Post Office
Counting on us
Although we purchased a building previously operating as a Post Office & Shop, the license to operate post office services left with the previous owners.
Given that many people in rural areas (including the CFCS community) use their post office as a vital source of banking and personal administration needs, we set off to find a solution.
Through consultation with the company that runs post offices in the UK (Post Office Ltd) we arranged for the Postmaster from a neighbouring village to visit CFCS twice a week, for 2 hours on pre-agreed days (Monday & Wednesday).
This regular service meant our customers could count on us to deliver their post office services and created another reason to regularly visit the shop.
UK Post Offices – the Rise and Fall...
It has been well documented in recent years that there has been a lot of change in the Post Office Limited network.
As more and more traditional counter services become available online, the network has undergone a lot of change in a bid to define its place in the community.
In addition, according to research by consumer groups, Britain has lost almost two-thirds of its high street bank branches over the past three decades, while simultaneously the number of free to use ATMs has declined.
This led to warnings that residents in rural areas, especially the elderly or those who do not use the internet, risked being excluded from easily accessible financial services, cash and other activities such as paying in a cheque, applying for a mortgage or the need to present documents.
In 2017, an agreement between Post Office Ltd and the larger UK high street banks led to banking services being introduced at a number of Post Office counters. This has boosted Post Office branch visits and supports a growing social need to combat isolation.
The UK Government published its response to a BEIS Committee Report in June 2020, which discussed the long-term future of the Post Office network as a whole, with particular emphasis on smaller rural branches.
Despite plans to reduce subsidies in 2021, it’s clear that Post Office Ltd and the UK Government are keen to preserve as many regulated services as possible.
Opening a dialogue with Post Office Ltd about how your shop might suit your local community requirements is highly recommended if you feel it is important to the success of your project.
It’s unlikely a small rural post office will need to carry the full range of Crown Post Office services, however consult with your customers and find out what they need and then make your approach to see what options are available.
Click here to find the Post Office contact for your area or to find out more information.
“1 in 3 Post Office users buy three or more items in the shop"
“68% of shoppers began using a store when it added a Post Office"
In convenience stores with a Post Office. Source: HIM Research 2018
