Hobs acquired the bulk of Callprint’s trade and assets just over eight months ago, after the business hit the buffers. Cheek remained with the business in what was described as a sales leadership role.
He left the company on Tuesday afternoon (30 April).
In an internal announcement, Hobs chief executive James Duckenfield said: “Steve Cheek has decided to leave the company and pursue new opportunities. I would like to thank Steve for his contribution over the last eight months and wish him the best for the future.”
Duckenfield told PrintWeek: “It was mutually agreed that it was time for us to part ways. There is no underlying issue or sinister reason for Steve’s departure.”
PrintWeek understands that Cheek’s wife Emma, who was an executive assistant at Callprint, is also leaving the company.
His brother Gary remains at the business. His remit is to look after web-to-print operations.
Steve Cheek said he would take some time off before deciding on his future plans, and whether or not to remain in the industry.
He told PrintWeek: “Nothing is decided as yet. It’s been a very difficult year with everything that has gone on. The industry is difficult for everyone at the moment. I’ve been in it for 30 years and this is probably the toughest period I’ve known. I feel for everyone.”
Duckenfield said Cheek would not be replaced immediately. “Generally the business is doing well. It’s integrated now, rebranded and on our systems. It’s a pretty happy camp.”
Separately, the latest report from administrators at Duff & Phelps handling the administration of Call Print Group and associated companies stated that the administrators aimed to recover £30,000 from Wirral Continuous, which was briefly owned by Steve Cheek, because a loan paid from Wirral Continuous to Call Print Group (CPG) was repaid in the run up to its administration.
“At the time of the transaction Wirral Continuous was an associate of CPG by common beneficial ownership and directorship and the transaction is, therefore, deemed a preference payment by the joint administrators,” the report said.
Wirral Continuous is now under new ownership.
Duff & Phelps also reiterated its view that unsecured, non-preferential creditors of Call Print Services, Premier Reprographics, Redwood Press and Call Print UK were expected to receive some form of distribution.
Update: WirralCo director Kevin Hickey said that the firm had already resolved the matter with the administrators. "Within a short period of time from us being made aware of it the matter was settled. The business has been going from strength-to-strength over the past six months and we hope to continue that, month-by-month," he said.
