ISO Accreditations

19th February 2010 - I had an anonoymous comment left about the question of ISO accreditations. The response was "your information is way out - midas never had any iso's and they no longer work with LA, EL or BA"

Well I stand corrected although I do believe that Midas Press were registered as an ISO 12647 - and on the Proficient Colour Register? Obviously this would not be something that Midas Press PLC can now claim. As for no longer working with Laura Ashley, Estee Lauder and British Airways, maybe these companies took there business away before Midas Press went bust.

Appeal for information

18th February 2010 - The response for my last request for information was great and we were able to publish the details of the new management at Midas Press PLC - thank you for those e-mails and comments.

So now another request - has anyone seen a report from the administrator about the winding up of the Midas Press (partnership) yet? Is it my imagination or are they being very slow? The company is called Middleton Partners. Any info would be gratefully received

McNaughton more worried about environment than phoenix companies

17th February 2010 - Today it was announced on printweek.com that the James McNaughton Group has launched an environmental guide for pulp and paper production.

McNaughton's environment manager Matthew Botfield (pictured) announced the launch.

And guess what, the only comment left on the printweek blog so far is from a "tag" called unhappy printer - his comment is "Fantastic Matthew
Hopefully soon we will have a guide to Pheonix's, Pre-Packs and dodgey MBO's" - sentiments agreed by all of us - especially as it is the McNaughton/Antalis conglomerate that are supporting the phoenixed Midas Press PLC!
http://www.printweek.com/news/984665/James-McNaughton-launches-environmental-guide/

The New Management Team at Midas Press PLC

16th February 2010 - Thank you to the e-mails and Comment that I received. I can at least build up a picture about who is involved in the new "Phoenix" company.

The new management team seem to be as follows:

David Hissey - Main Shareholder and money man. He is the ex partner of Midas Press that retired a few years ago on what was probably quite a healthy pension! He's now back in the driving seat having ousted his previous partner Derek Jarman. Should we feel sorry for Derek Jarman - although he (may- subject to confirmation) be made bankrupt - has he really got nothing? - will it be one of these cases where wealth has been moved to other family members? it will be interesting to see how that develops - any news, just let this site know.

Paul Wells - He's now the Managing Director. Used to work closely with Derek Jarman. I take it they aren't friends now.

Richard Sharman - He's the Financial Director and he was at the old Midas Press (partnership) - he was the one that would never give you a straight answer or if you were a supplier, would never call you back.

Paul Chivers - Production Director - a very competent production man.

Steve Oliver - He used to be the "junior" partner in the partnership before Midas Press went bust and he's obviously run away with his new friends! He's now been de-moted from Junior Associate Partner to be Sales Director of the new Midas Press PLC.

Clive Merit - Commercial Director - I think he's a quite a nice guy but is probably easily lead.

This appears to be the new "TEAM MIDAS" or "PHOENIX FLYERS" - money no object, because we just dumped our liabilities and lost all our debts!

Who is behind the new Midas Press PLC?

15th February 2010 - Firstly I must thank those of you who have e-mailed me directly [dodgytraders@googlemail.com] with information about the Midas crowd although if you post comments on this blog, you can do anonymously.

I think it's about time that the names of the people behing the new Midas Press PLC were named (and if appropriate, shamed) . I presume the paperwork is taking a while to get to Companies House because so far nothing has been filed - so can anyone send me some info about the people behind the new company? I'm sure everyone knows that former "associate partner" Steve Oliver has not been ousted in the management coup and in fact maybe he instigated it? I don't think there's a lot of love lost! All info and or pictures gratefully received...

ISO Accreditations or not?

12th February 2010 - Just had a thought here but Charterhouse Print Management sells itself on it's suppliers having all sorts of quality and environmental badges.

Well, Midas Press (the Partnership) had ISO14001 and ISO9001 but the new Midas Press PLC doesn't have any of these accredited ISO certifications - does it???? .... Does anybody think that they will have told their important customers such as Charterhouse Print Management, or any of their direct customers such as Laura Ashley, Estee Lauder and British Airways????????

Printweek Article about Phoenix companies

10th February 2010 - In spite of the fact that they've removed the link to this blog, Printweek has written an article about merchants supporting "Phoenix" companies and good old Midas Press is getting quite a few mentions! It would be nice if Printweek actually said something rather than sitting on the fence - it must be painful!

It turns out that MsNaughton Paper and Antalis are coming in for quite a slagging! The blog has lots and lots of comments, so have a good read:
http://www.printweek.com/News/MostRead/981724/Merchants-tough-phoenix-firms/