MBE announces 100th centre

The growth of Mail Boxes Etc, the high streetbased chain of business service centres, continues

Specialist business service franchise Mail Boxes Etc (MBE) has announced the opening of its 100th centre in the UK and Ireland. This achievement is an important milestone in the development of the franchise, following its rapid growth over the past two years.

In the UK MBE, a full member of the British Franchise Association (BFA), has a nationwide network of high street ‘onestop- shops’ that offer a wide range of convenient, fast and cost-effective business services to the general public and local companies.

The franchise began in 1980 in the USA and today is the world’s largest network of independently owned and operated business, communication and shipping centres, with almost 5,500 outlets across the globe. UPS, the world’s largest package delivery company and a global leader in supply chain services, acquired Mail Boxes Etc in 2001, combining the strength of two powerful brands.

Announcing the 100th UK centre, managing director Chris Gillam said: “This is a great day for MBE. We are now represented in many major towns and cities across the UK and Ireland, but there remains considerable scope for future expansion.

GROWING DEMAND
“Nationwide coverage has many benefits, for example we can seek national accounts business that can be shared across the network, creating greater prosperity for everyone. We are regarded increasingly as the most convenient business services provider because our outlets are based in town centres. We offer extended business hours and our services are reliable.

“Online buying, especially from businesses like eBay and Amazon, as well as conventional auction houses, is creating a growing demand for our pack and despatch services. We also note escalating demand from consumers who need to return unwanted purchases and we look forward to furthering our business reputation in this area as we continue to grow the business.”

Brian Smart, director-general of the British Franchise Association, observed: “Since the new management team took over two years ago, under the direction of Simon Cowie and Chris Gillam, there have been many welcome changes in the business and the creation of a truly cohesive franchise. MBE has been rewarded with one of the fastest growing networks of well motivated franchisees in the UK today.”

Technology, especially the internet, continues to create a wealth of new opportunities for MBE’s primary service - the safe and secure packaging and despatch of parcels all over the world.

TAILORED FOR BUSINESS
Additionally, the deregulation of the Royal Mail has created an opportunity for a new postal service exclusively for businesses. Earlier this year MBE collaborated with DX to refine the system tailored for business users, based on the tried-and-tested service developed by DX exclusively for the legal profession, initially more than 30 years ago. Cheaper than first-class post, this new service offers a revolutionary alternative to the Royal Mail.

MBE UK’s success in capitalising on new and existing opportunities is acknowledges by Mail Boxes Etc Inc’s president, Stuart Mathis, who said: “There are no shortcuts to success in today’s business environment. Success takes diligence, commitment and teamwork. The MBE UK team has clearly demonstrated its ability to develop a solid network and to drive the business forward.

“We know they have their sights set firmly on the next stage and we all agree that there is still tremendous potential for growth here in the UK.”

MBE is looking forward to an exciting future and continues its recruitment drive for new franchisees by exhibiting at the National Franchise Exhibition in Birmingham on October 7-8.