North East Continuous (NEC) has achieved APACS accreditation at the first attempt and hopes to increase its turnover by 25% this year.

NEC believes it is one of only a few UK companies to use red UV ink as a security feature, with most companies using either yellow or blue.

The trade-only business forms manufacturer, based in County Durham, has also expanded its equipment, acquiring an image qualifier and new film processor in the past few weeks.

Managing director Andrew Fenwick said: "It was always the intention to move into the cheque printing market.

"We dont believe in borrowing money to invest in kit, so every piece has been paid for as weve had the money."

NEC is offering the cheque printing service to its trade customers, but hopes to expand the offering to a wider audience.

The company is also looking to expand its staffing as the business grows.

Fenwick started the family-run business, which employs four staff, in 1995. Last year it recorded a turnover of 325,000.

Story by Andy Scott