RETAIL chain Printing.com has broken through the £1m barrier for monthly sales.

The group, based in Manchester, has 19 stores and 39 franchise operations across the UK, including operation in Newcastle, Bishop Auckland and York.

The company said the performance in the four weeks to December 7 continued the strong trading record seen since the end of the summer.

The £1m-plus sales compared with a figure of £770,000 a year earlier and it is the first time the company has broken through the barrier.

Chief executive Tony Rafferty said the Ofex-quoted company had benefited from renewed confidence among its business customers.

He said: "We are seeing a greater willingness among our clients to invest in things like mail shots and other promotional products.

"Despite the rapid growth in sales, it is estimated that the Printing.com volumes are under 20 per cent of those of the market leader and in the order of one per cent of the overall available market."