The company, based in Chilwell to the west of the city centre, shut its doors on 3 April.

In a statement explaining the situation, directors Richard and Emma Anstock said the decision had been extremely difficult.

“It is with very heavy hearts that we, the directors of Nottingham Trade Finishers Limited have had to make the extremely hard decision to cease trading with immediate effect,” the Anstocks said.

“This comes after much effort over several months and optimism that firstly the autumnal peak and then March would bring our sector’s usual and historically reliable flourish of sales to close the financial year, but sadly this hasn’t materialised, and we appreciate we are not alone in our frustration.

“The challenges faced by ever increasing overheads, the ‘race to the bottom’ in terms of costing jobs against both ours, and our clients’ competitors has made the business unsustainable to carry on.”

The business was established in the summer of 2006, and over the subsequent years the trade finishing sector has seen enormous changes, and a great reduction in industry players and potential clients.

Services included a range of general finishing services as well as one-piece mailers, paper banding, ram bundling, tab sealing, and stitched Optipost brochures. It also developed a sheetfed paper wrapping service for shorter-run work.

“For many years we enjoyed a buoyant market in which to do business, but the landscape evolved, and we had made our place in a specialist sector which faces challenges of its own that we sincerely hope it overcomes. As a small business we have lost several clients in recent years to a similar fate that we now face,” the statement continued.

“This decision is particularly heartbreaking to deliver to our wonderful staff, most of whom have been with us for many years, some of whom with us since the day we opened the doors in 2006. Without their skill, commitment and loyalty, Nottingham Trade Finishers wouldn’t have been around as long as we have!”

The duo gave particular thanks to production manager Ian Holt, who has liaised with clients and suppliers on a day-to-day basis.

“He has been a huge part of the company since we began trading and his expertise has been invaluable,” they said.

“To our clients, thank you for the opportunity to work with you on many innovative projects and campaigns as well as the day to day business. And many apologies for the sudden departure as you source replacement for future projects.”

One of the firm's clients told Printweek the situation was very sad and described the firm as “a great supplier”.

Managing director Richard Anstock has remained on site to work with the insolvency practitioner on winding-up activities.

Pre-pandemic the firm employed 17 and had sales of around £750,000.