Williams Lea wins central government MPS deal

Managed print services provider awarded in centralised government procurement process

Outsourcer Williams Lea has been appointed the sole managed print services provider to central government for the next four years.

Miles Toulson-Clarke, Board sponsor at Williams Lea, said the deal is especially prestigious because it is the first centrally managed contract to be let by government procurement.

"We are delighted," he said. "Government procurement was looking for an organisation with a proven record of success and the ability to deliver a transformational solution on a pan-governmental scale."

The London-based global company will work with key stakeholders such as HMRC and existing vendors to supply managed print services to all government departments. The deal is expected to save £21m and replaces 140 individual contracts with one, leading both HMRC and central government departments away from tactical print purchasing.

Dave Thomas, commercial director at HMRC, said: "HMRC has been heading in this strategic direction for the past three years, and the benefits of the contract align perfectly with the government procurement agenda."

Thomas said managed print would now be available across government six months ahead of schedule.

Williams Lea had not responded to a request for further comment at press time.