Print Solutions
The Strategic Mailing Partnership (SMP) is kicking off a year of celebration to mark its 10th birthday, recognising a decade of consultation and collaboration between mailing houses and Royal Mail.
Since its formation, the SMP has given the mailing house sector direction and support, while transforming the industry’s relationship with Royal Mail.
Under the leadership of its chair, Judith Donovan CBE, the partnership is sponsored by Royal Mail and works closely with the company’s key decision makers, to create an effective, valuable and collaborative supply chain.
Established with the initial purpose of creating ongoing dialogue between the mailing house industry and Royal Mail, the SMP also wanted to improve the quality of mail presentation and enhance its performance as a channel.
Within just two years of the launch, the partnership had a membership of more than 100 mailing houses and had hosted four roadshows and a well attended annual conference. Work on achieving its initial goals, in addition to developing members’ skills in direct mail techniques and sharing best practice, was well underway.
Membership now tops the 150 mark and the partnership has a vastly experienced yet diverse 14 strong board, who range from the CEOs of companies with a turnover of £700 million to smaller concerns employing less than a dozen people.
Judith said, ‘Ten years ago, the mailing house industry was facing a turbulent time and the relationship between businesses and the Royal Mail was strained. I am extremely proud to say that thanks to our hard work and collaboration, this relationship has been transformed.
‘The channels of communication are now well and truly open and this greatly benefits not only the mailing house community but Royal Mail and our end customers.’
Stephen Agar, managing director of Royal Mail Letters, added: ‘The SMP has provided a forum where the mailing industry can come together and express their views to the Royal Mail and be confident that they will be listened to. It is also given the Royal Mail a route into talking to the industry more inclusively, which has definitely helped to improve relationships.’
