The firms, along with Royal Mail and The Royal Bank of Scotland, have joined the Strategic Partnership programme as companies that invest heavily in the sector, said PPA commercial director Bruce Tapping.

The scheme gives them a platform to discuss key industry issues, such as environmental pressures and the power of supermarkets, in greater detail with publishers.

Representatives of the five will be involved in at least two strategic meetings a year with members of the PPA board and at least two other more informal lunch briefings. The PPA will also look to fund joint research, training or promotion through the scheme.

The Strategic Partnership programme is a step up from the PPAs Associate Member category, which was introduced in 1993 and has now grown to around 90 members. This growth had led to demand for a new level of key supplier, said the PPA, with some leading companies demanding something more.

Story by Gordon Carson