Coming to NZ: Printing.com offers full colour, quick print services across a unique 'hub and spoke' infrastructure, with centralised production and an integrated supply chain for all outlets.
UK-based printing franchise operator Printing.com which has experienced rapid growth in the UK has signed the first master franchise agreement in this side of the world with New Zealand’s Astra Group. The agreement also includes an option covering Australia. In the UK, the company has reported a 60 per cent increase in pre-tax profit for the year to the end of March, turning a UK profit before tax of £2.41 million (NZ$7.1m), up from £1.51 million (NZ$4.48m) on turnover of £12.34 million (NZ$36.6m).
Total retail sales - the estimated value of invoiced sales - were £18.22 million (NZ$54m), a 26.2 per cent rise from £14.44 million (NZ$42.8M) in 2005.
Chairman George Hardie says the increase reflects the growth in the size of the company’s network, with 166 outlets open or pending at the year end (an increased by six to 172), compared with 119 in 2005.
Printing.com, based at Trafford Park in Manchester, the world’s largest industrial development, added that it is currently in negotiation with a number of parties across Europe and is optimistic that additional Master Franchises will be granted during the course of the financial year following the signing of its first deal in New Zealand.
Chief executive Tony Rafferty says the granting of a master franchise licence to an established printer in other countries was central to the company’s international expansion plans. The printer would then be able to "exploit the Printing.com model in their territory".
Printing.com offers full colour, quick print services across a unique ’hub and spoke’ infrastructure, with centralised production and an integrated supply chain for all outlets. Mass production efficiencies enable high quality print at typically low prices.
It services small to medium-sized businesses throughout the United Kingdom through a chain of high-street stores (some owned but mostly franchised) and franchise bolt-ons (outlets operated within other businesses).
It allows partnerships with established graphics companies, who may offer a complimentary printing.com service alongside their existing business.
Printing.Com was BPiF (British Printing Industries Federation) UK Company of the Year 2006, and Rafferty won Ernst and Young’s Business Services Entrepreneur of the Year in 2005.
Rafferty founded the franchise network at the age of 24 in 1992, with only one PC, a laser printer, fax machine and £3,000 (NZ$8900) funding.
