Some suppliers tendered prices almost a month ago but are still waiting to hear if they have been successful.

Its very frustrating as we dont know what to conclude, said John Wilcock, business development director of John Blackburn in Leeds.

But Barclays spokesman George Hulbert believed that all suppliers had been told of their progress, and those that had not received a formal letter were yet to have their exit interview.

The interviews involve performance feedback, as well as the chance to create an exit strategy for incumbent suppliers, added Hulbert.

Rumours are still rife among sources that Barclays has already picked its preferred companies. These are thought to be Centurion/Communisis, Alistair McIntosh/Williams Lea, Astron, RR Donnelley and St Ives.

But, again, Barclays was adamant that a final list would not be decided until the end of the month.

Barclays invited 19 firms to take part in the review, 10 of which were from its current roster of 19 suppliers.

Story by Rachel Barnes