REDHILL, England, February 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Procurement software supplier Office Canopy Group (OCG) has just announced a new partnership with HW Expense Control (HWEC), the cost reduction consultancy division of Haines Watts Chartered Accountants, to help businesses reduce the cost of buying a wide range of commodity products and services, such as stationery, print and utilities.

Controlling overhead costs is a key consideration for companies looking to improve profitability in a difficult economic climate. The partnership between OCG and HW Expense Control is designed to provide HWEC customers with a straightforward solution to this challenging cost-management issue.

OCG provides a web-based procurement portal that enables staff in large enterprises to avoid wasting time and money buying commodity goods they don't need or at inflated prices. HW Expense Control has integrated OCG's procurement software into its consultancy strategy to ensure its clients have the right technology in place to help them implement best practice advice.

"One of the benefits to our clients of using the OCG software is that we can ensure they are getting the best deals on overhead goods and services all year round", says John Linnard, Head of Client Relations at HW Expense Control. "The functionality of the OCG technology means that deals with suppliers can constantly be compared throughout the year to ensure they remain the most competitive in a fluctuating market."

Doug McLean, CEO of OCG, adds, "Businesses can often be wary of changing their approach, even when it means saving them money. By offering our platform in combination with advice from HWEC, we have created a user-friendly solution that can be integrated into the daily routine of companies with very little hassle."

Notes to Editors

About OCG

OCG helps businesses to avoid wasting time and money buying commodity goods that they don't need or at inflated prices. Its software gives the finance and procurement function visibility of all transactions, such as purchases of office supplies, print and travel.

The web-based procurement portal enables staff in large companies with a number of nationwide offices to order standard items for every location at the lowest possible price. This helps overcome problems such as inconsistent pricing when employees lack professional negotiating skills and also prevents unauthorised spend by staff.

OCG was recognised as a Sunday Times Microsoft Tech Track 100 company in 2007. For further information, please visit http://www.ocgplc.com/ or contact ocg@berkeleypr.co.uk.

About HW Expense Control.

HW Expense Control (HWEC) is the costs reduction consultancy division of Haines Watts Chartered Accountants. HWEC is dedicated to reducing the overhead costs of HW's clients by means of an extensive knowledge and understanding of supply markets across a wide range of goods and services.

For further information, please visit:

http://www.hwec.co.uk

http://www.berkeleypr.co.uk

For further information, please contact: Jo Skeels-Piggins/ Paul Stallard/ Emma Sinclair, Berkeley PR, T:+44(0)118-988-2992, E: ocg@berkeleypr.co.uk