An Post launches three-day UK delivery service for Irish SMEs

An Post has announced a parcel delivery and returns service designed to overcome post-Brexit trade barriers with the UK market.

UK Direct is intended to “unlock” the British consumer market of 69m people for Irish SMEs through the use of innovative technology, customs pre-clearance and a customer-friendly returns service.

As part of the service, An Post will also offer three-day delivery and end-to-end tracking. To avail of UK Direct, firms need to register with the company.

Enterprise Ireland forecasts that 97% of Irish companies want to expand into new markets over the next 12 months and in its recent pilot programme for potential new exporters, two-thirds of participants prioritised the UK as their target market.

An Post worked closely with Irish SMEs to understand the full extent of their difficulties in trying to expand their trade with the UK.

In designing the new service, and partnering with Royal Mail, An Post is providing SMEs with a bridge directly into the vast UK market, a seamless shopping experience for UK consumers, and a simple, secure system for returns and refunds.

“UK-Irish trade is central to Ireland’s economy. This new UK Direct solution reopens that market for businesses facing the challenges posed by Brexit,” said David McRedmond, CEO of An Post.

“Ireland’s 400,000+ SMEs are the backbone of this economy, and in building new infrastructure for Ireland, An Post is opening doors to new trade with the UK through a full end-to-end service from one of Ireland’s most trusted companies.

“UK Direct removes barriers to trade, providing Irish SMEs with access to over 69m new customers. Instead of being tied up in the complexities of customs fees or other red tape, they can focus on huge growth opportunities and ensuring a top-quality retail experience for their new UK customers.”

Kara Owen, the British Ambassador to Ireland, welcomed the announcement, adding that she was delighted to see such strong cooperation between An Post and Royal Mail.

“Businesses on both sides of the Irish Sea want simple, dependable ways to reach their customers, and UK Direct delivers exactly that. What matters most is giving firms the confidence to trade and grow — and that comes from practical, workable solutions like this,” she continued

“By making everyday commerce easier, we are strengthening our €2bn a week trading relationship, the economic ties that sustain the UK–Ireland relationship and support to communities and customers across both our countries.”

Simon McKeever, CEO of the Irish Exporters Association, commented: Today’s announcement marks a positive shift in how Ireland can do business with our nearest neighbour.

“There’s a massive market ready and waiting for quality Irish products, and it’s now within the grasp of Irish SMEs, thanks to this practical and highly innovative UK Direct service.”

(Pic: Getty Images)