• 

• News
• Derby News
• Derby city centre

Nipping to the Post Office is no longer about buying stamps or posting a letter, and you are just as likely to get energy, digital or will-writing advice at a new generation of Post Office Plus branches - the first of which is in Derby.

The idea is to bring a number of services together under one roof, with research showing that people would be happy to seek advice on life-changing issues if it were offered in person and locally.

Derby's main post office in Babington Lane has been chosen to transform into a "multi-service community hub", where partner organisations will be present on different days of the week to provide practical guidance.

The founding partners include:

• Utility Warehouse, and its network of people around the UK, help customers save time and money by offering energy, mobile, and broadband together in one place.
• Octopus Legacy will help people put later-life plans in place, including wills, lasting power of attorney, trusts and estate planning.
• Good Things Foundation, sponsored by Amazon Web Services, will support people to build confidence online, from basic digital skills to internet safety and everyday online tasks.

Sid Atwal, joint branch manager of Derby City Post Office, said: “ We’ve operated in Derby for more than six years, and one of the biggest changes we’ve seen is the decline of in-person services and places where people can access support.

“For many people here, being able to sit down with someone, ask questions and get guidance makes a real difference.

“Post Office Plus gives us a new way to respond to what customers are asking for locally, while showing how branches like ours can play an even bigger role on the high street."

Two Post Office Plus stores launched earlier this week - the other was in Barnsley - and there are plans to roll out more across the UK later this year.

Majid Khan, joint branch manager at the Derby City Post Office, added "This first week has been about introducing Post Office Plus to the community and helping people understand what the new service is all about - it's been great to see it come to life and see people begin to use it.

"We speak to customers every day and many tell us that some things are simply easier when you can have a conversation face to face. I'm sure having this support in our branch is going to make a real difference to our local community.

"We're excited to see how the community responds over the coming weeks - but it's been a really positive start."

The launch of Post Office Plus is part of Post Office’s broader plans to build a more commercially focused business for operators.

Sam Grice, chief executive and founder of Octopus Legacy, said: "So much of life is moving online and into AI.

"But some things still need a human. Planning for death, and finding support after someone dies, are among the most personal things any of us do.

"Most people would rather sit opposite a real person to work through them. Now they can, on their local high street, in a place they've trusted for generations. We're proud to be a founding partner of Post Office Plus."