Dutch postal company PostNL increased both turnover and net profit in 2014, despite the fall-off in letter delivery volumes.

Turnover rose 2% to €4.25bn while net profit reached €226m, compared with a 2013 loss. This was due to a write-off on the investment in TNT Express.

The amount of letters and cards delivered by PostNL fell nearly 11% last year but this was largely offset by an increase in stamp prices. Prices went up again on January 1 this year.

However, online shopping boosted PostNL’s package delivery arm, which delivered nearly 9% more parcels than in 2013.

The company said it is continuing to expand its services by offering Sunday parcel deliveries, evening delivery and more pick-up points.