Pitney Bowes and Lambeth Council have announced the initial results of their latest contract agreement.

Since implementation of the new contract in August 2010, the council has saved over £600,000on its print, mail and document management costs. This figure is part of total combined saving of £2.9m, which has been achieved throughout the previous 5 year contract term and the initial period of the latest agreement.

The new contract builds on a successful 12 year relationship between the two organisations and extends the print, mail and document services which Pitney Bowes provides to the council.  The council is implementing an innovative approach to public sector communications by consolidating all of its processes across the authority to achieve a consistent, integrated and efficient approach.

Pitney Bowes has extended its services agreement with Lambeth to include reprographics, the supply and maintenance of multi-functional devices and print management services.

The council, supported by Pitney Bowes, is also using physical and digital archiving services to create a consistent approach to records management across the authority. Existing contracts for physical archiving are also being re-negotiated to achieve greater efficiency and documents converted to digital images where appropriate.

In addition, Pitney Bowes now manages the Lambeth mailroom as well as internal and external courier services. The mailroom operates from a Brixton based Pitney Bowes Document Solution Centre (DSC) which acts as a central hub for all Lambeth’s departments. The local team provides best value advice and guidance and on departments’ postage and courier requirements

Lambeth Council and Pitney Bowes are constantly reviewing services and exploring innovative ways to manage outbound and inbound communication, including currently reviewing both hybrid mail and digital mail strategies.

Reflecting on the success of the contract so far, Richard Thompson, Vice President Sales & Marketing, Pitney Bowes said, “We are delighted with the initial success of the agreement and the savings that Lambeth have achieved. It is very easy in this tough economic climate for councils to think that innovation has to be put on hold. But, with our support, Lambeth are proving that by implementing new methods and processes, innovation can actually fuel greater efficiency.

“Lambeth are taking a unique approach to their document management by integrating and linking services across the council. We are delighted to support them in this, and look forward to the next stages of development.”

Andy Salter, Contract Manager (Corporate Procurement), said, “Cost savings such as these allow us to redirect our resources to front line services where they are needed most. Our relationship with Pitney Bowes has always been effective, and this has seen the initial contract grow into the wide-ranging agreement that we have today.

“I believe that the relationship has also been beneficial to Pitney Bowes, as it has developed its service offering and its method of managing wide extensive contracts such as ours.”

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