Directors at software retailer Dream Direct are setting their sights on a profitable 2003 after a period of major growth.

In its first set of figures since floating on the alternative investment market, turnover at the Bicester-based firm rose by 96 per cent to £2.4m.

Chief executive Robert Colquhoun

The results for the six months to the end of September show the company, which specialises in the mail order market, cut its losses to £522,000 from £555,000.

During the same period, some 228,000 customers placed orders -- more than double the figure for the same period last year.

The firm is now in the middle of its busiest period, in the run-up to Christmas rush, and chief executive Robert Colquhoun, above, said the budget was already being exceeded.

He said: "While we would not be completely immune from any downturn in the economy, I'm confident Dream Direct is well positioned to move into profitability over the next year.

"Prospects for the business remain bright."

Dream Direct sells a wide range of family-focused games and entertainment software packages.

The firm claims to offer a greater choice of titles than high street stores.