According to Communsis, the contract will run for two years and is a significant addition to its public sector client base, which includes the Department for Work and Pensions and a number of other NHS trusts.

Communisis business development director Trevor Weldon said that the e-pro and IQ software systems, which enabled suppliers to provide on-the-spot quotes, were a significant factor in winning the deal.

Weldon said: "This will provide us with the scope to encourage cost, time and process efficiencies for our clients through the implementation of our innovative procurement process."

The contract requires that Communisis manage the entire print requirements for the NHS Trusts in Southampton and Winchester.