All five print groups have been awarded the contracts following the results of the company's print tender process to produce titles for its consumer division.  The contracts commence next month.

Production manager Mike Lamb said all the companies had previously printed titles for Highbury, except William Gibbons, which is a new addition. The print firm will produce smaller titles including Practical Woodworking, Popular Patchwork and Popular Crafts.

Those that have lost out are St Ives, Garnett Dickinson and New Jarrold Printing but Lamb refused to be drawn on reasons why contracts were not renewed.

Lamb said the tender process had taken some nine months to complete.

Further rationalisation of its print supply had been required following the acquisitions of Cabal and Paragon in 2003.

Highbury House bought Cabal Communications and Paragon Publishing in 2003 as part of a strategy to refocus on consumer titles.

The announcement follows a strategic review and tender of all print deals with Highbury House.

The company produces in excess of 110 consumer publications, with an annual print spend in the region of 11m.

Titles in the consumer division include Health & Fitness, Front, Carbuyer and Fast Bikes.

Following the reorganisation of the company at the beginning of this year, Highbury House Communications now consists of three main consumer publishing divisions Lifestyle, Entertainment and Leisure.