The Strategic Mailing Partnership (SMP) has welcomed the recent agreement over USO reforms and reaffirmed its commitment to work closely with Royal Mail to restore confidence in the postal service.
Following the agreed roll-out of the Universal Service Obligation (USO) changes, reached on 16 April between Royal Mail and the Communication Workers Union (CWU), the SMP has set out its intention to work collaboratively with the postal operator to improve service performance and support the long-term sustainability of the UK mail market.
“Representing a significant proportion of UK mail volumes, SMP members are closely aligned with the long-term success of the channel and recognise the scale of the operational and structural challenges facing Royal Mail,” said SMP chair Lucy Swanston.
She highlighted: “These include declining letter volumes, increasing delivery complexity, and the need to adapt the Universal Service to remain financially sustainable.”
The organisation highlighted further pressures facing the market including increased costs, disruption to campaign effectiveness and concerns around predictability and confidence in delivery performance.
The Royal Mail Improvement Plan will see the phased rollout of a new delivery model from May, which aims to deliver improvements in quality of service.
Royal Mail has also committed to investing £500m over the next five years to boost standards and improve the service.
Swanston said the plan and framework of action represent “important and necessary” steps towards a strengthened Universal Service.
Going forward, the SMP stressed the importance of maintaining open and consistent dialogue with Royal Mail as the plan is implemented and the changes rolled out.
The professional body, which represents the interests of UK printers and mailing houses and is supported by Royal Mail, said it would continue to engage closely with its members and Royal Mail to make sure the voice of the industry is reflected in any developments.
“It is vital that the industry has clear visibility of performance at a more granular level, alongside proactive communication around what customers can expect during this transition. This will enable businesses to plan effectively, advise clients with confidence, and continue to invest in the channel,” said Swanston.
“The SMP stands ready to support Royal Mail and its members in this process – not only in representing the experience of the market, but in actively contributing to the evolution of a more reliable, efficient and sustainable postal service for the UK.”