SHARES fell in Printing.com , the Trafford Park-based business which prints leaflets, brochures, business cards and other promotional items ordered through a network of stores, after chairman George Hardie said trading had become more difficult as customers look to cut costs during the economic downturn.

However, speaking to investors at the firm's annual meeting, he said an increase in the number of Printing.com outlets meant it could mitigate the impact through special promotions.

Mr Hardie said he believed the company would make `modest advancement' this year, if current trends continue. Broker Brewin Dolphin reduced its profit forecasts by £200,000 to £2.5m. The shares slipped three per cent, or 1p, to 32.5p.