Ofcom To Peg 2nd Class Stamps

Delivering good news for the greeting card industry, Ofcom is planning to peg the price of second-class stamps to inflation at most, until at least 2029 so postal services remain affordable, while parcel prices will no longer be subject to a safeguard cap.

The watchdog said it had made the proposal for the safeguard cap taking into account the impact on the financial sustainability of maintaining the six-day letter delivery under Royal Mail’s Universal Service Obligation.

“We might not be sending as many letters as we used to,” Ofcom’s director of post Marina Gibbs said, “but, when we do, it can be an important way for family and friends to keep in touch. So, we’re proposing that stamp prices for second-class letters should only rise by inflation, and no more, to make sure there’s always an affordable option available to everyone.”

The Ofcom response echoes the arguments being put forward by the GCA on behalf of the whole greeting card industry regarding the

While the results have not been made public as yet, ceo Amanda Fergusson revealed that they reflect just how crucial good service levels from Royal Mail and affordable stamp prices are to the greetings industry.

Amanda has raised the survey at the Genesis Initiative meeting at the House Of Commons recently, as well as at the Independent Retailers’ Confederation (IRC).

“We are in close dialogue with Royal Mail who have assured us how much they value our industry and want to support the sending of cards,” Amanda told PG.

Amanda cites Royal Mail’s confirmation that it will be supporting Thinking Of You Week 2023 with a special postmark again which will be printed on all mail stamped and posted between 1824 September 2023 as part of this. “The message will be Send A Card, Deliver A Smile For Thinking Of You Week,” she revealed.

To make sure the universal service remains affordable and Royal Mail can recover its costs, Ofcom periodically reviews whether stamp prices should be capped and is now looking at the April 2024-March 2029 period after the last cap was set in 2019 for five years.

Industry issues, consumer research, insights from retailers and publishers all feature on the agenda of the 2023 GCA Conference & AGM, which this year is taking place at the Royal Armouries in Leeds, on Thursday 28 September

Adam Dury, of Card Factory has been confirmed as a keynote speaker for this year’s event, with Sarah Laker of Stationery Supplies adding an indie retailer perspective with her talk. Making a return visit, after their popularity at last year’s Conference will be members of the Kantar consumer research team tracking greeting card consumer buying habits. Wendy Jones-Blackett, namesake of the Leeds-based publisher will share her story - from her blacksmithing days at art college to leading publisher - while GF Smith’s Mark Jessett will no doubt delight and enthuse attendees with his passion for paper.

The networking is all set to start on the eve of the event, with Yorkshire-based publisher UK Greetings kindly agreeing to host a meet-up in a Leeds city centre hostelry from 6pm on 27 September.

Tickets for the Conference are available from the GCA website (www.gca.cards) and cost just £90 including lunch.

Above: The branding for the GCA’s 2023 Conference.

crucial importance of maintaining a reliable and affordable postal service so the tangible, meaningful sending of cards is maintained, something that is very important to the mental wellbeing of the nation.

The news comes off the back of a GCA’s initiated survey, which garnered over 200 responses from the industry, the results of which will be fed back to Royal Mail on what is deemed imperative about our postal system.

Jigsaw qualitative research of 44 indepth interviews conducted in April and May 2023 saw all participants report either reducing their general spending or struggling financially but said how important it was to them to send and receive physical birthday and Christmas cards, to keep in touch with family and friends - particularly with those less digitally confident.

Ofcom’s consultation on the proposals is ongoing until 1 September and the GCA will be making a submission.

With over 500 brands, five marquees and five halls, Home & Gift (16-19 July) is kicking off the Autumn/Winter/ Christmas buying season, say show organisers Clarion “As Home & Gift 2023 approaches, I’m eagerly anticipating an event that celebrates creativity, fosters connections, and showcases the very best products and brands on offer,” show manager David Westbrook told PG. “From my first time there in 2006, I’ve seen the show shift and evolve with the market, bringing it into the modern age and allowing our visitors to experience the sheer creativity and innovation of the brands on show. With over 30% of the exhibitors making their show debut this year, there will be endless inspiration for visitors to immerse themselves in across the multiple halls and marquees.”

Brand new for 2023 is Craftshowcasing one-off designs handmade by skilled designer-makers - which will be sitting alongside the show’s flagship sectors: Design-led Gift, General Gift, Home Accessories, Jewellery and the Fashion and Food Emporium.