Royal Mail has been hit with a £21 million fine after again failing to meet its annual delivery standards, with regulator Ofcom saying millions of letters across the UK arrived late. The watchdog found that in the 2024–25 financial year, the postal operator delivered just 77% of first-class mail on time, below its 93% target, and 92.5% of second-class post, short of the 98.5% requirement.
Royal Mail has reported its first annual profit in three years, marking a turnaround since its £3.6 billion takeover by Czech billionaire Daniel Křetínský's EP Group. Parent company International Distribution Services (IDS) said the postal operator made a £194 million pre-tax profit in the year to March, compared with a £143 million loss the year before, helped by rising parcel volumes and tighter cost control.
Royal Mail has won regulatory approval to reduce second-class letter deliveries to just two days a week from July 28, cutting Saturday services as part of a cost-saving shake-up. This move, part of Ofcom's reforms, aims to help Royal Mail save up to £425 million annually by easing delivery obligations, while maintaining a three-working-day target for second-class mail.
| Air Freight & Logistics Industry | Industrials Sector | Mr. Martin Seidenberg CEO | OTC PINK Exchange | US78033R1077 ISIN |
| GB Country | 163,255 Employees | 12 May 2025 Last Dividend | - Last Split | - IPO Date |
International Distributions Services plc, a noteworthy entity in the global postal and logistics sector, operates under the prestigious Royal Mail and Parcelforce Worldwide brands. The transition of its name from Royal Mail plc to International Distributions Services plc in October 2022 marks a significant point in its history, emphasizing its broadened scope and international focus. Founded in 1516, its historical roots have provided a strong foundation for its current operations which span across a vast network in Europe, covering 40 countries and nation states, and extend globally to the United States, Canada, China, among others. With a primary base in London, United Kingdom, the company has evolved to offer a wide range of postal, parcel delivery, and logistics services tailored to meet the diverse needs of consumers, businesses of all sizes, retailers, and access operators, making it a pivotal player in the global logistics and postal industry.
The core of International Distributions Services plc revolves around its parcel and letter delivery services. Offering reliable delivery solutions under the renowned Royal Mail and Parcelforce Worldwide brands, the company facilitates the seamless flow of communication and goods. Tailoring its services to meet the specific demands of its clientele, it bridges gaps between businesses, consumers, and various entities worldwide.
Expanding its reach beyond traditional postal services, the company operates extensive ground-based parcel delivery networks. These networks encompass 40 countries and nation states across Europe, ensuring broad coverage and connectivity. Through this expansive network, International Distributions Services plc enables efficient and effective logistics solutions, catering to a wide array of logistical needs across the continent.
Addressing the need for speed and reliability, the company provides express parcel delivery and comprehensive logistics services. These offerings are designed to meet the high-speed requirements of businesses and consumers alike, facilitating rapid and secure transportation of parcels across various national and international destinations.
Beyond its core postal and logistics services, International Distributions Services plc engages in property holdings and facilities management. This aspect of the business supports its operational requirements and enables it to maintain a robust and efficient service delivery infrastructure. Through strategic property management, the company ensures the optimal functioning of its vast operations network.