Author: Archive

Don’t Let Credit Card Charges Spoil Festive Celebrations Abroad

Posted by | Dec 13, 2007 | |

At least 2.4 million people are planning to spend Christmas and New Year’s Eve abroad, according to research by Post Office. But those heading overseas are being warned not to end up with a financial hangover by getting caught out by hidden fees on their credit card.

The rise in cheap flights and the depressing British weather means that many people are planning to spend their Christmas holidays in another country. Just under a fifth of those heading abroad during the Christmas and New Year period (17 per cent) are planning to visit Spain, 6 per cent are planning to visit France and 5 per cent Italy

Around one in ten (8 per cent) plan to travel further afield to the US, with many likely to take advantage of the weak dollar. However, those planning to use their credit card abroad could be in for a big shock because of hidden charges.

The majority of credit cards charge a typical 2.75 per cent for each transaction made overseas. However, Post Office® credit card customers can use their card worldwide without incurring any commission charges.

The Post Office® is therefore urging consumers to check with their bank or credit card provider whether they will be paying a fee to shop overseas before they go.

Post Office® director of lending Gary Fitton said: “For many people, going abroad for Christmas is a great way to relax and not have to worry about cooking Christmas dinner. However, with 49 per cent of UK holidaymakers planning to use their credit card when shopping abroad many people could be returning from their Christmas break with a lot more than just ‘memories and mementoes’ due to hidden card charges.”

As well as no commission charges, the Post Office® credit card also has zero per cent on balance transfers for the first 10 months and zero per cent on purchases for the first three months. In addition it offers zero per cent again on new balance transfers made during the month of the cardholder’s first and second anniversary.

Read More

Christian Salvesen: Court order approving scheme of arrangement for recommended offer

Posted by | Dec 13, 2007 | |

Christian Salvesen PLC (“Christian Salvesen”) announces that, at a hearing today in the Court of Session, the Court granted an order sanctioning the scheme of arrangement under section 425 of the Companies Act 1985 to effect the recommended acquisition by Groupe Norbert Dentressangle S.A. of the entire issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of Christian Salvesen (the “Scheme”) on the terms set out in a circular despatched by Christian Salvesen to its shareholders on 15 October 2007 (the “Scheme Document”). A copy of the court order will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies today.

Christian Salvesen will apply to the United Kingdom Listing Authority for the suspension of the listing of its ordinary shares on the Official List and to the London Stock Exchange for the suspension of the trading of its ordinary shares on the London Stock Exchange’s market for listed securities, in each case with effect from the close of business on 13 December 2007.

Completion of the Transaction remains subject to confirmation by the Court of the reduction of capital which forms part of the Scheme and the registration of the Court order by the Registrar of Companies. This is expected to be received on 14 December 2007, whereupon the Scheme will become effective.

Capitalised terms used and not otherwise defined in this announcement have the meanings ascribed to them in the Scheme Document.

Read More

John Mullen, CEO DHL Express, Excel Award for Communication Leadership

Posted by | Dec 13, 2007 | |

The winner of the 2008 IABC Europe/Middle East Excel Award for Communication Leadership is John Mullen, CEO and Board Member, DHL Express.

John has clearly made a remarkable impact on the success of his organization through his commitment to communication; has shown examples of communication at its best both internally and externally, speaking honestly in the face of problems and using the personal touch with colleagues; and has clearly put communication at the heart of his leadership style, devoting time, energy and enthusiasm to dealing openly, directly and credibly and with his many different stakeholders.

John Mullen will be presented with his award at the IABC’s Eurocomm conference in Barcelona on 4th-5th February 2008, where he will present the keynote address.

Previous Excel Award winners have been: David Radcliffe, CEO of Hogg Robinson (2004); John O’Neill, CEO of AXA Ireland (2005); and John Leggate, CIO of BP (2006).

Read More

TNT Express Targets Emerging Markets

Posted by | Dec 13, 2007 | |

TNT Express aims to grow into the market leader in emerging markets such as China, India and South America, and maintain its strong position in Europe, according to managing director Marie-Christine Lombard.

The express company will continue to invest in the integration and upgrading of recently-acquired companies in China and India, and consider acquisitions in South America to strengthen its business there, she said in a presentation at the company’s Analyst Day in London last week. In South America, Brazilian subsidiary Mercurio would be used as a launching platform for an integrated strategy, with a regional road network and strong intercontinental Europe-South America traffic flows.

TNT Express will also launch a new Liege-Singapore-Shanghai eastbound routing for its B747 China-Europe freighter service in the second quarter of next year, she disclosed. This would improve the eastbound capacity utilisation, which currently lies at just 39pct , and create new opportunities from South-East Asia and China. The westbound Shanghai-Liege route has a 92pct capacity utilisation. On the financial targets for TNT Express, Lombard said that the company is aiming for organic average annual revenue growth of 8pct -10pct and a return on sales of 12pct-13pct for its international and domestic business by 2012.

The emerging platforms (emerging markets) should generate average annual growth of 15pct – 20pct and a mid-single-digit profit margin by 2012. On the group’s European parcels strategy, TNT Post managing director Harry Koestra told analysts that a focused “country by country” approach would be required since market entry was not easy. TNT Post currently has parcels revenues of some EUR 400 million and a 9pct profit margin.

Read More

Correos to double export parcel volumes in December (Spain)

Posted by | Dec 13, 2007 | |

Correos is expecting to double its export parcel volumes to 165,000 shipments during the Christmas period in December after a 65 pct increase in November.

The increase in exported parcels is mainly due to a 23 pct rise in parcels shipped by immigrants living in Spain to their homes in Latin America. The destinations with a major increase are Bolivia (+80 pct), Argentina (+38 pct) and Brazil (+30 pct).

In November, the number of import parcels sent to Spain for distribution within the country increased by 25 pct to 180,000 parcels compared to the same period last year. For December, it is assumed that more than 220,000 parcels will be distributed in Spain, coming to a major extent from the EU countries, especially France and Germany.

All types of parcel products are growing, Correos pointed out. Deferred and guaranteed delivery parcels are up by 15 pct while express shipments increased by 11.35 pct.

According to the latest figures from the Kahala Group of international postal operators, which includes Correos, more than half of the express parcels and 75 pct of postal shipments worldwide are handled by Kahala members. In Spain, there was a 45 pct increase in shipments from Asian countries in November compared to the same month last year.

Read More

Decisions on the Future of Post Offices in East Yorkshire, Bassetlaw and North Lincolnshire Are Announced

Posted by | Dec 13, 2007 | |

Post Office Ltd announced decisions on the future of Post Office branches across East Yorkshire, Bassetlaw and North Lincolnshire, following a six-week public consultation which ended on 12 November.

Post Office services will be provided through a network of 336 branches, including 24 outreach service points, which supports the national accessibility criteria introduced by the Government and ensures that 99 pct of this area’s population will either see no change to their existing branch or will remain within one mile (by road distance) of an alternative branch.

The announcement today means that 42 branches will close in East Yorkshire, Bassetlaw and North Lincolnshire, with the first closures scheduled to take place in late January 2008. These branches were detailed in the Area Plan proposal published on 2 October 2007.

The replacement of 24 branches by outreach solutions was also confirmed in principle today subject to final agreement with Postwatch. Post Office Ltd is now working on finalising the details of the specific solution that replaces each branch, and this information will be published shortly. The outreach solutions could include a mobile service visiting small communities at set times, a hosted service operated within third party premises for restricted hours each week, or a partner service within the premises of a local partner.

Three branches originally proposed for closure – Bailgate in Lincoln, Brackenborough Road in Louth and New Hexthorpe in Doncaster – will now remain open following a review of the issues raised during consultation and of factors relating to geography, the availability of local transport and access to alternative branches, local demographics and the impact on local economies.

Read More

Decisions on East Essex and Suffolk Post Office® Branches Announced

Posted by | Dec 13, 2007 | |

Post Office Ltd today announced decisions on the future of Post Office® branches across East Essex and Suffolk area following a six week public consultation ending on 19 November. Post Office® services will be provided through a network of 357 branches, which supports the national accessibility criteria introduced by the Government and ensures that 99 pct of the county’s population will either see no change to their existing branch or will remain within one mile (by road distance) of an alternative branch.

The plan confirmed today means that 47 branches will close in East Essex and Suffolk with the first closures scheduled to take place in January 2008. These branches were detailed in the Area Plan proposal published on 9 October 2007.

The replacement of 17 branches by outreach solutions was also confirmed in principle today subject to final agreement with Postwatch. Post Office Ltd is now working on finalising the details of the specific solution that replaces each branch, this information will be published shortly. The outreach solutions could include a mobile service visiting small communities at set times, a hosted service operated within third party premises for restricted hours each week, or a partner service within the premises of a local partner .

Three branches originally proposed for closure – Fore Street, Honeycroft Lawford and Warley Road (Hill) – will now remain open following a review of the issues raised during consultation. One of the proposed closures, Cretingham branch, will now be considered as a proposal for an outreach solution.

Read More

Click to buy

Posted by | Dec 13, 2007 | |

AMERICA’S spendthrift consumers have long been a driver of global economic growth, merrily emptying their wallets and purses on the back of rising house prices and cheap money. So, many nervous eyes have been watching how consumers would react to falling house prices and the squeeze on credit. Happily for retailers and the wider economy, and despite lower consumer confidence, Americans are spending more than ever—online, at least. Since the beginning of November online spending is up by 18% compared with 2006, according to comScore, an internet-information provider. And on Thursday December 6th shoppers rang up USD 803m, the biggest online spending day yet, contributing to record weekly sales of USD 4.6 billion.

Read More

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

P&P Poll

Loading

What's the future of the postal USO?

Thank you for voting
You have already voted on this poll!
Please select an option!



View ResultsHide Results

Post & Parcel Magazine


Post & Parcel Magazine is our print publication, released 3 times a year. Packed with original content and thought-provoking features, Post & Parcel Magazine is a must-read for those who want the inside track on the industry.

Subscribe to the Magazine

 

Pin It on Pinterest