Birmingham's small firms have the chance to find out how the opening of the UK postal market will benefit them at a free small business forum run by Postcomm - the independent postal regulator.

From January 2006, Royal Mail will lose its monopoly on collecting, sorting and distributing mail and the market will be open to competition

Postcomm is holding a half-day forum to provide SMEs in the Birmingham to explain how the changes could affect their business and what opportunities a competitive market offers.

Firms attending the forum will also be able to hear from some of the key organisations involved, including Royal Mail and Postwatch, the consumer watchdog for postal services.

The forum will take place from 9.30am at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole on Tuesday November 8.

If you want to be there, call Jessica Collett on 020 7593 2156 or send an email to jessica.collett@psc.gov.uk