Post Office Derbyshire Plans for Franchise Operators
The new franchise operators will offer the same range of services as the current branches, with some locations seeing extended opening hours, and the Post Office has emphasized its commitment to maintaining services in local communities.
The Post Office has announced plans to appoint franchise operators for several of its branches, including those in Bridlington, Bransholme, and Grimsby, as part of its plan to transition to a fully franchised network by autumn 2025.
The franchise model will see the branches continue to provide Post Office services, but with day-to-day operations managed by different companies. Richard Fleetwood Ltd, trading as RF Retail, has been chosen to oversee the Bridlington branch on Quay Road, while ZCO Ltd will operate the Victoria Street branch in Grimsby. The Post Office has emphasized its commitment to selecting franchise candidates with a proven track record, and the business plans and financial stability of the chosen operators have been thoroughly evaluated.
The move is part of the Post Office's plan to offload its directly owned branches and create a long-term, sustainable future for post offices in communities across the UK. Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes MP Melanie Onn has welcomed the news, but expressed concern that the Post Office has not ruled out relocating the Grimsby branch in the future. The Post Office branch in Morecambe town centre will also remain open under a new franchise, set to begin later this year, with extended opening hours on Tuesdays.
The transfer of directly managed branches to franchise operators is expected to be completed by autumn 2025, and the Post Office has stated that it will create a long-term, sustainable future for post offices in communities across the UK, including Derbyshire and surrounding areas.