Case studies
The following is a selection of some of the projects undertaken by Triangle in recent times. Not all projects can be mentioned for reasons of confidentiality.
UK Consumer Affairs Body – International Study on Post Office Relationships with Government
The client, a champion for fair pricing and access to postal services for consumers in the UK, commissioned Triangle to conduct a comparison of postal markets in other countries. The study focussed on delivery of public sector services through the postal retail network and examined the relationship between post office organisations and government at national, regional and local levels in six countries. The findings were used to inform and influence public sector planning.
European Post Office: Unaddressed Mail Service Benchmarking
This project involved researching unaddressed mail services provided by postal operators and their main commercial competitors across 11 countries in Europe and Asia Pacific. Triangle’s consultants then prepared a gap analysis with the client’s portfolio of unaddressed services and highlighted product ideas from other countries that could be worth consideration by the client.
European Post Office: Product & Service Innovation amongst Postal Operators
The objective of this study was to identify innovative products and services being offered by postal operators in six major markets. Areas of innovation were examined in four key areas: non-postal, advertising mail, transactional mail and fulfilment. The final reports explored the definition of innovation within the various segments, and the findings were presented within the context of market size, growth trends, regulatory environment, existing services and competition.
UK Government Transport Body: Courier & Parcels Operators in Central London
Transport for London commissioned Triangle to obtain insight and views from courier and parcels companies regarding the various challenges associated with trying to run pick-up and delivery activities in central London. The research examined the cost and environmental impacts caused by increasing pressures on operators to move their depots further away from the centre of London. The final report informed TfL’s recommendations to the London Plan planners and policy-makers.
European Post Office: An Overview of Postal Business Strategies in Changing Communications Markets
The client asked Triangle to prepare a summary report looking at the various business strategies of eleven European postal operators and their regulators, and comparing them with the client’s own organisation. The objective was to illustrate ways in which other European posts are responding to pressures from competition, declining markets, regulation and rising costs. The research looked in particular at business initiatives outside the normal postal remit (as defined by each USO) and concluded that the client’ strategies were in line with other posts and showing innovation and leadership in several areas.
European Post Office: Strategic Review of Retail Operations
The objective of this project was to conduct a detailed evaluation of the postal retail network and recommend alternative business models in order to secure a sustainable retail business for the future. During the course of the study, Triangle conducted extensive field and desk research to assess the potential impacts from the regulator, customers, government, partners, staff and the economic environment on future strategies. Part of the research involved a global benchmarking exercise looking at other comparable postal retail network regeneration programmes across the world.
Throughout the project Triangle worked closely with local retail management – from the organisational audit through to the development of potential models and final presentation of a preferred strategy to the Main Board, which was subsequently approved.
European Post Office: International Bulk Mail Market Study
The international mail division of this major European Post Office wanted a detailed understanding of the international outbound bulk mail markets across a number of countries. In a phased approach Triangle undertook desk research, plus a series of depth interviews with key industry players, followed by a full-scale telephone survey with bulk mail originators, in order to build up a picture of the market size, main business sectors, postal service providers, market trends and user requirements. The final reports included analysis of top sectors most likely to send international bulk mail, usage of international consolidators, perceptions of the leading international mail carriers and market segmentation by mail application per sector.
A Major IATA Airline: Joint Venture Support
Triangle was retained to validate a potential joint venture with entrepreneurs from the express industry in India and the UAE. The core business of this JV was to operate a “dedicated express freighter” on a routing between Singapore and Europe, stopping in India and the UAE, and to sell the capacity of this flight to both the major express operators such as UPS and DHL and, via established wholesaling channels. Triangle’s role included in-depth examination of whether the prospects for market growth and potential yields were reasonable, whether commitments from key customers could be secured, what the likely competitive threat comprised, as well as looking at optimal and alternative routings/timings.
Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry: Feasibility Study for a Potential Middle East Free Trade Logistics Forum
The study focussed on the regulations and environment inhibiting the growth of free trade in the Middle East vis-à-vis the postal/courier/express/air-cargo/freight forwarding/logistics sectors. The main objective was to establish the level of interest and commitment among key carriers for a proposed Middle East Free Trade Logistics Forum.
Dubai Government: Consultancy Support for a Logistics Park in Dubai
Triangle was retained to assess the potential for a joint venture between a leading logistics company and a Dubai government body to build a major logistics park. The project involved SWOT analysis of the partners, proposing alternative options for the proposition and making strategic recommendations for moving forward.
A Pallet Distribution Network: Country specific survey into pallet market
Triangle was asked to examine the pallet distribution market in a European country. The study included market sector sizing and a review of the incumbent operators, their sector share, operational methods and service levels offered. The study concluded with a review of the issues to be addressed in any future market sector entry strategy.
A leading UK express parcels operator: Feasibility research into an evening delivery service
The research was based on a series of user/shipper interviews to explore their current use of, and likely future requirements for, an evening delivery service. The study included identification of factors affecting current use and future growth as well as overall awareness of such services.
A Same Day Courier Business: Market sector review
Triangle provided a market sector review which included market sizing, market share analysis and service, financial and operational overview for each of the current sector operators.
European parcels operator: Study to assess the joint-venture opportunities in Europe for leading UK international express operator
In the first stages the study involved a strategic audit of the client’s management and operations and shortlisting of potential partners. Detailed analysis of the shortlisted companies, including approaches and visits to the companies concerned were then made to assess their potential fit, availability and recommend an implementation strategy.
European Postal Operator: Strategic Review
Triangle was commissioned to work with a leading European post to provide input to a comprehensive strategic review.
The work involved developing a detailed overview of the commercial activities of seven posts in Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, identifying their strategies in sectors such as addressed and unaddressed mail, consumer parcels, international and electronic/digital services. Triangle carried out a ‘gap analysis’, identifying areas of activity within the seven posts that provided potential learning points for our client. Triangle also highlighted opportunities for our client when reviewing its commercial strategies in those business sectors.
As well as a comprehensive country by country report and strategic overviews, Triangle’s Director – Mail also made a presentation to the client’s board.
Government: The Government department responsible for the movement of aid workers throughout the world
Triangle were engaged to advise it in choosing a removals company to which it could award a £3 million pounds tender. The contract involved the relocation of over a hundred individuals or families each year both from and to the UK, with particular emphasis paid to Africa and Asia.
The task involved designing a scoring system, writing a tender document, visiting a number of major contractors and discussions with their senior management. Following the submission of the tender responses, the replies were scored, feed-back given to the short-listed contractors and a company chosen. Triangle worked as part of a small team chosen from the client’s HR and Purchasing departments.
Leading European Bank: Review of international services for bulk transactional mail
Triangle was commissioned to work with a leading European Bank to provide information on transactional mail services, for Eight European countries and the United States.
The report covered the current and likely future status of postal market liberalisation; the products and services of each national postal provider that are particularly relevant for generators of bulk transactional mail; an assessment of the degree of flexibility of each national post regarding the provision of different pricing and product specifications for individual customers and an overview of the availability of relevant services from alternative operators.
Pitney Bowes
Strategic marketing study relating to the development of a service offering focused on the shipping needs of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises.
P&O Containers
Several projects including, product development, yield improvement and long term strategy.
Rail Freight
The UK freight arm of a leading European rail operator commissioned Triangle to research and evaluate the market opportunity for freight imports within four distinct product areas. Particular focus was paid to traffic entering the UK through the ports which could otherwise transfer to rail services through the Channel tunnel. A study was submitted which identified market costs and rates and target customers which was then passed to the client’s sales and marketing team to activate.
Third-Party Distribution
A worldwide freight forwarder and contract-logistics company approached Triangle with a problem following the loss of a UK distribution contract. An expensive distribution centre in Lancashire was about to empty and Triangle were asked to devise a marketing strategy embracing alternative sources of traffic and advise on warehouse layout. Triangle wrote a plan, presented it to senior management, assisted with its implementation and contacted a number of possible customers. The result was that the facility re-filled within four months.
United Kingdom Post Office
Amongst several assignments developed a programme focused on the purchasing of air freight space by the Post Office. This led to a world first for a Post Office to break away from UPU (Universal Postal Union) agreed rates and methods. In addition we have carried out a number of projects relating to market opportunities and perceptions.
United States Postal Service
Triangle was instrumental in assessing and evaluating potential European partners for the USPS who were looking to source inbound international express parcels.
