At its core, eSignature eliminates the burdensome process of receiving a document (a contract, non-disclosure agreement, or application, for example) in email, printing it out, signing it, scanning it back in, and returning it by email to the sender.

FORBES: With eSignature, Only Four Speeds Of Fast Forward For Your Business

This potential dispute relates to two contracts MITIE has held with the council - one covering repairs to council houses between 2006 and 2011, and a second ongoing contract over the maintenance of council-owned buildings, including schools, according to a leaked document seen by BBC political reporter Elizabeth Glinka.

BBC: Birmingham Council House