According to chief executive Brad Holbrook the firm is on target to reach 50m turnover by the end of the year. He said acquisitions had helped the Newcastle firm get into new sectors.

We have bought three new companies in the last three years and we have been able to get into niche markets, said Holbrook.

He added: The year has started very well for us. I dont see any reason why we cant reach 100m. We want to go head to head with Williams Lea and Astron.

Last year the firm set up a strategic alliance with Pitney Bowes Management Services (PBMS). It adopted Dataforms online ordering and management technology (PrintWeek, 20 November 2003).

Dataform also bought out Thomas Potts subsidiary CCS which boosted turnover to 40m. It also picked up new clients including Waterstones and the Welsh Health Authority.

Meanwhile Dataform has made three appointments as part of its expansion plans.

Steve Eglon has joined from BP Oil as IT manager, Michelle Parrott becomes studio manager and Alan Rickwood is appointed print buyer specialising in marketing products.

If we are looking to double the size of our business then we have to beef up the management structure, said Holbrook.

Story by Philip Chadwick