Print Publishing was incorporated in October 2017 and produced two magazines that supported the emergency services: Crime Reaction and Attention Fire.
At the hearing to consider the petition to wind up the business, the High Court in Manchester heard that to secure revenue, the company’s salespeople would cold-call local businesses, local authorities and schools as well as sports and social clubs to offer advertising space in the two publications.
The business claimed to produce three editions of each title per year, with distribution numbers of around 25,000. Its salespeople also stressed that they worked for the emergency services or associated charities, and that proceeds went towards the emergency services.
The Insolvency Service conducted confidential investigations into the firm’s activities following complaints and found that claims made by the company were misleading and often false.
It began securing funds from sponsors for future editions of the magazines as early as October 2017 but did not produce the first magazine until a year and a half later, in January 2019.
Investigators found no evidence that the magazines were ever distributed to anyone other than the advertisers themselves or that financial contributions had found their way to the emergency services and associated charities.
Although denied by the company, the Insolvency Service’s enquiries concluded that Print Publishing “traded with a lack of commercial probity” when it claimed to be affiliated with the emergency services and other good causes.
Enquiries also found that the business used “oppressive and objectionable” sales techniques to pressure customers into making payments.
The firm’s records showed that it had 120 clients, spanning 169 sales transactions between October 2017 and December 2018 and generating bank receipts totalling £62,418.80.
It was wound up last Thursday (5 September) by District Judge Richmond at the High Court in Manchester following the Insolvency Service’s investigation. The Official Receiver has been appointed as liquidator.
Insolvency Service chief investigator Scott Crighton said: “Not only did Print Publishing use dubious sales practices to elicit funds and did not have any links to charities or the emergency services, the magazines were produced late and were not distributed anywhere beyond the company’s own staff.
“Following the winding-up of the company the Official Receiver will now look closely into the company’s affairs, including the conduct of the former director.”
PrintWeek reported on a similar case last month, which saw Wirral-based publisher The Hannay Partnership wound up after it also falsely claimed to produce magazines supporting the emergency services.
