Post Office details proposed franchise plans for second tranche of last remaining 108 Directly Managed Branches

The Post Office has today (4 June) provided details on its proposed franchise plans for the second tranche of the last remaining 108 Directly Managed Branches which are operated by the Post Office.

As part of its commitment to deliver a ‘New Deal for Postmasters’, the Post Office had previously announced on 8 April that it was moving to a fully franchised network.

On Wednesday 28 May, the Post Office published details for the first tranche of the last remaining Directly Managed Branches.

The Post Office has focused on selecting candidates to operate these last remaining Directly Managed Branches that have a clear track record of successfully running branches and have the capacity and resources to take on branches in multiple locations. Applicants’ business plans, balance sheet strength and funding availability have been assessed as part of this process.

It is proposed that 19 Directly Managed Branches will be operated by three operators from the same premises where they are currently located whilst the long-term arrangements for the branch are finalised.

In line with Post Office’s Principles of Community Engagement customer notification posters will arrive at the individuals branches to be displayed and local stakeholders are being informed of the proposed plans for their individual branch. Further details relating to the remaining Directly Managed Branches will be announced in tranches over the coming weeks.

A Post Office spokesperson said:

“Moving to a fully franchised network is one part of enabling the Post Office to deliver a ‘New Deal for Postmasters’, helping to create a long-term, sustainable future for the Post Office. Our proposed franchise plans mean branches will continue to operate from the same premises while the long-term permanent proposal is confirmed, with customers being able to continue accessing the same products and services with the same opening hours.”

Firstclass Managerial LTD

Run by postmaster Mikesh Parekh, Firstclass Retail operate thirteen Post Office branches in and around Greater Manchester, the majority of which are larger, Mains-style branches. With over fifteen years of experience as a postmaster, Mikesh has a wealth of experience in running post offices at the heart of communities. Being a postmaster runs in the family, with Mikesh having learned from his father at his branch in Oldham, who himself was a postmaster for fifteen years.

Mikesh also runs Interim Solutions, which delivers a number of temporary post offices. Between the two businesses, Mikesh currently operates around 30 branches and employs over 170 staff. Mikesh has a deep commitment to the community he serves and has a track record of working with local stakeholders to safeguard Post Office services.

With 21 years’ experience in retail and Post Office, Richard Fleetwood, is the third generation of postmasters. His Granddad and Dad both ran branches, and his mother has had several senior roles managing Post Offices across the UK. RF Retail’s journey began when it opened its first store in the North East of England in September 2020. They currently operate six Post Office branches. RF Retail is also the largest independent operator of Banking Hubs in the UK after operating the first two in 2021. They currently operate six Banking Hubs. Another Post Office and Banking Hub are also being planned for this summer.

Liam Searle is at the helm of South Coast Retail in Dorset. He is the third generation of his family connected to Post Office branches. Both his Grandmother and his Dad worked at Directly Managed Branches as counter clerks. His father’s career progressed to being an area manager before he took on Swanage Post Office when it was being franchised. Liam then took over as postmaster for Swanage in 2019. His Dad still helps at his Swanage branch and runs the outreach services.

The 36-year-old now also operates successful branches in Dorchester, Sherborne, Swanage, and Weymouth, plus three outreach services for three communities in the Swanage area. A banking hub also opens in Sherborne in June. Liam runs a close-knit company with 50 employees. The retail offering at his branches is cards, stationery, gifts and soft drinks.