Details have been revealed about the company set to take over Newquay’s Main Post Office, as part of national plans to franchise the last remaining directly managed branches.
The Post Office has named three organisations that will operate 19 locations in total. Newquay is among seven branches across Devon and Cornwall that will be run by Dorset-based South Coast Retail.
The Post Office says it is proposed that these 19 branches will continue to operate from their current premises while long-term arrangements are finalised.
Newquay’s branch falls under the second tranche of the final 108 directly managed branches. The franchising move forms part of what the Post Office calls its commitment to deliver a “New Deal for Postmasters,” following its announcement in April that it would be transitioning to a fully franchised network.
South Coast Retail is led by Liam Searle, the third generation of his family to work in Post Office branches. Both his grandmother and father were counter clerks in directly managed branches. His father later became an area manager and took over Swanage Post Office when it was franchised. Liam became postmaster there in 2019.
The 36-year-old now operates successful branches in Dorchester, Sherborne, Swanage, and Weymouth, along with three outreach services in the Swanage area. A banking hub is also opening in Sherborne this June. South Coast Retail employs around 50 staff and offers retail items such as cards, stationery, gifts, and soft drinks alongside postal services.
A Post Office spokesperson said:
“Moving to a fully franchised network is one part of enabling the Post Office to deliver a ‘New Deal for Postmasters’, helping to create a long-term, sustainable future for the Post Office. Our proposed franchise plans mean branches will continue to operate from the same premises while the long-term permanent proposal is confirmed, with customers being able to continue accessing the same products and services with the same opening hours.”
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