CFH spent the 2024 General Election period overseeing the crucial print output of 46 valued local council clients, with millions of poll cards provided, crucial postal vote packs mailed and ballot papers diligently dispatched.
During the proceeding months, our marketing team took the opportunity to speak directly with council representatives to better understand their perspectives on the period, as well as take on direct feedback to enhance our service for future elections. Discussing the General Election process in detail with 6 of our valued local council clients and publishing in-depth case studies for each, the team collected some of the noteworthy comments and areas of focus.
Quality of print is an important consideration for our clients, with premium paper stocks required to produce suitable poll cards, ballot papers and more. The standard of product printed by CFH was mentioned as a particular positive by the Democratic Services Manager of Stevenage Borough Council. Postal packs provided by CFH were of “noticeably higher quality” compared to the printed output of other providers – with the documents also formatted in such a way that they are easy to understand and clear.
With various print outputs possible due to the impressive resources available to us on-site, we’re able to produce and post documents to the exact specifications of council clients. This could be in a slightly different format, finish or template, and we’re always happy to adjust accordingly. Welwyn Hatfield Council were particularly impressed by the product variations we provided, including gummed ballot books, which were well suited to their needs.
Welwyn Hatfield were one of many councils to praise our one-piece mailer option - an all-in-one printed product that contains crucial voter information in one handy document, instead of across multiple sheets. Containing this information within one sheet and envelope saves councils a considerable amount on postage, and increases convenience, with all necessary details in one place.
With a team of experienced electoral specialists, CFH have been overseeing public sector client communications for over 25 years, during which time we have established organised and clear structures to the way we operate. In conversation with Bedford Borough Council, their Democratic and Electoral Services Manager highlighted the peace of mind this clear approach represents, with the team outlining processes well in advance - sticking to timescales in a punctual and clear manner.
The “transparent and organised” CFH Managed process begins with adequate preparations being put in place before an election is even called. Developments are tracked, paper stocks are acquired, and meetings are pre-scheduled well in advance.
An initial detailed elections questionnaire is sent to confirm requirements and following verification of required volumes, an order confirmation is issued to line up with the questionnaire. Our council clients are given the option to check proofs either online or on-site, before the necessary volume is printed as required at our facilities. This adds an extra layer of security to the procedure, minimising mistakes and potential errors.
Dedicated personal support and regular assurances throughout the print process provide crucial clarity to councils that the election print operation is running smoothly. Happy to provide guidance, the experts at CFH are “like an extension of the team” for Spelthorne Borough Council. Feedback from the Electoral Services Manager was that we’re receptive to ideas, willing to work to tight deadlines and operate in an “efficient and reactive manner”.
Ultimately, the relationship “surpasses that of a print provider and client”, with a real professional connection having built up over the course of multiple election periods. Over the course of the 2024 General Election the CFH team were happy to complete proofing outside of hours and provide accurate communication throughout the weeks. The friendly historic relationships between CFH and our long-term clients means we know the way in which they like to operate and can act accordingly.
We take great pride in the fact that many of our council clients have continued to trust CFH Print UK with their election print requirements for a number of years, relying on us to deliver an exceptional service time and time again. Many of these connections have been in place for upwards of a decade, with Basildon Borough Council one such dedicated partnership - built upon a strong foundation of 11 years. Throughout this time, a real rapport and mutual understanding has formed. Many council representatives throughout the process of case study calls have directed praise towards individual members of our elections team – just highlighting the importance of these genuine relationships.
Described as providing an “exceptional service” and “going above and beyond”, clients such as Basildon Borough Council and Blaby District Council are comfortable with communicating their requirements. Collaboration over the course of subsequent local and police and crime commissioner elections just consolidate these connections. With a sense of prioritisation and immediacy, informed decisions can be agreed during even the busiest periods, with the team happy to jump on a call, pick up the phone or quickly reply to emails.
With positive feedback across the board for the level of service provided by our entire electoral team, the quality of our printed output and the clear organised structure of the entire approach, we’re delighted to share these responses. Such favourable feedback is testament to the hard work of all the teams involved in supporting our clients during elections. We look forward to strengthening these existing relationships with continued assistance throughout upcoming election periods.
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During the 2024 General Election, CFH Print UK solutions provided hassle-free electoral communications for Bedford Borough Council and their residents.
CFH Print UK partnered with Welwyn Hatfield Council for the 2024 general election, printing 186,000+ documents in 6 weeks. The council praised CFH's quality and timeliness.
General election professionals provide a complete service for southwest Leicestershire district mail output
With an existing relationship in place, Stevenage Borough Council were confident working with CFH leading up to and throughout the 2024 General Election.
Spelthorne Council's 6-year partnership with CFH Print UK ensured a smooth 2024 General Election. Efficient communication, on-site checks, and 190,000+ documents delivered in 6 weeks.
Basildon Council partners with CFH Print UK for efficient print and post services during the 2024 snap General Election, delivering over 300,000 electoral documents on time.
CFH Print UK solution provides a hassle-free alternative to sending electoral communications to residents under Cambridge City Council.
