This contract, worth £322,000, relates to consultancy services, which will be carried out in FY2008, to assist in the scoping and analysis of requirements for the second half of a major new project being undertaken by the Bank.

Focus is already developing a multi-channel sales support system to support HSBC's multi-tie distribution channel for life, pensions and investment products. This scoping exercise will extend the Point of Sale solution to include the IFA sales process, commercial planning and offline working.

Helen Roberts, Business Programme Manager, HSBC Bank plc commented: "Focus' experience in delivering successful sales process technology and clear approach gives us the confidence to invest further in delivering the next stage of this complex program. This is a major project for the bank and we required a partner that we could trust, would deliver on time and provide us with the right tools for the job."

Richard Stevenson, Chief Executive, Focus Solutions Group plc added: "The Bancassurance market is a growing sector for Focus. This new contract for consulting services with an existing client demonstrates HSBC's commitment to our partnership. The ability of our solutions to add significant business value to them through being deployed in a number of different channels.

"Our proven technology is providing large blue chip organisations with a flexible, cost effective sales process that improves the customer experience and benefits the bank and its advisers. The contract underpins our expectations for the current year."