Ibrahim Valijee, owner of Star Print, said he would be targeting local "small printers with two-colour and four-colour machines" with the new service.

According to Valijee, the main reason for buying the plate system was actually to reduce Star Print's own costs and turnaround time.

"The cost and turnaround were the main factor. With the bureau I was not able to do same day or next day turnaround," he said.

The company did look at other options before settling on the Suprasetter, including second-hand machines. However, Valijee said that servicing and after sales support costs were too high on these machines.

Also the smaller size of the Suprasetter made it attractive because the company's premises are "very compact."

He added: "The price was good and the monthly instalments were good compared to what I was spending on the bureau. It's a big difference actually."

Valijee set up Star Print six years ago and the company currently specialises in short and long leaflets, flyers and takeaway menus, with an emphasis on restaurant, and charity clients.

Much of the company's work comes via its internet site, which Valijee puts down to the type of work the company carries out and the fact that most clients are supplying print ready files.