First half pre-tax profit at Business Post fell to £3m from £8.6m last year as a result of difficult economic conditions. Sales were up 21 per cent to £133m.
Chairman Peter Kane said: “Since 21 September 2005, market conditions within Parcel Services have deteriorated, to the point where daily volumes in November are marginally below last year’s and below our previous expectations. In addition, Express prices remain under pressure.
UK Mail saw sales rise almost six-fold, to £14.6m and the group now reckons it has a two per cent market share.