Update Inspire Celebrate

Courier is back after a three-month break and when it lands on your doormat, you’ll notice it has had a makeover.

Previously a monthly 20-page newspaper, our colleagues’ publication returns as a 44-page feature-led magazine. It’s also a different size and stock, too. And it will be out every three months going forward – from winter to spring and from summer to Autumn.

So, what’s behind the change?

‘This is a significant change for us because Courier, as a monthly newspaper, is long-established and well-known,’ says senior channels manager and Courier editor, Paul Smith.

‘Courier, as a newspaper, has been in existence for Royal Mail employees for more than 50 years. However, times have changed and those changes, as the business and our colleagues clearly understand with the mail mix, has only accelerated in recent times – especially through 2020.

‘Royal Mail is undergoing a significant transformation and it makes sense for Courier to modernise alongside that. It’s the right time.

‘As ever, we have listened to our colleagues. This is their publication and it needs to meet their needs as a communications tool, as well as an entertaining read. We have kept colleagues front and centre in our thoughts in developing the new look.’

It’s not just a redesign, either. The type of content colleagues will be reading has been given serious thought.

‘With four issues a year as opposed to our traditional 12, there is clearly a greater gap between issues,’ said Paul.

‘Going to four larger issues a year makes us more considered. It means the content can breathe. Instead of short, sharp news stories we now focus on in-depth interviews, photography showcasing our people doing what they do best and opinions from not only our business, but outside of it too.

‘We want it to inform and be interesting to read. And, as ever, we’ve made sure the content is written with colleagues at its heart – so the stories are all about what it means for them, written about and for them.’

And Courier has a new mantra, too: Update. Inspire. Celebrate.

‘This perfectly encapsulates what each and every single item, word and picture should achieve to make sure we are delivering a product that meets our colleagues’ needs,’ says Paul. ‘That makes them want to flick through the pages and take in the content.

‘We believe there is something for everyone in the magazine. It’s deliberately inclusive – covering all parts of the business and the type of people we have.

‘Of course, it will need to develop over time as the business changes with its transformation going forward. What will never change, though, is the importance of colleagues shaping what is their magazine.

‘That’s why feedback is key. We can’t wait to hear what our readers think.’

Courier Winter 2020/21 will land at homes from Friday 4 December. Share your thoughts at courier@linney.com