Minimising the impact of the new postage pricing system was the order of the day at breakfast event recently organised by the Derry Chamber.

Royal Mail is introducing a new pricing system for all business and residential post (excluding international) and as part of its communication campaign visited the city last week. David Peden from Royal Mail pointed out the key changes.

Janice Tracey, Chamber CEO summarised:

"From now, businesses will have to pay more attention to the size and shape of post than to the weight. But there are ways to minimise the costs implication. Local businesses should contact Chamber's free Business Information Service for advice."

Packs providing information on the new pricing system, as well as advice on how companies can manage the impact of PiP, have been sent to nearly half a million small, medium and large businesses. The changes will be introduced on 21 August and will mean prices will more closely reflect the cost of collecting, sorting and delivering mail.

David Peden from Royal Mail reassured Chamber members:

"No more than 30 per cent of business mail is expected to be affected by the price changes, and Royal Mail estimates that up to half of the mail affected will become cheaper to send."

He continued: "Our aim is to assist businesses with these changes, and to help them identify and benefit from any potential cost savings that can be made with Pricing in Proportion. This is an important phase of our customer awareness campaign."

A wide range of other postal issues were discussed and one of the most serious was relating to problems with cross border mail. Issues in relation to the cross border service were raised by a number of leading businesses such as delays in service, costs, franking etc.

Mr Pedon agreed to communicate and investigate these issues and revert back to the Chamber with a response.

Further information about Pricing in Proportion can be found at Royal Mail's website www.royalmail.com/pip or via a dedicated customer service line on 08456 113 113.