Mail Boxes Etc enters in ‘Post Office’ venture

The franchise is offering sub-postmasters and independent retailers an opportunity to provide alternative postal services under a new franchised concession

The proposal could create postal services in areas where they did not exist previously and would also enable sub-postmasters facing closure to stay in business.

The new franchise offers a proven business solution that mirrors the existing Mail Boxes Etc (MBE) model. Outlets in former post offices and convenience stores will handle post and parcels and also offer a wide range of other services currently offered by the Post Office network, including foreign currency exchange, bill payment services and money transactions.

Total investment is around £25,000, which includes full training and marketing support.

“We see this as a real opportunity for both sub-postmasters and convenience store owners to provide vital services to their local communities,” says Chris Gillam, managing director of MBE UK.

“In many areas across the nation, post offices combined with shops are the hub of the community – a local post office is much more than a place for people to buy a stamp. We believe that our model will be well received. As full members of the British Franchise Association, we have the necessary credentials to demonstrate our commitment to ethical franchising. We have a long track record of successfully franchising in the UK, with considerable practical experience, expertise and knowledge of the sector.”

MBE’s new developments in this area will be spearheaded by Gary Coyle, a rural postmaster for the last 20 years. He is the founder of Postmasternet Ltd, a company that successfully courted big business to introduce new income streams for ailing post offices.

Says Coyle: “I have worked very closely for some months with MBE to develop a franchised concession model that will provide shop owners and sub-postmasters with a viable alternative post office solution to offer their customers.

“We are confident that our proposition will appeal to sub-postmasters, especially those who want to stay in their own area and are entrepreneurial. There are limitless opportunities, particularly in places with large numbers of small businesses and people working from home.”