Communisis said the contract, which it has been awarded in partnership with the outsourced fulfilment provider Prolog, was evidence of its growing presence in the public sector.

Communisis chief executive Steve Vaughan said: "Our ability to deliver communication solutions beyond print was recognised as a key differentiator in winning the DCSF contract.

"We hope that this will be the start of a mutually fruitful partnership with Prolog as we work to win further contracts in the public sector."

The new contract, which includes digital asset management and online print procurement, will cut up to 20% a year from DCSF production costs.

The news sent Communisis shares soaring, up more than a fifth on the London Stock Exchange to 30.5p at the time of writing.

Prolog managing director Robert Audley said: "Communisis is one of Europe's leading multi-channel communications providers and our partnership brings together innovation in end-to-end publications production with advanced delivery and supply chain solutions."

Existing DCSF print suppliers are being encouraged to seek accreditation under the Communisis sourcing model to allow them to continue to produce some of its work.

Meanwhile, Communisis has been awarded the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' (DEFRA) Sustainability Award for helping it to achieve its government sustainability targets.

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Communisis cross-selling helps it to 60% pre-tax profit