“Not all doom and gloom” at leading industry conference
Leading players and customers from the postal industry were told that “innovation is the key” to flourishing during recessionary times, at today’s Mail & Express Delivery Show (MEDS).
Leading players and customers from the postal industry were told that “innovation is the key” to flourishing during recessionary times, at the Mail & Express Delivery Show (MEDS) on 16 June.
The event – organised by Triangle Management Services – held at the Novotel London West in Hammersmith, boasted a high-profile and highly experienced list of speakers who were quick to state that despite the current economic climate there are a number of positives.
Leading the way was Angeline Foong, country product manager of eBay UK, who told delegates what posters need from mail operators at this time. She said: “It’s not all doom and gloom”, whilst citing that despite 48% of retailers reporting a decrease in sales, 31% reported an increase. She also stated that almost 2 out of 3 top sellers on eBay are currently confident in their businesses growing in the near future.
Detailing the growth in online sales – which ultimately rely on mail operators and their delivery services – Foong said that “online sales are expected to increase by 13% to £20.9bn this year”, and that retailers are shifting to the web, creating “a huge opportunity” for the posts, especially those who can offer free or discounted shipping.
In terms of what posters need during a time of recession, Foong said that “partners are needed for new ventures”, especially with B2C companies considering C2C opportunities in search of higher margins, and private sale websites on the rise. Furthermore, Foong stated that “thought leadership” is key, whilst a company’s ability to offer exceptional customer service is becoming increasingly important.
One of the main messages coming out of MEDS was that new business trends are changing the face of the postal industry and posters are willing to respond, with Foong explaining that “posters need to flex to meet these new trends”.
Foong’s viewpoint was supported by John Coghlan, CEO of DX Services, who said during his address that “innovation is key”. He continued: “The world is changing and we need to change with it. We need to innovate where we can … to fight against the decline [in letter mail volumes] and to open up new and interesting areas.”
Coghlan and Foong were among the panel, chaired by Mark Bigley, managing director of Secured Mail, who addressed the audience at the one day specialist event. The afternoon session saw presentations from Tim Brown, chief executive of Postcomm, and David Smith, managing director of Parcelforce Worldwide.
