The invoice finance deal with Bibby Financial Services enabled the Liverpool-based print finisher to free up company funds and expand its services with a significant kit spend.

The new kit cost £185,000 and enables the company to move into new niche markets with the production of Z-fold pocket wallets from credit card size to A5.

Managing director Tony Aspey said: “We confirmed our agreement with Bibby after open and frank discussions about the direction the management wanted to take the company forward, including transparency on our order book, client base, and our own analysis of the state of the industry.

“Bibby were recommended by one of our local clients and upon contact, we found them extremely helpful with accurate and speedy replies to any queries."

Thomas Loughlin now adds pick-and-place and ram punching to a wider portfolio of print finishing capabilities, which includes perfect binding, wire-binding, saddle-stitching, casebinding, and a large miniature stitching and folding department.

“Our new investment introduces a totally new process to our offering, and it allows us to apply a credit card to a carrier using peelable glue. Interest has already taken off,” said Aspey.

Aspey said he would look to expand capabilities further in the future.

As well as leading print businesses, the firm's clientele includes brands such as Nike, Fifa and O2. It employs 20 members of staff at its 1,160sqm premises.