However, the company still recorded a large drop on profit for the full year after a very tough opening six months.

In a preliminary statement to shareholders, the company reported that for the six months to 31 December 2011, year-on-year operating profit grew 1.6% to £7.8m, from £7.7m in 2010. Turnover dropped 2% year-on-year from £69.2m in 2010 to £67.8m.

The results mean that the group operating profit for the full year dropped 29.4% to £10.4m from £14.8m, while turnover dipped 3% from £139.3m to £135.1m.

Chairman Richard Jewson also reported that operating cash flow remained "strong" at £13.1m, from £13.7m, and net debt at the end of the year was reduced by a quarter to £17.4m.

He said: "Despite very difficult trading conditions, Archant has continued to invest significantly, both in revenue and in capital, to pursue its strategy of developing a customer-centric, multimedia organisation.

"With little or no support foreseeable from the economy, it is the actions of the management that will enable us to take advantage of new and emerging revenue streams while optimising the existing business."