The dedicated programme was unveiled at the second annual Strategic Mailing Partnership (SMP) conference, which features representatives from nearly 80 mailing houses.

The new free training initiative offers 100 places and is designed to help mailing houses promote "the value of direct mail in driving engagement, response and loyalty".

According to Jim Bulmer, head of mailing house development at Royal Mail, the development of the training scheme to help mailing houses promote the power of mail came in response to feedback from houses in the partnership.

"Our first year has been tremendous. It is a year that has seen the industry and Royal Mail working together better than ever with a huge increase in the partnership approach to make better mail," he added.

The launch of the programme coincided with the conference, which featured a speech from  Royal Mail chief executive Moya Greene.

"Royal Mail is committed to developing the Partnership and building on the successes already achieved," she said.