He has been replaced by service director and MAN Roland veteran Malcolm Pendlebury.

Charles joined MAN Roland GB from the computer industry in January last year to replace Keith Gatfield who had left two months previously.

In a statement MAN Roland GB said Charles had resigned with immediate effect and thanked him for his contribution to the business.

The company said Pendlebury, who has 27 years experience, had the huge advantage of knowing the staff at MAN Roland GB and the workings of MAN Roland intimately.

MAN Roland GB is also understood to be in the process of recruiting a director to head up its sheetfed sales.

Story by Lauretta Roberts