Bezier Corporate Print, Maidstone-based Impact, Portobello Press in London, and Newbury-based 5 Core set up a consortium to beat off a print management company in a competitive tender.

Each firm had won a 12-month contract just over a year ago after Honda cut its print supply base from 50 companies to four. When that deal finished, Honda looked at the other options it had available, and the printers decided to team up.

The consortium has secured a two-year deal worth 2.8m a year. They have recruited a print executive who will be an employee of Honda Trading. She will allocate work according to product type and capacity.

"The print executive will not have an allegiance," said Gary Knights, managing director of Poole-based Bezier (pictured). "That means we can go to other large corporates and offer this as a unique service."

The contract also allows Honda to go out into the market and benchmark the consortiums prices against other printers.

Honda Tradings Rob Bakewell said the firm hoped to benefit from cost savings, consistent images and improved print quality.

He also said it removed the barriers that print management companies often put in place, as well as allowing its print partners to invest for the future. "Printers are beaten down by print management companies and quality can often be compromised," he added.

An online print management system has been developed by 5 Core to allow Honda staff to check work in progress and improve workflow. It will also offer electronic invoicing and digital asset management.

Story by Gordon Carson