The deal, which was formalised in May, will initially see Haybrooke’s PDQ Print Hub print buying platform rolled out to the global franchise operator’s central procurement division in Guernsey, to support its print operations in the UK, Republic of Ireland, and Spain.

John Roche, chief executive of Leicester-based Haybrooke, said: “We introduced greater flexibility for customers by offering our print buying platform ‘as a service’ [PaaS] just over a year ago now.

“Ever since, we have become increasingly recognised for our access to the national printing supply chain and our ability to provide live pricing from the greater part of the printing marketplace. Both have proved to be a big draw for new customers.

“When Specsavers approached us late last year to discuss its requirements, the conversation began to circle around these two benefits. This helped us to get a deeper understanding of its print buying processes and where we might help. It also prompted some ‘blue-sky’ thinking, some of which may be implemented in the future.

“Ultimately, we were able to demonstrate that PDQ could deliver on Specsavers’ initial business objectives and we reached an agreement to deploy our system as its core print buying platform. We are proud and excited to become such an important cog in its sustainability and print procurement evolution.”

Specsavers head of print production group procurement Adam Judge said the business also has plans to integrate PDQ into some of its other key areas: “We believe PDQ is unique in the marketplace. Its access to the national print supply chain is unrivalled and its benefits as a live pricing generator are well known.

“What is not so well known is just what a powerful procurement platform it is. The initial purpose for Haybrooke’s print buying platform at Specsavers is to streamline the way print is sourced centrally, and iron out bottlenecks in the process. Later, we hope to explore new methodologies for the supply of print to our high street partners.”

Haybrooke’s PaaS was highly commended in last November’s Boss industry awards for Best Service Provider. It was the winner of LeicestershireLive’s Innovation in Business Improvement award in February and has recently been shortlisted for an award in the Stationers’ Innovation Awards, taking place in November.