Royal Mail shares hit a high after it unveils plans for its first TV advert in six years

Royal Mail shares hit a high yesterday after it unveiled plans for its first TV advert in six years.
The group will promote its parcels business in a prime-time slot during the X-Factor tonight, and then again during Downton Abbey tomorrow night.
While the company’s letters business has been in decline, its parcels division is the fastest growing arm with collections expected to rise by 5.5 per cent a year.

Royal Mail delivers more than 1bn parcels a year.
Shares yesterday hit 574p, up 14p or 2.5 per cent, having climbed more than 74 per cent since floating at 330p.
Ministers have been accused of selling off the company on the cheap.
Before the float analysts said shares could be worth up to 599p – and could even climb to 1033p if the company cut staff costs while growing revenues.