PalletFORCE’s commitment to continuous improvement in quality has been underlined by a major investment in a state-of-the-art IT system, providing comprehensive real-time ‘track and trace’ for all of the Network’s Depots and their customers.
Read MorePalletFORCE’s commitment to continuous improvement in quality has been underlined by a major investment in a state-of-the-art IT system, providing comprehensive real-time ‘track and trace’ for all of the Network’s Depots and their customers. The installation, designed by logistics specialist Trans-aXion, registers every pallet with a unique identification, which is used to trace deliveries throughout the distribution process. A dedicated section of Trans-aXion’s web-site allows customers to chart the progress of pallets in real-time from dispatch to delivery, the latter confirmed by electronic signature capture.
Read MoreSince the Interim Announcement of 14 November 2005, the Board’s expectations of margin improvements in the Group’s Parcel Services business, resulting from improved selling prices and lower costs, have not been achieved. On 5 December 2005, Guy Buswell was appointed Chief Executive. He has made a number of significant changes to the management team designed to simplify and streamline the management of the Group’s activities and provide greater focus to those areas requiring margin improvement. A strategic root and branch approach is now being adopted to the development of the business focusing on customer mix, service and cost control. As part of his assessment of the business as its new Chief Executive, Guy has concluded a review of the franchise network and identified that further one-off investment of GBP1.5m is required in order to secure its long term future. Accordingly, it is anticipated that the additional costs relating to the franchise network will be around GBP4.5m in the current financial year. Consequently, the Board now expects profit before tax and exceptional items for the year to 31 March 2006 to be approximately GBP9m.
Read MoreAn Post has submitted the name of a preferred partner for its planned financial services joint-venture to the department of communications. It hopes to have approval and sign-off for the new business before Donal Curtin, the chief executive, leaves the company this July. GE Money, the giant US services group, is regarded by industry insiders as the lead candidate for the venture. But the identity of the preferred partner is being closely guarded. A total of four banks submitted proposals for the joint venture late last year. It is understood that Allied Irish Banks was also on the shortlist. A spokesperson for An Post said the company would not comment on the process as it was still going on. It is believed, however, that departmental approval will trigger talks on the finalisation of a deal.
Read MoreRoyal Mail is to take on 118 118 and BT this week with the launch of a rival directory-enquiries service. The launch could lead to a price war, with Royal Mail undercutting its rivals with a 40p flat charge for up to two enquiries. The move is the latest attempt by Allan Leighton, chairman of Royal Mail, to generate new sources of income for the indebted business. The entry of Royal Mail into the Pounds 160m directory-enquiries market will be a blow for 118 118, The Number, which is reported to be working on plans to float this year. Royal Mail’s service -11 88 55 – will be run by the Post Office, a division of Royal Mail. Simon Carter, head of Post Office Home Phone, hopes to cash in on consumer dissatisfaction with current directory-enquiries services.
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