Online bookseller and magazine The Good Book Guide, which has an office at the Monument Business Park in Chalgrove, has ceased trading — making staff redundant.

Richard Hicks, who bought the York-based business from administrators in 2008, has approached insolvency firm Begbies Traynor with a view to liquidating the company in September.

Begbies Traynor spokesman Chris Cox, said: “We believe there were three or four staff – but all will be made redundant. The editor and assistant editor have already been made redundant.”

Some Oxford writers, who have contributed reviews to the Guide, have been left unpaid, but Mr Cox said the exact situation was still unclear as the company’s accounts were unavailable because they were not yet due to be filed.

He said that the company had not been able to meet its debts.

He added that he was negotiating with a possible buyer for the firm’s assets and name.

Mr Hicks was unavailable for comment last night.