Dark Blue UK Ltd are feeling anything but blue after investing £150,000 in state-of-the-art printing equipment supported by Barclays.

The new printer represents a major investment in the company based at Trecenydd Business Park, Caerphilly, and will ensure the continuing expansion and production requirements are achieved.

The company, which provides digital print and textile print services and solutions for the corporate market, design and manufacture everything from carpet graphics, corporate flags, and banners to custom fabric furnishings. If you can print on it, Dark Blue UK Ltd can produce it.

Employing seven people and with a turnover of more than £1m after only two years of trading Dark Blue UK Ltd is an excellent example of a well managed, fast growing business.

Managing director Phil Richards, a former consultant travelling the globe promoting and developing print and design systems, decided to set up the business with former colleague Neville Poole after identifying their vast experience and sector expertise could lead to commercial success.

Mr Richards said: "The new printing equipment has allowed up to treble our capacity and compete with bigger players within the marketplace. "We have already won a new contract with Moto for £250,000 as a result of the new capacity available. We are very much a Welsh business looking to forward to a bright future. "Running your own business is very demanding and there never seems enough hours in the day but the creative freedom to try new ideas and rewards from your own endeavors make it all worth while."

Karen Thomas, Barclays relationship manager, said: "By working closely and really understanding the business, Barclays has been able to support Dark Blue UK Ltd financially and professionally throughout its development. Our prompt response for working capital and debt funding has enabled us to further develop our relationship with this well- managed and successful business."