MEDS 2010: Optimism at the Mail & Express Delivery Show

There was an air of optimism at Mail & Express Delivery Show (MEDS) today, as industry leaders addressed key market challenges at the Novotel London West. Chief executive of Triangle Management Services, Neil Jackson, opened the Show by stating that MEDS offered the perfect opportunity to share ideas and thoughts into the future of the industry, as companies worldwide begin to notice the green shoots of economic recovery.

Delegates from the world of mail and express had the choice of two tracks to listen to in the morning, with both sessions providing a unique insight into the current markets. ‘The Morning after for Mail’ session saw DX’s John Coghlan discuss ambitions for the sector whilst hampered with declining mail volumes. Antony Miller from Royal Mail looked into who now has the appetite for mail, whilst James Campbell-Clause addressed the integration of direct and digital mail. The session was concluded by Steve Hannon, from the PLCWW, speaking about a new business model for final mile deliveries. Summing up the first mail session, it is clearly evident that the mail industry had been hit hard by the global downturn, but with the economy now picking up, mail operators can look forward with optimism as they shape their business plans for a brighter future.

Running parallel was the session entitled ‘A New Dawn for Express’. With Don Arnold in the chair, Snow Valley’s Carlo Rimini, highlighted the fact that the sector has developed and evolved, with product features and benefits that were aspirational five years ago now regarded as the norm. His presentation also set the ‘Carrier Nirvana’ as he specified the current ‘perfect model’ for an e-tailer’s delivery offering, including a range of premium options. After this positive start, Walter Blackwood introduced some hard business realism to the proceedings as he outlined the threats to and weaknesses of the sector, including a surfeit of capacity and a lack of differentiation. He balanced his appraisal with reinforcement of the industry’s competence, overall efficiency and increasing innovation.

The volcanic ash that caused countless disruptions throughout the mail and express industry over the past week had little impact upon delegate numbers, with the conference sessions nearing full capacity. Furthermore, the exhibition area was bustling throughout the lunch interval as executives took full advantage of the opportunity to network.

This afternoon’s sessions addressed home delivery services, distribution logistics, retailer distribution, direct marketing and regulation. A particular highlight came in the form of a lively debate on what can we do to get the mail industry moving again. Dave Broadway, of CFH Total Document Management, claimed that direct mail will come back, and that in time people will learn that direct mail is one of the few ways to win business. When on the topic of Royal Mail, the panel was asked what attributes the new chief executive will need to take the company forward. The DMA’s Alex Walsh said that the company needs someone with the ability to pick a top team, with an ambition to drive through change. Leon Deakin of Virgin Media said that a leader is needed who understands technology, whilst having the ability to deliver on all fronts.

Commenting on the day, Neil Jackson said: “I was delighted to see so many of our speakers deliver their presentations with optimism. The green shoots of economic recovery are present across the industry and this was reflected throughout the day.”

Speaking to Post&Parcel, Don Arnold, former group operations director of DHL Express UK & Ireland, and now an independent consultant, said: “I think MEDS is a great opportunity for mailers, retailers and carriers to come together to discuss current challenges. It’s a good platform to network in a formal and informal environment, and the event is always worth attending.”