In a trading statement the company said that although a buoyant spring was followed by a slightly slower summer, current trading across all its outlets was encouraging .

The franchise chain, which prints from a central hub in Manchester, has a number of its managers currently courting bolt-on franchises through its Territory Franchise scheme.

This allows individual franchise holders to establish their own network of franchises within their area, linked to their own store. Bolt-on franchises can purchase print at the same rate as stores.

A management team bought Printing.coms Newcastle outlet earlier this month (PrintWeek, 19 September), and an MBI at the chains Glasgow store could be completed soon.

The company, which has a turnover of 7.6m, has agreed franchises for stores in Oxford and Ashford, while one should be agreed shortly for Lancaster. Property negotiations are continuing for sites in Watford, Warrington and Harrow.