Post Office cuts could devastate small firms

03/01/2008

Post Office closures could devastate small businesses that rely on local rural branches to survive, according to the Forum of Private Business (FPB).

The business lobby group said the 44 branches set to be axed in Glasgow, Central Scotland and Argyl and Bute, part of the planned closure of 2,500 across the UK, could be crippling unless alternatives are put in place.

“The government's review of the postal service recognised the important social role that Post Office branches play within communities," said the FPB's policy representative, Mathew Goodman.

“Indeed, small firms frequently benefit from the passing trade nearby. Closing these outlets however, and the subsequent loss of the services they provide, could prove to be a body blow for many small businesses unless adequate alternatives are put in place.”

The FPB said it agreed new and innovative ways of providing Post Office services were necessary, but insisted the ‘level of variety of service provided for small firms by their local branches’ must not suffer.

Graham Easton is the manager of a funeral directors in Bonnybridge, near Falkirk, where two of the town's post offices are set to close.

He said: “Perhaps it's the end of an era, but it's certainly not very helpful. The local Post Offices are very convenient, and we use them a lot.

“We could end up having to travel a mile and a half, or even up to five miles, depending on which branches close, which would be very inconvenient.”