THE Chamber of Commerce has reacted angrily to Consignia's ann-ouncement to charge small firms £750 a year to receive post before 9am.

The Chamber of Commerce Herefordshire and Worcestershire said the charge, announced last week, would threaten the competitiveness of small firms and, ultimately, the competitiveness of Britain.

There has been such an outcry over the proposals, Consignia was said this week to be reconsidering its early delivery strategy and thinking of reducing the amount of the charge.

Late delivery

Christopher Harvey, head of membership and representation, said the chamber had received "considerable representation" from members in the two counties about the problems caused by late delivery of mail even before the news of the charge had broken.

"Businesses recognise that Consignia is experiencing problems," said Mr Harvey.

"However, it cannot shift these problems on to small businesses. A cheque arriving in the mail before 9am or after noon can mark the difference between a firm surviving or folding."

He said small firms employed more than 12m people in Britain and almost 300,000 people in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

"They all depend on their post being reliable and on time. £750 is a lot to take out of their budgets and, therefore, we urge Royal Mail to rethink its policy before businesses look to other service providers to deliver their mail."

On Monday, Consignia chairman Allan Leighton said the company would examine the options of charging £5 or £10 a week for a delivery before 9am, as £14 could be too much.

At the same time, pilot schemes to abolish the second post were being introduced in 14 selected areas around Britain.

The Chamber of Commerce Herefordshire and Worcestershire represents 2,500 small to medium sized businesses in the two counties.

Anyone wanting information can phone the information team on 0800 104010 or visit www.hwchamber.co.uk.