Hull-based Henry Booth Group has held the five-year 25m contract to supply ticketing for the UKs rail network.


The Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) originally awarded the contract to Henry Booth in 1996. Despite "stiff global competition during a period of radical change within the rail industry", the firm has secured the work.


The contract will begin at the end of March and will involve the printing of magnetic-stripped and thermal tickets issued on trains and at stations.


The tickets are printed in two stages. First, magnetic oxide is applied to a master roll using a specialist press, and the tickets are then printed in four colours using Nilpeter and Comco presses.


With advertising on the reverse of the ticket, the firm will print four colours on the front and the back. Printing will take place at its site in Hull, which employs 250 people.


Although the tickets for the rail network do not currently use holograms, Henry Booth is able to produce them. "Holograms on the UKs rail network could happen any time," said Henry Booth director Mike Shanley.


In two months time, the firm will also supply smartcards for the Manchester bus service for use by senior citizens. Henry Booth also hopes to get involved in the Prestige product, an integrated transport smartcard in the London area, starting next year.


Over the next five years Henry Booth will also be developing the production of radio frequency cards.


Henry Booth was part of the 28.5m Bemrose MBO from the former Bemrose Corporation last year.


Story by Jeremy Allen