Parcel delivery firms need to show innovation in order to stand out from the competition, according to an expert.

Parcel delivery firms must ensure they continue to develop their services and innovate in order to stand out in the sector.

This is according to Walter Blackwood, former managing director of HDNL, RoadTransport.com reported.

Mr Blackwood made his remarks at the Mail and Express Delivery Show in London this week.

Also at the event was Don Arnold, an independent consultant and the former group operations director at DHL Express UK and Ireland, who commented to Post & Parcel that the event provides a "great opportunity" for parcel delivery firms to get together and discuss their current challenges.

One challenge that recently impacted the delivery of parcels and packages throughout Europe was last week's eruption of a volcano in Iceland.

With UK airspace closed for several days following the incident, many courier firms were forced to make alternate arrangements when delivering packages to and from North America and Europe.

Article Added: 23/04/2010 16:57:25