A targeted direct mail drive to senior mailing house executives signalled the launch of the initiative, in a bid to encourage take-up of its free membership. Those who sign up will receive a follow-up welcome pack including a statement of intent from the partnership.

The Strategic Mailing Partnership will also hold a series of events around the country as part of a new communications programme designed to create a relevant two-way dialogue. These will include regional roadshows, a national annual conference and other networking opportunities allowing attendees to share ideas about best practice.

The partnership is independently chaired by former Postwatch vice-chair Judith Donovan with a board featuring 12 mailing house executives, including Lucy Edwards, MD of Howard Hunt Group, Matthew Diamond, MD of Lorien Unique, and Yolanda Noble, CEO of dsicm; and three Royal Mail representatives including Jim Bulmer, Royal Mail’s head of mailing house development.
 
‘We have listened to the mailing house industry’s concerns and requirements for a long time now,’ says Bulmer. ‘They are a key partner for Royal Mail and we aim to improve dialogue through the Strategic Mailing Partnership to give them a voice in our operations and the development of our key products, while also helping them to shape the future of the mailing house industry.’

While Royal Mail has invited inaugural members to sit on the board. All the members will face re-election in January 2011 to give the industry a say in its future profile.