The partnership was set up in January to drive developments and shape the future of the mailing house industry. Following a busy first quarter of activity, the partnership is pleased to reveal that 112 mailing houses have now joined the body.
Chaired by direct marketing industry stalwart and former Postwatch vice-chair Judith Donovan CBE, the new organisation reflects Royal Mail’s desire to work more closely with mailing houses and help develop products and services, drive forward modernisation and tackle issues affecting the industry.
The Strategic Mailing Partnership is steered by a board featuring 12 executives from a cross-section of mailing houses working alongside Judith Donovan CBE, as well as three Royal Mail representatives.
Next steps for the partnership include its launch conference on May 13 in London to debate the future of the industry. The conference feature speakers include Judith Donovan CBE, leading members of the mailing house industry including John Watson, Managing Partner of Watson Phillips and Norman, and Mike Colling, Managing Director of Mike Colling and Company, as well as Royal Mail’s Managing Director Mark Higson.
Judith Donovan CBE said: "Mailing houses can be considered the unsung heroes of the direct mail industry because their efforts and expertise are often overlooked. The partnership was set up to bring the views and concerns of mailing houses to the fore, and the need for a collective industry voice is clearly desired. We aim to make the spring conference the centrepiece of activity to continue to raise the profile of members."
Mailing houses handle around 90 per cent of all Royal Mail bulk mailings and use its whole spectrum of products, including Presstream, Mailsort and Walksort.
Jim Bulmer, Head of Mailing House Development at Royal Mail, said: "We are delighted with the number of members to join the partnership so far and we hope more mailing houses will sign up so that we can work collectively to shape the future of the industry."
The conference is open to members of the Strategic Mailing Partnership and mailing house representatives interested in joining should email helen.poole@royalmail.com.
