

Included in these services were capabilities for long perfecting, inline coating, and web printing on a 16-page, six-unit, 12-colour machine.

However, sources close to the company said that no new kit has been installed at Printhaus's site. Harris declined to comment on speculation that the company was set to be acquired.

Meanwhile, a new company has emerged on Companies House called Printhaus (Northampton). There is currently no confirmation that this company is connected with Printhaus.

It was formed as Friars 596 on 11 December 2008, but changed its name on 20 January. Maureen Pooley and Jenny Farrer are directors.

The company's address on Companies House was changed on Friday (23 January) to South Portway Close, Round Spinney, Northampton from a Norwich address. This is the same address as one of TPF Group's locations.

TPF has declined to comment.