"Technology is key to our bid, but at this stage I do not have to decide on whose it will be, all I can say is it will be a partnership and it may even involve several partnerships," said BPIF chief executive Michael Johnson.

Johnson confirmed that the body had already had initial discussions with three possible technology providers, but said nothing had been agreed with Webmart or any other potential partners.

Johnson also rubbished claims that the BPIF had jointly presented its OGC bid with Webmart managing director Simon Biltcliffe.

However, he revealed that Webmart's technology had been discussed in a preliminary meeting with the OGC, but added that other providers' offerings would also feature in subsequent meetings.

"We're having lots of conversations with possible technology partners, but let's be clear, we're at the very early stages of understanding what the OGC wants," said Johnson.

"All we're trying to do at this stage is understand what our role would or could be. I don't want to be a print manager, but I certainly want to be able to help my members gain access to more government contracts in an open and transparent way," he added.

Johnson said there would be subsequent meetings with the OGC, but emphasised that the BPIF doesn't have to submit it's formal bid to be part of the OGC network until March next year.