UK posties set to rival print managers

Print management companies are set to face increasing competition in the direct mail sector from postal firms.

TNT Mail is working more closely with sister mailing company Cendris to provide an end-to-end service. Cendris is rebranding as TNT Document Services in a bid to centralise the group’s activities.

Head of marketing and communications Simon Dolph said although print management activities are not a short term priority, the integration between the two businesses would continue to develop.

“It’s not on the immediate horizon,” he said. “As far as going back up the chain goes, that won’t be happening for a few years yet.”

A growing number of firms are extending their links up the supply chain from the delivery of printed items, such as direct mail, to include document management and printing services.

DHL Global Mail already provides a limited direct mail printing service, largely for conference companies, as well as personalisation, polywrapping and inserting for publishing clients such as Reed, Euromoney and Haymarket.

Marketing director Andy Barrett said there was strong growth in providing such value added services and that it would intensify when the postal service is fully deregulated in January next year.

“Traditionally it’s been a separate decision choosing a mail supplier and a printer or mailing house. In the future people will start to ask `how much can be done under one roof?’ and demand will come more and more.”