According to Hampton Printing managing director Chris Cooper, the certification, which was launched earlier this year, enables printers to prove their quality.

"This proves you can do what you say you can do and it is being rolled out across Europe. We deal with European clients and this gives us a competitive edge against continental printers," he said.

"Price seems to drive everything but clients also want to ensure their brand is protected by good quality from their suppliers."

The 80-staff Bristol-based company runs four Heidelberg Speedmasters, two XL 105s with coaters, plus two five-colour models with coaters – a CD 102 and 74. Clients include blue-chip firms.

Steve Fowler, Heidelberg colour specialist, said "The ISO 12647-2 standard recognises the need for a comprehensive print- and proof-orientated certification."

The £6,000 scheme involves independent tests of printed sheets and digital proofs in Heidelberg's lab in Germany.

Mike Malpas, Hampton sales director, said: "You need to be different and better, and to prove what you do is correct, measurable, accountable."