The high street franchising group has also opened its first boutique store in Glasgow. The outlet is similar to the territory franchises but without the local franchise bolt-on support.

"These are for people who just want to establish a printing.com outlet," said chief executive Tony Rafferty. A second boutique franchise is planned for Doncaster.

Pointing to speculation on a possible bid for Adare's Kall Kwik and Prontaprint franchise units (PrintWeek, 4 August), Rafferty said he was "far too busy opening Printing.com outlets".

He said that despite tougher trading conditions in retail, the firm had managed to increase its rate of expansion as planned.

Territory franchises were opened in July at Coventry and Guildford. An option has also been taken out to cover the Southampton territory, and the company-owned store in Bristol.

Story by Andy Scott