THE owners of a Worcester computer firm are hoping new products will finally put the company into the black.

Dolphin Computer Access Limited helps those who can't see well to use computers.

Among the new software available is a package that will download the day's national newspapers to an MP3 player or laptop.

It means blind people, for example, will be able to read their favourite newspaper while on a train. But, of course, any person could use this system and, for example, listen to the paper being read while they are driving on the motorway.

The company has also developed a range of digital talking book software, which has been a big hit within the visual impairment market. This represents about two per cent of the population.

At the moment Dolphin, which was started in 1986, makes a £50,000 loss on sales of £4m, but expects to be in profit once the new lines come on the market.

It operates on a gross margin of 80 per cent - excluding development costs - which are met primarily from the original programs such as those that magnify screen text.

Dolphin was founded by Paul Blenkhorn and Peter Diamond soon after leaving college, but is now run by Neil Duffy and Steve Palmer.

"We plough all the company's proceeds into developing our latest range of programs, and as result, have no spare cash to market the new products or to support growth," said Steve Palmer, chief executive of Dolphin.

"But 2005 has got off to a good start. Recent trials of the digital talking book software proved that it was also extremely beneficial for people with learning difficulties.

"The audio publishing products were recently shortlisted for a prestigious BETT Award 2005. These are the pinnacle awards for education suppliers in the UK.

"We also received national press coverage by being featured in the Sunday Times' business supplement."

Dolphin is also beginning to make a name for itself in the education markets, as it aims to establish itself both as a mainstream and specialist supplier of educational resources.

"By using our products schools, colleges and universities have a means to continually improve education standards for everyone. Watch this space," said Noel Duffy, Dolphin managing director.

"All in all, this looks set to be a good year."