An award-winning greeting card business finds it bewildering that changes are being considered to the Royal Mail service which could see services being cut back and stamp prices being hiked yet again.
Bewilderbeest, based in Elmswell in Suffolk, was founded six years ago by husband and wife Ian and Maddie Hamilton and has created employment for four local people as the business has grown.
The independent local business is grateful to a UK postal service which they have relied on to be able to deliver on time, all the time, right across the UK – and at a reasonable price. Now that service is under threat from bureaucrats. Right now regulators and politicians responsible for the Royal Mail are considering reducing its service obligations while raising postal prices.
Bewilderbeest illustrations are finely crafted, and meticulously drawn. The company creates unique cards, prints, gifts, t-shirts and more which enjoy making people look twice. They’re absurd, they’re extraordinary, and they don’t always make sense, a little like the current Royal Mail proposals.
Iain Hamilton, 35, the owner and ‘Chief Nitwit’ of Bewilderbeest, said: ““Our business wouldn’t exist without the Post Office!
“Our company started very small and most of our deliveries were carried out by the Royal Mail.
“They did a magnificent job during the Covid pandemic when they kept our business going.
“Since then our company has grown, and we now employ four people.
“Having a full time six day Royal Mail service is essential for businesses.
“For new firms starting out, utilising Royal Mail services is the only option open to them.
“If they use Royal Mail they can develop what they offer and they can grow, they will then create employment opportunities for more people, it is a virtuous circle which has so many benefits for all concerned.
“I hope they keep it going and don’t make the cuts that some people are talking about.
“It would be devastating to so many in the greeting card industry, along with so many other local independent businesses across the UK.
“This morning for example we sent out over 100 catalogues to various stockists – they rely on receiving them to know what we have to offer.”
The thousands of people who work in the creative UK greeting card industry know that card sending matters.
The simple act of sending and exchanging cards promotes wellbeing and mental health, lighting up the life of recipients and senders alike.
And what’s more, card sending nurtures local independent businesses on the high streets we all love, supports local charities and organisations in the communities we care for and helps protect the Royal Mail delivery service we all treasure.
That’s why the Greeting Card Association launched its #Cardmitment campaign in the run-up to Christmas 2023, reminding everyone about the joy and importance of sending cards.
But #Cardmitment was never just about Christmas. Being able to put a smile on someone’s face though a card, relies on a Royal Mail service that delivers on time, all the time, right across the UK – and at a great price. The GCA is now inviting people to support its #Cardmitment campaign to protect vital Royal Mail services.
- For more details about the GCA #Cardmitment campaign please visit: www.gca.cards/cardmitment-2024
- For more details about Bewilderbeest please visit: www.bewilderbeest.co.uk
