“A New Chapter” - Direct Distribution article
Today as I write this we could be embarking on a new chapter, a new beginning of the international mail consolidation industry and in particular the MCA. Hard on the heels of an intensive drive to raise awareness and profile, within key stakeholder groups and the excellent quality service initiative, the MCA is now looking to expand and widen its membership by inviting postal operators to participate and join the MCA.
In many respects we should not be surprised by such a development, it reflects our changing industry and marketplace. The marketplace is now a myriad of different relationships and combinations with a greater but more complex range of services. There are some certain industry facts: we have a range of operators but fewer consolidators. Any developments must meet and anticipate the needs of industry and in particular clients, the mailers.
The move to broaden the membership to make it more reflective of industry has benefits for MCA and operators.
The broadening allows MCA to become larger and more effective, utilising resources to meet MCA’s remit and objectives. Such a broadening of the church, by definition, initially will raise the profile of the industry and MCA. Due to the nature of this expansion, this increase in awareness and profile will probably be far easier to maintain. The combination of consolidator and operator resources will facilitate greater focus on issues and activity. In essence there is a greater opportunity to mobilise resources ensuring, activity can be effective and issues can be given true focus. It is perhaps this last point which fascinates many industry observers and commentators, can the broad church deliver and effective and workable position on key industry issues.
For operators the benefits are slightly different, although in some cases they do overlap. From a commercial perspective participation in the MCA, will deliver opportunities for operators to get closer to their clients and customers and allow the ability for operators to present and tailor services to MCA members. Although participation in a broader church is welcome, operators will be able to construct their own forum within the auspices of the MCA, allowing them to present and engage with consolidators on key industry and operator issues. Perhaps one of the most effective benefits for operators is the feeling and realisation that they are part of a larger industry and a key influence and participant, going forward.
We are moving in fascinating times with a communications market, which is often changing and redefining itself. It’s rewarding to see MCA at the heart of such changes, ensuring they can evolve and reflect the needs and challenges of the international communications industry.
David Robottom D&S Consultants Ltd 13th June 2007