One source wasnt surprised by the outcome, as Barclays had said it didnt want to put work worth more than around 15% of turnover with any one firm.

Why put these major Print management companies against smaller printers? Were small fry in comparison. Its such a big contract its difficult to give it to a printer, unless it was to share it among nine or so, he said.

In July, Barclays initiated the six-stage cost-saving review (PrintWeek, 26 July), which involved in-depth interviews, assessment days, then quotations followed by e-tendering.

Barclays spokesman George Hulbert said the firm had opted for the three large suppliers because they not only showed they could do a good job, but they had also bought into the idea of working as a partnership. They proved they could work well with us, as well as each other.

One printer involved in the review said: I see this as an opportunity rather than a loss as we have worked with Centurion in the past, so could benefit from the contract anyway. But as we werent an existing Barclays supplier, its not really a major blow for us.

Individual terms are currently being negotiated with existing suppliers to bring their contracts to a mutually convenient end.

When the review was announced it faced criticism from existing suppliers, some of which had worked with Barclays for more than 20 years but had not been invited to take part. Of 19 incumbent printers, Barclays only asked 10 to join the review, but invited another nine new suppliers.

Hulbert said it was too early to say exactly how the print budget would be spread between the three companies.

Communisis contract will be managed by c-store, its document management system. It will interface with Barclays existing web-based print systems to manage the banks end-to-end campaigns.

Communisis chief executive David Jones hoped the deal would bring a significant increase in sales.

Communisis also has dedicated direct mail production plants in the shape of Chorleys and Broadprint.

As PrintWeek went to press Ormolu Group chairman Bob Hodgson was unavailable for comment, as were any members of the Alistair McIntosh/Williams Lea senior management team.

Story by Rachel Barnes