Speaking as the company released the results of its quick print pricing and turnaround survey, compiled by Storecheckers, Rafferty said franchisors now had to offer a clear market differential.

"The days of just taking a percentage of turnover in exchange for the brand are numbered," he said. "Franchisees need to be offered something fundamental, something without which their business would not operate."

He said that the printing process had been "demystified" over the past decade and, where previously franchisees would need education of the printing process, the print franchisees of today are familiar with the technology and need more than the "formula and tricks of the trade".

He added: "Franchisees need access to a supply chain with prices that reflect the size of the franchise, to 24/7 support, and crucially, need to pay for what they use rather than what they earn."

The Storecheckers survey found that quick print pricing was on the rise for the first time in eight years, but significantly higher prices were offered from franchises with the "traditional" franchise model with over a third falling into the high price classification versus under a third of non-franchised outlets.

Higher commodity prices and the fall of the value of sterling against the euro were cited as the factors behind the increase in quick print prices.