Construction fails to cash in on Christmas

Nearly two-thirds of construction firms (61%) don't send Christmas cards - and could be losing business as a result, according to the Royal Mail.

Construction is one of the lowest card-sending industries in the UK; only agriculture/mining (66%), retail (71%), catering (81%) and finance (90%) are worse. According to the Royal Mail's research, more than half (54%) of businesses that receive a Christmas card from a supplier make repeat purchases with that supplier.

Royal Mail head of small business Tim Rivett said: "Sending Christmas cards to customers provides construction firms with an opportunity to keep in touch and stand out against their competitors. Businesses should view the festive mail-out as a simple, cost-effective marketing tool."