Travis Perkins is to supply LAS contractors with construction materials nationwide. LAS Claims Management provides building repairs in the UK insurance market. The firm believes the deal should see insurers and claimants guaranteed of the quality, and ethical sourcing, of materials used in repairs, as well as allowing LAS to bulk-buy supplies to be used by its contractors.

LAS chief executive Darren Cooper, said: "Margins for contractors are also extremely tight in the current economic climate, so we are happy to put our buying power at their disposal, and benefit our insurers too."

Mr Cooper added that the arrangements should also aid repairs during claims surges, with the claims firm gained boosted purchasing power, while insurers will be able to track what contractors are buying, and at what price.

LAS is currently in talks with a number of material suppliers to sign similar arrangements, expanding the deals beyond Travis Perkins. It also has a deal with Floors2go.

John Hall, general manager of Floors2go's insurance claims renewal division, said: "I welcome this innovative initiative from LAS. In supporting their contractors, and providing an improved service to clients, I expect this buying concept to become popular in this sector and anticipate potential savings too."