THANKS A MILLION. PRACTICE MANAGER REWARDED FOR PLACING DOCMAIL’S ONE MILLIONTH ORDER!

From left to right, Dr Meenal Gor, receptionist Liz Jackson, and practice manager Jenny Gordon, receive the cheque from Jon Marsh, commercial director of CFH.

The Chadsfield Medical Practice in Stockport has been given an early Christmas present in the form of a cheque for £1,000 from print and post company Docmail.

Jenny Gordon, the practice manager at Chadsfield Medical Practice placed the one millionth order with Docmail – and was delighted to find out how significant her simple click of the mouse turned out to be.

Docmail is a print and post solution which allows organisations both large and small to benefit from savings in administrative time and postage costs. Faster, more cost-effective and secure, Docmail relieves the labour intensive task of a manual postal mailing.

Docmail lets you write, print and post personalised correspondence through Docmail’s online portal. All you do is compose the letter, select your recipients from your address database, and let Docmail do the rest, safe in the knowledge your mailing will reach its recipients securely, and looking just as professional as if you’d sent it yourself.

The Chadsfield Medical Practice has Docmail integrated into its EMIS patient information software, which has the added advantage for practices of updating the patient’s record with a copy of the correspondence.

Jenny Gordon, practice manager at The Chadsfield Medical Practice says, “We have been using Docmail for our patient mailings, and I have to say it most definitely does what it says on the tin. It’s quick, easy to use and has saved us money. The Docmail team has been very helpful and we now use the system for our QOF mailings such as diabetic reviews, asthma clinics and COPD reviews. Our mailings now take minutes instead of hours.”

Mrs Gordon has said that they will use the £1,000 for a forward planning away-day for practice staff in the New Year.

Dave Broadway, managing director of CFH, providers of the Docmail solution, says, “Reaching our one millionth order is a significant landmark for Docmail. Whether used alone, or as part of the EMIS package, Docmail can make life considerably easier for practices at a time when everyone is under immense pressure. Staff can compile their personalised correspondence via the secure portal and with the click of a mouse, action, print and post at less than the cost of a second class stamp.

“Docmail is a hugely innovative development and is the way forward for practices who want to save time and money in their patient communications whilst maintaining the highest standards.”

http://www.docmail.co.uk

For further information, contact:
Dave Broadway, CFH Total Document Management, Tel: 01761 416311
docmail.co.uk

Mailshots don’t need to be expensive!

Candidates in the elections for police and crime commissioners in England and Wales are calling for a state-funded mailshot to all voters http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19251766.

Mailshots don’t need to be expensive, and the managing director of print and post company Docmail, has a message for Ann Barnes, the independent candidate in Kent who is handing a letter into 10 Downing Street today, calling for a state-funded mail shot for all candidates.

Dave Broadway says, “Physical mail remains an important means of getting your message out to all voters.

“But it doesn’t have to be expensive.

“By using Docmail’s print and post service, Ann and all candidates could send out their manifesto to the electorate at a fraction of the cost of traditional mail services. We’d be happy to help all candidates get best value for money from their budgets.”

Docmail is an internet based print and mail solution which enables individuals and companies to send direct mailings without the labour intensity of physical printing, enveloping and printing. Prices start at far less than the cost of a second class stamp.

http://www.docmail.co.uk

For further information, contact:
Dave Broadway, CFH Total Document Management, Tel: 01761 416311
docmail.co.uk

Death of Handwriting

Research commissioned from print and post specialist Docmail has revealed the average person hasn’t written by hand for 41 days.

The full extent to which technology has taken over our lives was shown in a study of 2,000 Brits - one in three hasn’t had cause to hand write anything properly for over six months.

Gone are the days of handwritten phone-books, writing reminders or noting something on the calendar – the study revealed all of these are now more likely to be done without using a pen.

And two thirds of people say if they do still handwrite something, it’s usually for their eyes only – mostly hastily scribbled reminders or a quick note.

The research found that more than half the study no longer takes pride in their handwriting.

Yesterday, Dave Broadway, managing director for Docmail, said: “It’s a shame that handwriting is in general decline, but that’s come about from the need for convenience and communication that is clear and quick.

“People by habit will always look for shortcuts or to make their life easier, and that’s the reason technology is so prominent in our everyday lives.

“What will always be of importance is the quality of what we’re communicating and how we convey ourselves. Handwriting will always carry a sentimental value but inevitably makes way when it comes to the need to be efficient.

“The only time we see handwriting used in Docmail is when someone includes a scanned signature in a letter they have uploaded to our service. Even a scanned signature is still seen to add that personal touch that digital print can’t convey.”

One in five can’t remember the last time they had to write something neatly.

Over half of the study admits their handwriting has noticeably declined over time – with one in seven people very ashamed of the standard of their written word.

Today, creating a shopping list, taking notes in a meeting or even wishing someone a happy birthday are more often done via electronics.

A third said that when they do write something down, they often struggle to read their own writing when coming back to it later on.

And nearly half (44%) said that their scribing is neither nice nor easy to read.

A sixth of Brits don’t even think handwriting should still be taught in schools.

The decline in handwriting quality was blamed mostly on the lack of a place for it in the average modern life, with the need to be able to reach many people and constantly edit documents quickly crucial.

Indeed, forty per cent of people claim that when they do have to write it never needs to be neat, so they stop trying. And one in three said they used to have smart handwriting but that today their style is much scruffier- the same number would get someone else to write for them if it had to be smart and presentable.

Four in ten Brits rely on predictive text and increasingly rely on it for their spelling, with one in four regularly using abbreviations or ‘text talk.’

LOL (laugh out loud), U (you) and FYI (for your information) are the most regularly used abbreviations.

One in three Brits describe handwriting as ‘nice’ but not something they would want to do every day.

Dave Broadway, managing director for Docmail print and post, continued: “Technology puts everyone on a level playing field when it comes to the ability to communicate clearly.

“For business matters and occasions that require speed, clarity and cost efficiency or delivering to a wide audience, a technology-based solution will always be the most beneficial.

“But even if its usefulness is reduced, it’s important that people maintain their ability to communicate without a full reliance on technology.”

TOP 10 TEXT ABBREVIATIONS

1. LOL (laugh out loud)
2. U (you)
3. FYI (for your information)
4. R (are)
5. 4 (for)
6. 2 (too/ to)
7. OMG (Oh my God)
8. Gr8 (great)
9. MSG (message)
10. K (OK)

See coverage of this research in the Mail OnLine

For further information, contact:
Dave Broadway, CFH Total Document Management, Tel: 01761 416311
docmail.co.uk

Docmail chosen for the Simple Ways to Grow package

Print and post solution Docmail has been chosen for a new Royal Mail business services package aimed at helping smaller companies grow and manage their affairs more effectively.

Developers of Docmail at Radstock based CFH, have been working with Royal Mail in the development of the new Simple Ways to Grow package, which offers small businesses a portfolio of essential, easy to use business services.

Royal Mail consulted with a wide range of small firms, from start-ups to established businesses, to help choose both the right services and the right service providers. Each service provider is both an expert in its own field and in helping small businesses grow and manage their affairs – key criteria to join the scheme.

Docmail has been selected as a service provider for its on-line design, print and mail service, which offers small businesses an innovative and cost effective approach to direct mail, as well as individual customer correspondence. Operated via a secure on-line portal, Docmail allow customers to upload their personalised correspondence which is then printed and posted by Docmail, at a fraction of the time and cost normally taken for the traditional method of printing and stuffing envelopes.

Dave Broadway, managing director of Docmail, says, “Simple Ways to Grow is an innovative approach to small business services. The inclusion of Docmail means that customers have instant access to one of the fastest growing hybrid mail solutions in the UK.”

Other services within Simple Ways to Grow, all available in a very affordable package include website design; data base provision; email design and send platform; parcel postage discounts; an accountancy tool and stationery. Royal Mail is already talking with other potential service providers in order to expand the range on offer such as legal advice, financial services and apps.

The consortium believes the most likely subscribers will be start-ups and micro businesses or not-for-profit organisations with less than 10 employees or less than £2m turnover – the engine room of the UK economy.

The packages start from just £28 pcm with no upfront costs. Customers can pay by credit card over the phone and be up and running immediately so could potentially have a fully operational website within a day and have a list of potential customers that they’ve written to by post.

For more information go to www.simplewaystogrow.com or call 0845 605 7023

CFH SIGNS UP TO CARBON LOCKUP SCHEME

CFH Total Document Management has signed up to Woodland Carbon, the Woodland Trust’s carbon removal scheme. As part of its ongoing commitment to reducing its own environmental impacts, CFH will be removing the carbon emitted from its print and post Docmail service by planting trees through the scheme.

Dave Broadway, managing director of CFH, says: “Investing in carbon in the UK has a strong message to our customers and stakeholders that we are committed to sustainable business practice. Running alongside our own Toptree Initiative, we are anticipating locking up 800 tonnes of carbon this year.

“Customers using our Docmail print and post service can be confident that they are contributing to the creation of new UK woodland, vital for the capture and storage of carbon. Climate change is a major long term threat to woodland in this country, and by joining Woodland Carbon we can play our own part in tackling the results of climate change.”

One of the Woodland Trust’s original corporate partners, CFH recently renewed its commitment for a further five years. When it was first launched fifteen years ago, CFH was one of the first companies to link tree planting with the use of sustainably sourced paper products, and was indeed ground-breaking for a print and mail company.

Sue East of the Woodland Trust says, “Deforestation accounts for one fifth of global carbon emissions, more than the combined emissions of every vehicle on the planet. The Trust’s Woodland Carbon scheme offers a unique way to capture and store carbon emissions and at the same time helps reforest the UK. We are delighted that CFH has extended its commitment to the Woodland Trust by joining this scheme.”

As part of its ongoing programme to reduce its environmental impacts, CFH has recently undertaken a two year partnership with the University of the West of England, which has identified a number of measures to reduce the company’s overall energy usage by at least 15%. CFH has adopted an incremental approach to energy reduction finding that the most cost-effective way to reduce energy use is to examine every part of the company’s processes and allow a series of small improvements to make significant overall reductions.

Dave Broadway adds: “It has always been our policy to make genuine changes to our business processes to reduce our environmental impact, not just a paper 'tick the box' exercise. Our work with UWE will introduce fundamental changes to the way we run our business.

"The energy saving potential here at CFH is huge. At CFH we estimate we currently spend around £1/2 million each year on energy, and if we can reduce this cost then that is an enormous boost to the company.”

CFH, which also owns FST Technologies based in Livingston and East Kilbride, Scotland, has achieved ISO 14001 accreditation, alongside chain of custody accreditation from both the FSC (Forestry Stewardship Council) and PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification), promoting responsible management of the world’s forests and assuring customers of a secure chain of custody from timber through to finished printed product. CFH is based on a 10 acre site at St Peter’s Park in Radstock, near Bath. Each year the company produces around 350 million critical documents.

Team Docmail runs the Bath Half Marathon

Team Docmail is joined by Ted, the mascot of the Bath Royal United Hospital Forever Friends appeal.

Team Docmail ran the Bath Half Marathon, and thanks to their exhaustive efforts have so far raised over £6,000 for Bath’s Royal United Hospital “Space for Cancer Care” appeal.

CFH Docmail has actively supported the Bath RUH for a number of years. And the chance of adding to the fundraising appeal through entering a team for the Bath Half Marathon was too good an opportunity to miss. Docmail entered its own team of 12 runners, as well as sponsoring the RUH’s own Forever Friends Ted’s Team.

Dave Broadway, managing director of CFH Docmail says, “It was an unseasonably warm day, and made it a real challenge for everybody. But we all finished the race, making it a very worthwhile and exciting event.

“Cancer has sadly affected several of our staff and families here at CFH, so this is a fundraising appeal close to all our hearts.”
Team Docmail member Sam Selway led the challenge, finishing 1,256th out of a field of 12,000, and posting a very respectable time of 1 hour 37 minutes.

Congratulations to all involved. If anyone wishes to contribute to the fundraising for RUH Space for Cancer Care, they can do so through the CFH Docmail JustGiving page.

The Space for Cancer Care appeal is aiming to raise £650,000 for a new Gamma-CT Scanner. This important piece of diagnostic equipment is able to combine two different types of imaging allowing doctors to identify even the earliest abnormality and accurately pinpoint its location for subsequent radiotherapy treatment.

Images of Team Docmail in action may be found here.

CFH KEEPS PLANTING TREES THANKS TO ITS COMMITMENT TO THE WOODLAND TRUST

Jonathan Burgess, Woodland Trust (left) with Jon Marsh, CFH (right) and students from Norton Hill School, Radstock.

One of The Woodland Trust’s original corporate partners, CFH has been a firm supporter of the organisation through its Toptree Initiative.

When it was first launched fifteen years ago, The Toptree Initiative was one of the first corporate schemes to link tree planting with the use of sustainably sourced paper products, and was indeed ground-breaking for a print company.

By using Toptree supported printed paper products, CFH customers throughout the UK ensure that twice as many trees are planted in Woodland Trust woods and forests as were used to make the paper in the first place. As a result, the Toptree Initiative has added over 76,000 new broadleaf deciduous trees to woodlands in the UK since its inception.

By continuing its relationship with the Woodland Trust for a further five years, CFH is reaffirming its credentials as a company passionate about sustainability.

Dave Broadway, the firm’s managing director says, “I am 100% committed to sustainability in all its forms. With the environmental challenges we face today, conservation is not enough. We need restoration. Through our Toptree Initiative, we help plant trees to help regenerate UK woodland for all to enjoy.

“As well as our links with The Woodland Trust, as a company we are currently undertaking a two year project with the University of the West of England, which we estimate will enable us to save around 20% on our energy use.”

Sue East of the Woodland Trust says, “The commitment of CFH has been invaluable over the past fifteen years in helping us keep planting more native trees throughout the UK. We are delighted that they are continuing in their pledge to support us for the next five years.”

CFH has marked its relationship with The Woodland Trust at a tree planting at its local secondary school. Norton Hill School is joining in the Woodland Trust’s Jubilee Woods campaign, which is aiming to plant one million trees in the month of February and six million trees throughout the year. The school has received 60 trees (a mix of birch, rowan and cherry) and a Royal Oak sapling from the Woodland Trust which they are planting in the school grounds.

CFH is currently developing a programme with the school which will encourage students in their cross-curriculum studies of sustainability and environmental issues.

In its own support of the Jubilee Woods campaign, CFH has created a special postal indicia which is currently running on all envelopes mailed through the company’s Docmail print and post service. Encouraging everyone to Plant a Tree for the Jubilee, CFH is hoping its contribution will encourage individuals and businesses to help the Woodland Trust reach its six million tree target.

The Woodland Trust project aims to create hundreds of Jubilee Woods throughout the UK, and 60 special Diamond Woods, transforming the UK landscape in a generation and providing a lasting and meaningful tribute for many years to come. This includes the Trust's exciting new flagship Diamond Wood in the heart of The National Forest in Leicestershire, a haven for wildlife and a wonderful monument to Her Majesty, open for all to enjoy.

CFH is a £28 million print and mail business, employing some 200 staff, based near Bath, Somerset. With litho and digital print (including digital colour), mail enclosing and sortation, an access agreement with Royal Mail, and as a licensed postal operator, CFH provides clients with a 'supply chain under one roof', going from plain paper to the final document, to the final user of that document, and to the final mile of delivery. CFH is the provider of Docmail, the market leading hybrid mail service.

The new indicia supporting the Woodland Trust's Jubilee Wood scheme in 2012.

Print and post provider CFH Docmail has launched its first commemorative indicia which encourages everyone to Plant a Tree for the Jubilee.

In support of the Woodland Trust’s Jubilee Woods campaign, the new indicia will be used on all envelopes mailed through the Docmail service during January and February this year.

In celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the Jubilee Woods campaign aims to plant six million trees during 2012, including 60 special diamond woods throughout the UK.

As a longstanding corporate supporter of the Woodland Trust, CFH Total Document Management, creator of the brand Docmail, is delighted to be lending its support to the new campaign. Over the last 15 years, CFH has been contributing to the Woodland Trust’s planting programme through its own Toptree Initiative. By requesting Toptree supported products, CFH customers ensure that twice as many trees are planted in Woodland Trust woods and forests as were used to make the paper in the first place. As a result, the Toptree Initiative has added over 76,000 new broadleaf deciduous trees to woodlands in the UK.

This is the first time that Docmail has used a stamp like indicia to commemorate a special event. The second in the series will be launched for the Olympics this summer.

Dave Broadway, managing director of CFH Total Document Management says; “Some three million people will see the Jubilee Woods indicia over the January and February period. It’s a great way to help the Woodland Trust raise awareness for the Jubilee Woods campaign, and contribute to the planting of six million trees this year.”

The Woodland Trust project aims to create hundreds of Jubilee Woods throughout the UK, and 60 special Diamond Woods, transforming the UK landscape in a generation and providing a lasting and meaningful tribute for many years to come. This includes the Trust's exciting new flagship Diamond Wood in the heart of The National Forest in Leicestershire, a haven for wildlife and a wonderful monument to Her Majesty, open for all to enjoy.

“By helping encourage everyone to “Plant a tree for the Jubilee” we join with the Woodland Trust’s hope that neighbours, communities, schools and families will come together to plant thousands of individual trees in their gardens, playgrounds and community spaces – each taking the chance to mark this special moment in history in a way that will stay with them forever,” says Mr Broadway.