The print franchise operation posted a 60% leap in pre-tax profits, from 1.5m in 2004/2005, to 2.4m this financial year. The AIM-listed companys turnover also showed a healthy 15% increase to 12.3m.

Total retail sales, which is measured on the estimated value of invoiced sales through the Printing.com network, showed a 26% boost on the 2005 figure of 14.4m to 18.2m.

"The results reflect the potential of a franchise structure," said chief executive Tony Rafferty (pictured), and he added that he was "confident that the company would one day outperform print franchise giants such as Prontaprint and Kall Kwik".

The number of Printing.com outlets (including those that are still pending) has increased by 53, taking it to 172, since March 2005, with the Bolt-on, Territory and Boutique franchise models all showing a healthy growth rate.

The companys investment in its Manchester production hub, including Europes first four-colour B1 Komori Lithrone 440SP with a double-sided coater, is expected to increase the firms sales capacity to 45m-50m. The new machinery, plus a bespoke job sortation system, is expected to be up and running by September.

The overheads for the project will be included in next years results, meaning next years profits are projected by stockbrokers to jump a less dramatic 19.6% to 3m.

The first Master Franchise agreement is with New Zealands Astra Group. Astra Print networks under the brand Print Stop and has 14 outlets across New Zealand.

Rafferty said that the companys decision was based on its job management software Flyerlink.

Since Ipex, he said, the Master Franchise programme had proved "very industrious", with interest from entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and, particularly, in and around Eastern Europe.