In February, I established the Post Office Network Business Development Group to explore potential commercial opportunities for post offices. The Terms of Reference for the Group are to:
- examine the potential from existing and new Government and commercial business that could be transacted through the post office network;
- identify the new business opportunities for the post office network, taking account of international experience;
- engage as necessary with the public sector, commercial bodies and other interested parties in pursuit of the above objectives;
- prepare an interim and final report for the Minister in accordance with an agreed timetable.
The Group has met three times to date, the most recent of which was last week. While deliberations are ongoing, a number of work-streams have been identified and are being pursued. I anticipate that the interim report, which is due next quarter, will provide an overview of progress and an indication of future activities. The final report of the Group will be available later this year.