Sales director Ben Moss said that something the company was more than interested in was a strategic alliance with large screen printing or litho operations.

"The numbers are better than expected and as the profits increase, so our options do the same," said Moss. Although he added the firm was still keeping its options open with regard to a listing on AIM.

Sales increased 10% on the same period last year to 17.6m, exceeding the firm's expectations of 17m.

"The markets have picked up, and we are seeing an increase in large projects such as live events, airport advertising and exhibitions," said Moss.

Operating profits for the six-month period more than doubled to 1.5m, again better than budget predictions of 1.4m.

The company had also benefited from the completion of its consolidation, improved margins, new kit expenditure and an increased spend by clients.

"Each month we have exceeded our expectations, and the months from April to June this year have been really busy," Moss said.