Introduction
I’m delighted to be here to set out the Government’s position on what we consider to be the key issues facing a fully competitive postal market: both here in the UK, and in Europe.
My thanks to Triangle, and to the host sponsors of the Mail Show: DHL Global Mail, Royal Mail, TNT Mail, and Oce for giving us this important opportunity to consider the forces which will shape the postal sector as we look forward over the next few years.
Read MoreA line-up of speakers covering the whole spectrum of the mail industry in the UK addressed delegates on Day One of The Mail Show 2006 in London yesterday (31 October). Focusing on the newly-liberalised mail sector in the UK, directors from Royal Mail, Postcomm, DHL Global Mail and UK Mail demonstrated, each from their own points of view, the pros and cons of the first ten months of open competition. The BBC’s Declan Curry conducted a debate with three leaders of customer representative bodies, particularly discussing the need for real innovation driven by Royal Mail and its competitors. Other topics debated on the first day of The Mail Show included demands for further deregulation, lessons to be learned from Europe and different theories on stimulating direct mail growth. In his wide-ranging speech, Jim Fitzpatrick MP, the Postal Services Minister, stressed the importance of balanced regulation with all stakeholders participating with Postcomm to maximise the opportunities which lay ahead.
Read MoreWincanton takes over Lane Group
Read MoreA packed audience of 300 postal industry leaders was on hand at the annual Gala Dinner on Tuesday evening (31 October) to see the 2006 UK Mail Awards presented. London-based direct marketing specialists WDMP Communications walked away with three awards, including those for both the best Domestic and International Marketing Campaigns of the Year for Carphone Warehouse and Chelsea FC respectively. Other winners on the night included Marketscan (Database Management), Neopost (Technology) and UK Mail, who were named best Downstream Access Supplier. Royal Mail’s Tonbridge Mail Centre was Mail Centre of the Year, while Royal Mail themselves went away with the Innovation award.
Read MoreCompetition in the postal market is showing “great promise” as businesses benefit from lower mail prices and a better service, the industry regulator said today.
Postcomm said its latest Business Customer Survey showed a competitive market had delivered early benefits, although more progress was still needed.
One fifth of the 1,213 firms quizzed said mail prices had reduced significantly, while 34% thought the quality of Royal Mail’s service had improved and 38% believed the choice of operator had improved.
Sarah Chambers, chief executive at Postcomm, said: “The results of the survey show there is great promise for the further development of competition in the UK mail market, but it is clear there is much still to be done.
“Although Royal Mail remains by far the largest operator in the market, competition has encouraged it to raise its game, especially on quality of service.”
Postcomm said twice as many businesses had switched to major competitors such as TNT, DX and DHL than in the previous year.
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