MORE than 50 jobs have been lost at a Hampshire printing company after it announced it has gone into administration - just days before Christmas.

LPC Printing, based in Hythe, which described itself as one of the south's “leading corporate printers” was celebrating its 50th year in 2014.

However administrators from Baker Tilly have been appointed after the company, based in Hardley Industrial Estate, ceased trading.

A message on the LPC Printing website stated: “LPC went into administration on December 16 and the company has ceased to trade. Alexander Kinninmonth and Matthew Haw of Baker Tilly were appointed joint administrators. Formal notice will be circulated to all creditors shortly.”

The firm was founded in 1964 by David Lee in Lyndhurst. It moved to Holbury in its first year, and then to The Old Bakery in Blackfield, before arriving at its current premises on Hardley Industrial Estate in 1973.

New Forest District Council Conservative councillor for Furzedown and Hardley Michael Harris said: “I am very sorry for the individuals to be told that they could lose their jobs especially just before Christmas, I hope that local companies can step in to offer employment to those affected.

“It is a sign of the times, but that is no comfort if you have been told you are losing your job. My heart goes out to all those people concerned.

“Any business that goes into administration is a loss to the area, but that said, the economy in the New Forest compared to many parts of the country is quite buoyant.”

Hampshire Chamber of Commerce chief executive Stewart Dunn added: “It is particularly sad to see a long established Hampshire company having to go into administration.

Daily Echo: Stewart Dunn chief executive of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce

Stewart Dunn

“We are saddened to hear the news and these announcements before Christmas are always difficult for families. It highlights that although we talk about the recovery, many businesses still are under enormous pressure to be viable going forward.

“It is difficult when companies are faced with difficult decisions just before Christmas. We feel for the employees that have been laid off and we hope they find new employment soon.”

A statement from Baker Tilly said: “The company was closed on appointment and trading was ceased which has unfortunately resulted in the redundancy of 56 members of staff. The administrators are currently in the process of seeking a buyer for the company's assets.”