AIM-listed print marketing services provider Access Plus crashed 16 per cent to 130p this afternoon, as it revealed that an increase in bad debt provisions will drag full year figures down below market expectations. Elliott Davis reports.

Access' problems stem from the plight of ITM Communications, a commercial partner of one of its major clients. ITM called in the administrators earlier this week and has 'debts and outstanding work-in-progress with Access' to the value of around £600,000.

Access has, as a result, increased bad debt provisions to cover this sum and says that 'consequently, this year's financial targets will not be achieved'.

Aside from this management says that 'trading remains in line with expectations', adding that 'the group remains very cash generative and does not expect this setback to affect its current strategy'.

Prior to the warning house broker Rowan Dartington was forecasting an improved profit of £4.8 million (£4 million) for the year to December. The group made total turnover of £29.78 million last year.