The Tunbridge Wells, Kent-based company, founded by managing director Chris Mallinson, specialises in short-run print, such as brochures and marketing collateral, for clients including blue-chip companies and marketing agencies.

Mallinson has a history in digital print, originally working at Eden Lithographic Reproduction before its acquisition by Howitt. The company was rebranded as Howitt Digital in 2005 before Mallinson left the company in 2008, starting up Image Digital last year.

He said that, despite the economic climate, getting back into the print market was "not such a gamble".

"At Image Digital we feel like we are getting it right. Our business is about having the right technology in place, such as the Xerox 8000 AP, and then offering customers a fresher, slicker service," he added.

The four-staff company opted for Xerox as Image Digital's maiden machine, citing its "brilliant technology".

"Although I had experience with Xerox in the past, when setting up this business I took an opportunity to review the whole marketplace. In the end we chose the Xerox 8000AP for its consistent speed and accuracy," Mallinson said.

The Xerox DocuColor 8000AP can print up to 80 pages per minute on any weight stock. It can also print on duplex stock as heavy as 350gsm at resolutions up to 2,400dpi.

Peter Taylor, director and general manager of large enterprise and graphic communications at Xerox UK, said: "It’s exciting to see fresh businesses, such as Image Digital, coming to fruition in an industry that has seen more than its fair share of challenges this year."