Some suppliers, even those whose contracts will not be renewed in August, claim they have been subject to a "gagging order". But Barclays spokesman George Hulbert said this was not the case and that all suppliers must sign a non-disclosure agreement as standard.
An industry source was sceptical about the shake-up: "They [Barclays] think they will save money, but they will never get the service from these big groups they tried it before and it failed. They have superb printers who have produced superb quality for them for years and theyre shafting them."
Barclays has also come under fire for introducing e-tendering. Following in-depth interviews, site visits and assessment days, the final stages entail quotations followed by e-tendering.
"This is a disaster," said a source. "Like watching lemmings pushing lemmings to get to the front of the cliff. The prices some printers are prepared to quote are completely unsustainable."
But Hulbert stood by Barclays remit to use "best-in-class suppliers at the best available cost". "It does mean we will be getting more from fewer, but we intend to select the most effective mix of firms, whether theyre printers or print managers," he said.
Winners and losers
- Potential winners: Alistair McIntosh/Williams Lea, Anton, Astron, Centurion/Communisis, Colin Clapp, Eclipse, Fulmar, Hobs 4 DM, John Blackburn, London Print & Design, MSC, Ormolu, Perivan, PPS (Woolwich), Premier, RR Donnelley, Spectrum Flair, St Ives and Westdale
- Losers: Arkle Print, Corners Direct, CPD Print & Design, Great
- Northern Envelopes, JCM Media, K2 Direct Mail, Linney Print,
- McCorquodale Confidential Print and Pine & Co
Story by Rachel Barnes
