Printforce Netherlands has partnered with UK based, global logistics specialist Air Business to provide publishers with a more efficient route into the UK market, combining European Print-on-Demand production with local UK tracked postal delivery.
Following Brexit, distribution to the UK from the EU has become more complex with increased costs, longer delivery times and reduced predictability. This new route enables publishers to produce high‑quality print in the Netherlands while benefiting from domestic UK delivery prices and standards.
Fast, local and reliable
The model works as follows: Printforce produces the publications on demand, then Air Business picks them up daily and transports them to the UK. Once across the border, the shipments are presented directly to Royal Mail‘s network. As a result, they are treated as domestic mail. For publishers, this means access to competitive UK postal rates, a highly reliable level of service and door-to-door delivery that is typically completed within 72 hours.
The solution is supported by Air Business’s Consero platform, which manages shipping data, label generation and compliance requirements at source. By preparing items for UK delivery before they leave the EU, the process reduces manual intervention, minimises errors and provides end to end visibility from production to delivery.
For UK publishers, this approach offers a compelling commercial advantage. Publishers can opt for EU-based production – often more cost-effective – without facing higher distribution costs or extended delivery times. Initial results from clients using this route include fewer delivery related enquiries and a reduction in “where is my order” requests.
The collaboration is also designed to scale. Books and publications are VAT exempt in the UK and Royal Mail is actively supporting EU–UK trade routes, making the model commercially attractive for publishers with growing UK readerships.
Directors’ statements
Thom Ringsma Managing Director from Printforce comments:
“This partnership gives publishers greater flexibility in how they produce and distribute print for the UK market. They can continue to benefit from high‑quality, efficient production in Europe while accessing domestic UK delivery standards. It’s a practical solution to a challenge many publishers are still navigating.”
Phil Holland, Director of Global e-Commerce Account Management at Air Business comments:
“Publishers need distribution routes that are predictable, scalable and commercially viable post Brexit. By combining Printforce’s European Print-on-Demand capability with local UK postal injection, we’ve created a route that removes cross border friction while maintaining delivery speed, cost control and full visibility from production to doorstep.”
Together, Printforce and Air Business are providing publishers with a practical, reliable and cost‑effective way to serve the UK market – without compromising on quality, speed or customer experience.
