PLANS have been delivered to operate Newquay’s main post office under a franchise.

The Post Office has selected independent franchise retail partner South Coast Retail based at Swanage in Dorset to run the branch in East Street.

It follows the Post Office stating it is moving to a fully franchised network as part of its commitment to deliver a ‘New Deal for postmasters.’

The last 108 directly managed branches operated by the Post Office will be franchised by the autumn subject to government funding.

A Post Office spokesperson said: “Moving to a fully franchised network is one part of enabling the Post Office to deliver a ‘New Deal for Postmasters’, helping to create a long-term, sustainable future for the Post Office.

“Our proposed franchise plans mean branches will continue to operate from the same premises while the long-term permanent proposal is confirmed, with customers being able to continue accessing the same products and services with the same opening hours.”

South Coast Management has been selected to operate the post offices as a franchise at 19 locations including Newquay, Liskeard, Bideford, Paignton, Teignmouth and Mutley in Plymouth.

The Post Office has focused on selecting candidates to operate the remaining directly managed branches that have a clear track record of successfully running branches and have the capacity and resources to take on branches in multiple locations. Applicants’ business plans, balance sheet strength and funding availability have been assessed as part of this process.

Liam Searle is at the helm of South Coast Retail in Dorset. He is the third generation of his family connected to Post Office branches. Both his grandmother and his dad worked at directly managed branches as counter clerks. His father’s career progressed to being an area manager before he took on Swanage Post Office when it was being franchised. Liam then took over as postmaster for Swanage in 2019. His dad still helps at his Swanage branch and runs the outreach services.

The 36-year-old now also operates successful branches in Dorchester, Sherborne, Swanage, and Weymouth, plus three outreach services for three communities in the Swanage area. A banking hub also opens in Sherborne in June. Liam runs a close-knit company with 50 employees. The retail offering at his branches is cards, stationery, gifts and soft drinks.