Scottish newcomer lays out ambition to challenge Hays' English DX monopolyLegal Post: new mail network established with support of Law Society of ScotlandEngland and Wales could soon see an end to the Hays Document Exchange monopoly, as a system is launched in Scotland this week with plans eventually to move south of the border.The Legal Post (Scotland) was set up in partnership with the Law Society of Scotland.

It provides a secure mail exchange network throughout 95% of Scotland, and claims to offer rates 20% cheaper than Hays DX due to lower overheads and concentration on a single market.Beryl Tough, director of The Legal Post (Scotland), said the operation was set up as a result of what she contends is widespread dissatisfaction with the systems now available.

'Almost every week, the journal of the Scottish Law Society would feature a letter from a solicitor fed up with the cost and the service of his current document exchange system,' she said.

'As a result, we approached the Scottish Law Society with the aim of setting up an alternative service'.The Law Society of Scotland has a 20% share in the company and the first address under the new system (LP1, Edinburgh 1).

A spokesperson said the society was aware 'of a growing unhappiness in the legal profession with the existing service.

The Legal Post had spotted a gap in the market, so we decided to support it'.Ms Tough said there are plans to move into the English market.

'Much of our work involves delivering deeds to banks and building societies south of the border, so we're hoping to encourage them to use us to send mail back'.

However, she stressed: 'Our initial aim is to ensure that the Scottish legal profession is well served'.Hays DX had no comment.Victoria MacCallum