Harlow, UK, December 23rd 2011: Pitney Bowes has secured its first two contracts with public sector bodies under the new Pro5 framework. The company has been selected to provide mail and messaging support to a higher education college and a central government body.

The Pro5 framework is designed to offer the public sector a single route to purchase a range of services, and brings together the knowledge and expertise of five regional buying organisations. The body will centrally manage public sector contracts to negotiate reduced costs and improve efficiency on behalf of government organisations. Pitney Bowes has been selected as an approved supplier of mailing goods and services under the Pro5 framework. Cost reduction and improved efficiency are currently essential to public sector procurement. Public sector bodies spend almost £400 million per annum on mail related costs, so the procurement of mailing equipment and services represents a key opportunity for savings.

Pitney Bowes has a proven history of supplying technology and services across central and local government. An experienced public sector account management team is responsible for developing and managing public sector relationships, identifying cost savings, delivering best value, operating in a more sustainable manner and driving efficiency. Specifically, Pitney Bowes helped one organisation save £17,000 each year simply by changing the way mail was prepared so that several items of correspondence could be combined into one envelope. Commenting on the two new deals, Phil Hutchison, Tactical Marketing Director, Pitney Bowes said, “At a time when public sector budgets are stretched, organisations are looking to engage with an experienced provider with a proven track record. Our place on the Pro5 list of approved suppliers cements Pitney Bowes’ reputation as the expert provider of mailing equipment and services for public sector organisations. “We are delighted to have already completed two deals under the agreement and we expect to engage with many other public sector customers as they look to drive down costs and improve the quality and efficiency of communications.”