Launched on 1 November the scheme is expected to save "a six-figure sum" on internal costs by reducing the number of print suppliers from around 200.

Eleven printers were chosen from 320 applicants to the 18-month competitive tender process. They will now be able to quote on jobs ranging from a 250,000 run of 32pp council tax leaflets to one-off runs of less than 500.

"Most companies on the list should get a fairly steady flow of work," said contract manager Glenn Thwaite.

The listed printers included: Piggott Black Bear, Belmont Press, Parrot Print and Cambridge Printing, Eclipse Colour Print, Clanpress, Soloprint and Westdale Printing Group.