Irish small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will gain a new tool to overcome post-Brexit trading hurdles with the launch of UK Direct, a postal service operated by An Post in partnership with Royal Mail. The service provides end-to-end parcel delivery and returns solutions for businesses exporting to Britain.
UK Direct offers pre-cleared UK customs, three-day e-commerce parcel delivery, integrated tracking, and a returns service. An Post described the service as a “seamless route” for SMEs to access Britain’s 69 million consumers, enabling firms to sell, ship, and scale with fewer obstacles.
The company highlighted that Irish SMEs continue to face “complexity, cost and considerable delays” when exporting to the UK due to additional paperwork and compliance requirements introduced after Brexit. A 2024 survey by the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland found that 34% of SMEs had reduced or stopped selling to British customers, with 26% scaling back operations and 8% ceasing trade entirely.
David McRedmond, Chief Executive of An Post, said UK Direct “reopens that market for businesses facing the challenges posed by Brexit.” He emphasized that Ireland’s 400,000-plus SMEs form the backbone of the national economy and that the service “removes barriers to trade, providing Irish SMEs with access to over 69 million new customers.” McRedmond added that the system allows firms to focus on growth opportunities and delivering high-quality retail experiences, without being tied down by customs procedures or red tape.
The initiative has drawn support from industry leaders. Simon McKeever, Chief Executive of the Irish Exporters Association, described UK Direct as “a positive shift in how Ireland can do business with our nearest neighbour,” noting that it opens access to a “massive market ready and waiting for quality Irish products.”
British Ambassador to Ireland, Kara Owen, welcomed the collaboration between An Post and Royal Mail, calling UK Direct a “simple, dependable way” for businesses on both sides of the Irish Sea to reach their customers. She noted that facilitating everyday commerce strengthens the €2 billion-a-week trading relationship between the UK and Ireland and supports communities and consumers across both countries.
Firms can now register for UK Direct, which offers a turn-key solution including advance customs payments, three-day delivery with end-to-end tracking, and a returns system, making it easier for Irish SMEs to navigate post-Brexit challenges and expand into the UK market.
This launch positions An Post as a central facilitator in restoring trade links and easing logistical challenges for Irish businesses, helping them compete effectively in Britain despite the complexities of the post-Brexit trading environment.
