The news was delivered as the firm released its half-year results for the period to 10 October, which showed increases in both pre-tax profits and turnover.

Chief executive Tony Rafferty also announced plans for a B1 press to be installed at its Manchester hub or second location at Ashford, but no decision has been made on the manufacturer.

During the six-month period, Printing.com stores accounted for estimated total retail sales of 3.8m, an increase of 46% on the same period last year.

Pre-tax profits more than doubled to 631,000, while turnover increased by 17% to 5.5m.

During the period 12 bolt-on franchise agreements were completed, 18 commenced trading, with a further four in preparation for launching.

Rafferty also revealed the strategy behind his "guerrilla" franchises, in which the firm forms a partnership with a business, with the aim of improving performance.

This has already started to bear fruit, said Rafferty, adding that the plan would be expanded throughout next year.

Rafferty said he was confident that the company's 500,000 financing deal with Royal Bank of Scotland would also start to reap benefits, with discussions underway with a number of personnel, already in the copy-shop business looking to break out on their own (PrintWeek, 28 October).

He remained optimistic and confident that the target of 175 outlets by September 2005 will be reached.

Rafferty also took the opportunity to reveal his dismay at the lack of training investment in the print shop sector, a matter over which Printing.com feels it differs, with 2,500 training days provided by the firm.

Story by Andy Scott