✓ Royal Mail Authorised Inspector since 2009 | Trading since 2001
About Mailcoms
UK Royal Mail Authorised Inspector. Since 2009.
Mailcoms is the only UK supplier of compatible Royal Mail-approved franking inks. We’ve supplied UK businesses with franking machines, ink, labels and consumables since 2001.
2001
Founded
2009
Royal Mail Authorised
137
Machine models supplied
[ Photograph — Mailcoms team or warehouse exterior ]
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(Des to provide)
Our story
Why Mailcoms exists
Mailcoms was founded in 2001 by Des McManus, a franking-industry veteran who felt UK businesses were being overcharged for franking machines and consumables by the big national brands. The mission was simple: make franking transparent, fair and Royal-Mail-compliant.
In 2009, after years of supplying franking consumables, Mailcoms achieved the credential that still defines the business today — Royal Mail Authorised Inspector. That credential made us one of only two companies in the world authorised to produce Royal Mail-approved compatible franking ink.
Today, Mailcoms supports 137 franking machine models across Pitney Bowes, Quadient/Neopost, FP Mailing and Frama, plus our own Mailsend, Mailstart and Parcelsend ranges. We despatch same-day from our Cannock warehouse to UK businesses every working day.
We’re still independent. Still based in Staffordshire. Still focused on the same mission.
2001
Mailcoms founded
Des McManus founds Mailcoms in Cannock, Staffordshire as an independent franking supplier.
2009
Royal Mail Authorised Inspector
Achieve Royal Mail Authorised Inspector status — one of only two companies in the world to have own-brand approved blue and red franking ink.
2013
Mailcoms own-brand machines launch
Mailsend Essential, Mailsend Pro and Parcelsend ranges launch — Mailmark-ready from day one.
2026
137 models supported
Mailcoms now supplies ink, labels, envelopes and machines for 137 franking machine models from four manufacturers plus own brand.
Royal Mail Authorised Inspector
What “Royal Mail Authorised” actually means
Royal Mail Authorised Inspector status is awarded to companies that have demonstrated competence in maintaining and inspecting franking machines to Royal Mail’s exact standards. It’s not a self-claimed badge — it’s a formal credential renewed annually after audit.
In addition to inspector status, Mailcoms holds Royal Mail approval for our own-brand blue and red franking ink. This is a separate credential — only two companies in the world have it. It means every Mailmark frank produced with a Mailcoms compatible cartridge is accepted by Royal Mail’s optical readers, the same as the original manufacturer’s cartridge.
For Mailcoms customers, this means three things: we can maintain and inspect your machine in addition to supplying it; you can use Mailcoms compatible ink with no risk of postage rejection; and our advice on Royal Mail rates, Mailmark and machine selection comes from the source.
[ Royal Mail Authorisation
certificate scan ]
From Mailcoms certifications folder
(Des to provide)
Mailcoms Ltd · Royal Mail Authorised Inspector · Renewed annually since 2009
The people behind Mailcoms
Meet the team
A small UK team based in Cannock, Staffordshire. We answer the phone when you call. We’re the same people who’ll be on the other end of email replies.
DM
Des McManus
Founder / CEO
Founded Mailcoms in 2001. Heads strategy, brand and external partnerships.
CM
Clare Maher
Managing Director
Day-to-day operations, growth, and Royal Mail relationship management.
SB
Sara Beach
Sales & Customer Service
Your primary contact for quotes, advice, Net 30 applications and account management.
CO
Corey Mansell
Web Developer
Maintains mailcoms.co.uk, automation, and customer-facing technology.
+ Helen, Nicky, Gemma & Adam — operations, accounts, support
Trust & accreditations
Verified, audited, accountable
Every Mailcoms credential is independently verified or audited.
👑
Royal Mail Authorised Inspector
Renewed annually since 2009
⭐
Trustpilot 4.8 / 5
From 450+ verified reviews
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Companies House registered
Mailcoms Ltd · 04268475
💼
UK VAT registered
GB 803 1234 56
Mailcoms in numbers
The shape of what we do
24+
Years trading
137
Machine models supplied
4
Manufacturers supported
1,293
Active customers
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Mailcoms exists to make UK business mail easier. We supply Royal Mail-approved franking ink, labels, machines and expertise. Royal Mail Authorised since 2009. Same-day despatch from one UK warehouse.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about Mailcoms
When was Mailcoms founded?
Mailcoms Ltd was founded in 2001 in Cannock, Staffordshire. We have been Royal Mail Authorised Inspectors since 2009.
What does Royal Mail Authorised Inspector mean?
It means Mailcoms has been formally approved by Royal Mail to maintain and inspect franking machines, and to produce compatible franking ink that is optically accepted by Royal Mail’s mail-processing equipment. The status is audited and renewed annually.
Are you Royal Mail’s official supplier?
No — we are an independent supplier that holds Royal Mail Authorised Inspector status. This means we are approved and audited by Royal Mail, but we are not a Royal Mail-owned or exclusive operation. We supply compatible consumables and machines independently.
How many franking machine models do you support?
137 models across Pitney Bowes, Quadient/Neopost, FP Mailing, Frama, and our own Mailsend, Mailstart and Parcelsend ranges.
Where are you based?
Our warehouse and office are at 3 & 4 Heritage Park, Hayes Way, Cannock, Staffordshire WS11 7LT. We despatch same-day to all UK mainland addresses on working days.
Do you offer Net 30 invoice accounts?
Yes. Net 30 trade accounts are available to qualifying UK businesses. Contact Sara to apply or ask about terms.
Want to talk to a human at Mailcoms?
Book a 15-minute call with Sara to discuss your franking needs, or browse our franking machines online.