The Sidcup business was supposed to reopen earlier this week, after being locked out of its premises by bailiffs acting on behalf of the landlord.

Employees eventually returned to work on Wednesday (26 February) but that evening received a message from director Luke Hastings with the devastating news that the firm’s bank had pulled the plug and the company had closed.

Hastings told staff: “It is with the deepest regret and sadness that I must inform you that, following a call at 5pm today with the company’s bankers, Reflections has been forced to cease trading.

“Although they were supportive of our efforts to regain entry and secure a new lease with the landlord just 24 hours ago, they have now decided to withdraw their financial support and will not be enabling the payment of this month’s company payroll.”

Reflections Print Finishers is owned by brothers Luke and Paul Hastings.

Luke Hastings told employees the duo were “genuinely shocked by today’s meeting outcome”.

“I know this news is incredibly difficult for everyone both emotionally and financially, and I am truly sorry – we never imagined we would find ourselves in this position.”

Printweek understands the firm employs currently around 35 people.

A number of the Reflections employees have been in touch with Printweek regarding this week's events.

One said: “They made their staff come in yesterday [Wednesday], and told them their jobs are safe, and that they will be getting paid Friday.

“By the time the staff got home from work, they got an email saying they're closed down and no one is getting paid.”

Concerned employees have also flagged issues regarding their pension contributions dating back to last summer.

“On the payslips it’s been coming out of our wages, but the money has not been going to the pension provider,” an employee claimed.

Reflections had acquired the assets of a number of other businesses, including Benwells, Crystal Press, British Loose Leaf and J Muir Bookbinders.

“Reflections seemed to take the hit for the other companies they bought, it drained the company of funds,” the employee added.

Luke Hastings had not responded to Printweek’s requests for comment at the time of writing.

The Hastings brothers also own Wren Packaging, based in Southend-on-Sea, and it emerged this morning that Wren has also been affected by the fallout from Reflections. 

In a message on the Wren Packaging HR system, seen by Printweek, Luke Hastings said the firm's bankers had also restricted the funding available to Wren. 

“As a result we have had to make the incredibly tough decision to reduce the Wren's team by half with immediate effect.”

He said the affected employees had already been contacted. 

“Despite these challenges it is important that we focus on moving forward in the best way possible under the circumstances,” he said. 

The most recent Companies House filing for Reflections Print Finishers, unaudited abridged accounts for the year ending 31 October 2023, detail tangible fixed assets valued at just over £2.2m.

On 25 November 2024 Luke and Paul Hastings established a new company, Reflections Equipment, with a debenture charge lodged by finance provider Adsum four days later.

Wren Packaging's unaudited abridged accounts for the year to 31 October 2023 show tangible fixed assets worth £527,021. The firm employed 22 at that time. 

The firm produces litho printed packaging including cartons, sleeves and blister cards.

Editor's note: The Printing Charity offers a range of support for industry workers suffering hardship, including financial support. Visit: www.theprintingcharity.org.uk.