Civica plc, one of the UK’s most experienced providers of consulting, software and services for the public sector, has announced that group company Comino has changed its name to Civica.

Comino, a market-leading supplier of workflow, EDRM and contact management solutions for local government, housing and pensions markets, has now been fully combined within Civica UK Ltd.

The move has created one of the largest single companies providing specialist business solutions to the public sector.

Comino Connect, the group’s dedicated communications and internet solutions provider, has also changed its name to Civica Connect.

Since the acquisition of Comino in February 2006, both Civica and Comino have benefited from the subsequent integration programme including product, staff and customer service initiatives and an enlarged customer base, which have acted as a catalyst for new business and further development.

Simon Downing, chief executive, Civica, said: “New policy initiatives, including the local government White Paper and the forthcoming Varney and Lyons reports, are set to change the local government sector significantly, providing the framework for the government’s next spending review. The exceptional breadth and depth of the combined organisation will enable Civica to support evolving customer needs and address new market opportunities.”

Civica’s programme at Teignbridge District Council illustrates the capability of the partnership. Teignbridge has implemented Comino electronic document management within its Revenues and Benefits departments, alongside Civica’s back office suite to accelerate the benefits claim process and to improve customer service for residents. The council has also introduced new call centre technology from Comino Connect including computer telephony integration (CTI) to help handle inbound telephone calls more efficiently.

David Roots, managing director, Civica, said: “As well as creating a common identity, the move reflects Civica’s development of an integrated service-oriented solutions framework. The imperative for technology is to enable effective business processes that enhance local reputations. Combining the proven services of Civica and Comino delivers a broader solution spanning front line delivery - such as contact, process and document management - as well as administration and infrastructure.

“Most importantly, however, although Civica has grown significantly, we still focus our broad capability through responsive teams dedicated to each business area, yet with access to our combined experience.”