Onepost underlines importance of postal review

As the closing date approaches for the Government's call for evidence from postal users, Onepost's Managing Director, Graham Cooper, warns of the importance of the review.

It has been seven years since the Government set out its vision for postal services in the UK in the July 1999 White Paper on Post Office Reform: A World Class Service for the 21st Century and took this forward in the Postal Services Act 2000.

In the past seven years there have been some significant developments, including full liberalisation on 1 January 2006, and Government believes that now is the right time to conduct a review of the postal market and assess the impact it has had and identify future trends.

The closing date for evidence to be submitted is 28 March, 2008.

Onepost, the UK's leading provider of independent postal advice and management, was formed in 2005, born out of the deregulation of the market and today has an annual turnover of GBP12million and employs over 30 staff.

Graham Cooper, Managing Director of Onepost, commented: "This is the most important review in relation to the postal service and the direct marketing industry.

"The deregulation of the UK postal market has significantly boosted the UK economy, latest reports show GBP229m and more than 3,300 jobs.

"I am certain that for our industry to continue onwards and upwards it is vital that the work of our industry regulator Postcomm continues to encourage competition.

"They have already announced changes this year to make market entry more accessible for small and medium-sized potential mail operators with a simplified licensing framework.

"Despite improved performance levels evident following liberalisation, Royal Mail and the Communication Workers Union (CWU) are not so supportive of encouraging further competition in the UK postal market.

"It should be remembered that Royal Mail deliver the 'final mile' of 99.8 per cent of mail and it is largely the distribution and logistics part of the operation currently undertaken by new entrants.

"Competition is clearly not yet full, and in turn, Royal Mail does enjoy a price advantage of not having to charge value added tax - unlike its competitors.

"We look forward to the results of the review and hope that the recommendations will continue to help the industry and benefit the customers through choice, price and quality of service".

Graham Cooper is participating in a seminar and panel debate at the IDMF on the future of the postal services on the first day of the IDMF (29 April - 1 May).

The seminar will look at what the challenges are facing mailers and mail operators in an increasingly competitive market and how technology can provide new answers to solve old problems and revitalise postal services.

ONEPOST uses a unique software to sort post and save on postage costs depending on delivery needs and timings.

In one case ONEPOST has saved a company over GBP60,000 in annual postage fees.

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