Printing.com warns on slower first half

TRAFFORD Park-based Printing.com will tell shareholders today that trading has softened in its core UK and Irish markets.

Chairman George Hardie will tell shareholders at its AGM later today that its profits have also been impacted as a result of increased promotional activity in a bid to maintain sales.

However, he added that sales at the firm’s European subsidiaries are in line with expectations.

The company’s online system for other multi-site retailers has gained momentum in the UK, with more retailers either using the system or requesting its installation.
Its Flyerzone system which provides templates that allow SMEs to conduct graphic design online has also just launched in France this week, and will open in the UK within the next seven days.

Hardie said: “The investment being made in these new channels across the UK, France, Netherlands and Ireland coupled with the softer trading across the Company’s UK and Irish franchised channel is likely to impact on first half earnings.

“However, we anticipate that for the second half of the year all of these channels will make a positive contribution and that earnings for the second half of the year will be in line with our previous expectations.”