Production director Leigh Wilbraham said many companies have cut back on marketing their business at a time when they should be doubling their efforts.

Wilbraham said: "There is no doubt the recession is beginning to bite in some areas and some companies are responding by cutting back on their print and marketing budgets and retreating into their shells.

"We have decided to give 500 high-quality business cards to any business with a Stoke-on-Trent (ST) post code that finds time to review their printing needs with Nuprint."

Wilbraham set up a business network group called the Newcastle Gateway earlier this year, which puts him in regular contact with many companies in the area.

He said: "We have moved our business forward by building up a solid base of local clients and it would be great if we could help others to bring in new leads."

The company has eight staff and is also looking at moving into the five-colour sector.