March/April 2003

Alliances are being cemented in the increasingly competitive field service delivery market. Following the recent announcement of an agreement by Hays DX and Bybox to offer a network of "intelligent" drop-boxes, Business Post has appointed a business manager to drive the development of the UK HomeServe operation it has launched jointly with Collectpoint. She is Kate Stansby, who joined the company five years ago as a graduate trainee, and has latterly been involved in franchise development.

Whilst implicitly targeting business-to-consumer customers with its HomeServe operation, Business Post is putting particular emphasis on the appeal of the Collectpoint partnership for the field service market. It points out that many of the 3,500 Collectpoint delivery points are likely to be near the homes of field engineers and similar staff.

Collectpoint increased its coverage and introduced many all-night drop-off and pick-up locations last year when it added several hundred filling stations to its network.

• Business Post has gained a presence in the technical courier and field service support markets with the acquisition of BXT for an undisclosed sum. Its specialities include technical installations, water sampling and deliveries to the hospital and medical practice sector. It also provides support for field engineers, in-boot deliveries and a storage and pick and pack facility. It has 150 staff and turns over £4 million.