RPM Print & Design in Chichester is joined by XPS, Olivers Litho Printers, Brown Knight & Truscott, Belmont Press and McCorquodale subsidiary Fencourt Printers.

The university received expressions of interest from 130 companies before eventually drawing up a shortlist of 10.

RPM Print & Design sales and marketing director Jonathan Harry said to get on the roster was a reflection of the companys quick-turnaround approach.

The short- to medium-run digital print company, which employs 43 staff and has a turnover of 2.2m, has already produced both posters and student handbooks for the University.

Will Barker, print and reprographics manager at the University of Sussex, said the decision to opt for a seven-company framework came as part of a cost-reduction exercise. The university had previously used up to 50 suppliers.

Barker said that the seven companies had all the expertise and capabilities to meet the educational establishments print requirements.

"Work will be placed on a competitive basis, so effectively the companies are in competition with each other for our business," he said.

The contract is initially for three years with an option to extend for a further two, and the work will range from general copying and print through to the universitys prospectus and reports.

Story by Andy Scott

Picture of Jonathan Harry