The University of Newcastle Upon Tyne and Gateshead Council have begun the process of awarding the contracts. The University has just started its search with an initial deadline of 20 September for interested parties, while Gateshead Council is in the final stages.

The contract for the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne covers leaflets and brochures. The contract is worth in the region of 500,000.

"We are not necessarily looking for firms that are based within 50 miles of Newcastle but companies that can offer 24-hour proofing services," said University of Newcastle Upon Tyne procurement officer David Anderson. "We are also trying to be as inclusive as possible and take on smaller suppliers as well as larger printers."

Anderson anticipates huge amounts of interest and interested parties have until 27 September to complete "pre-qualifying" documents. A decision on the successful printers who have made the roster is expected to be made before Christmas and the contract will start from February next year.

Meanwhile, Gateshead Council is in the final process of finding a printer to produce its full colour magazine for residents.

The council's cabinet is currently deciding on who to award the one-year contract to and a final decision is expected by the end of this month. The contract will take effect from January 2005.

"The full-colour publication goes to all residents and 130,000 issues are distributed to homes and businesses," said a Gateshead Council spokeswoman.

The publication comes out between seven and nine times per year depending on elections.

Story by Philip Chadwick