In the three months since it was announced, the SMP has amassed more than 100 members, including direct mail printers from across the country.

Speakers at its launch conference, which will be held in London on 13 May, include Royal Mail managing director Mark Higson, Watson Phillips Norman managing director John Watson, and Mike Colling, managing director of Mike Colling and Company.

Former Postwatch vice-chair Judith Donovan, who has been appointed independent chair to the SMP, said: "Mailing houses can be considered the unsung heroes of the direct mail industry because their efforts and expertise are often overlooked.

"The partnership was set up to bring the views and concerns of mailing houses to the fore, and the need for a collective industry voice is clearly desired."

DM printers interested in joining the SMP and attending the event should contact helen.poole@royalmail.com.

See page 22 of this week's edition of PrintWeek for an exclusive interview with independent chair of the SMP Judith Donovan or check printweek.com's In Depth section on Friday.