Agony for city and industry as 80 jobs go at Latimer Trend

Hopes of a deal to save the Plymouth book printing firm Latimer Trend have been dashed according to a report in Print Week.

Stephen Docherty, chairman at Scottish book and commercial print group Bell & Bain who had looked to take on the business confirmed last week that the attempt to save the firm and its 80 employees had failed.

Jo Francis writing for Print Week reported the rescue deal hit the rocks over the status of a property used by the 130-year-old print company.

She said Stephen Docherty had described the rescue bid had been ‘a mission from the heart,’ but despite extensive efforts it had not proved possible.

Jo Francis quoted him as saying: ““I am very sorry for the 80 good hard working people of Latimer Trend that we failed to save the company and ultimately their jobs. I am so, so sorry I could not help the Plymouth area. With a mixture of sadness and disgust which will stick with me for such a long time, I am truly upset for these people.

“We thought we had everything covered but a small detail of a second ranking agreement on a small building the company owns would not be withdrawn to allow the takeover.”

Print Week reported the name of the owner of the building at the centre of the impasse was unknown.

Latimer Trend had contracts with the UK Hydrographics Office and had a turnover of £10m and was managed by Paul Opie. James Cowper Kreston were appointed as administrators.

For the full story visit https://www.printweek.com/print-week/news/1169013/latimer-trend-rescue-deal-is-off

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