UK Mail gets internet shopping boost but parcel volumes slow

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Parcel delivery group UK Mail hailed a rise in mail business but said parcel volumes rose slower than in the first half.

The group, which competes against international rivals and newly privatised Royal Mail, said it performed well between October 1st and December 31st, with group revenue rising 6% against a year ago.

Parcel volumes increased 15% versus the same time last year due to internet shopping but growth slowed compared to the first half, reflecting higher growth in the second half of last year.

The business managed to keep mail customers and attract new contracts, boosting volume and revenue, but revenue in the group’s courier and pallets businesses fell.

Chief Executive Guy Buswell said: ‘We’ve again performed well during our peak Christmas trading. It is clear from weekly volume patterns that shoppers were, more than ever before, leaving their online Christmas shopping to the last minute.’