Both sides should have creatively worked at compromise and brought a joint proposal to the congregation for discussion and prayer.

The latest approach represents the first time that the pair have formally made a joint proposal.

In a statement, the channels said they had submitted a 'joint proposal' and formed a single negotiating team 'to discuss detailed plans with the parties'.

The company was established in 1997, when two multi-million pound supply chain companies put a joint proposal together to produce a complete and integrated solution.

In the following three years, eight sessions were held which resulted in a number of joint proposals.