This follows Printing.com chief executive Tony Rafferty's comments that his firm is targeting 170 outlets by August 2005 in a bid to rival Kall Kwik and Prontaprint (PrintWeek, 22 April).

"We have respect for Printing.com but it is easy to make sweeping statements. I do not think it will grow to 170 outlets by August 2005," Simpson said.

He added that the strength of the Kall Kwik brand has resulted in the average centre turnover of more than 400,000.

He also responded to criticisms of Adare's control by independent Kall Kwik franchisees. Last month the chairman of the Independent Kall Kwik Franchise Owners Association, Andrew Mitchell, argued that the franchisees did not see themselves as a "small cog in a large machine" (PrintWeek, 4 March).

"We do seek their advice before new products and services are launched. It would be foolish not to listen to them even if we do not always agree," he said.

At the start of the year Kall Kwik revamped its corporate identity across its 163 centres nationwide (PrintWeek, 29 January).

Story by Philip Chadwick