Menu
02/04/2004
Businesses get option to block 'cold calling' marketeers
From June this year UK businesses will get the same right as individuals to block 'cold calling' by marketing firms under a new measure announced today.
The move comes in response to concerns expressed by small businesses that they do not have the resources to cope with high volumes of cold calls.
UK businesses have the choice to opt out of direct marketing calls by writing to the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) and registering the relevant phone numbers. They will be given an annual reminder of those numbers in case they no longer need to be covered.
Registration will be free for corporate subscribers, as it is for individuals. However, corporate subscribers will be required to register in writing (e.g. by post, e-mail or fax) in order to safeguard against bogus or inappropriate registrations (individuals may also register by phone). The change will take effect from 25 June 2004.
The TPS was set up in 1999 and direct marketing firms have a legal obligation to check and comply with the list before calling, failure to do so can result in enforcement action by the Information Commissioner.
Communications Minister Stephen Timms said: "Well-targeted phone marketing can be a powerful tool but not all businesses are geared up to this and for small businesses in particular unwanted cold calls can be a real burden.
"Extending the right to register on the TPS to corporate subscribers will give businesses the right to opt out if they do not want this form of marketing."
(gmcg)
The move comes in response to concerns expressed by small businesses that they do not have the resources to cope with high volumes of cold calls.
UK businesses have the choice to opt out of direct marketing calls by writing to the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) and registering the relevant phone numbers. They will be given an annual reminder of those numbers in case they no longer need to be covered.
Registration will be free for corporate subscribers, as it is for individuals. However, corporate subscribers will be required to register in writing (e.g. by post, e-mail or fax) in order to safeguard against bogus or inappropriate registrations (individuals may also register by phone). The change will take effect from 25 June 2004.
The TPS was set up in 1999 and direct marketing firms have a legal obligation to check and comply with the list before calling, failure to do so can result in enforcement action by the Information Commissioner.
Communications Minister Stephen Timms said: "Well-targeted phone marketing can be a powerful tool but not all businesses are geared up to this and for small businesses in particular unwanted cold calls can be a real burden.
"Extending the right to register on the TPS to corporate subscribers will give businesses the right to opt out if they do not want this form of marketing."
(gmcg)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 August 2018
Cross-Border Expansion Workshop Announced By Innovation Factory
The Innovation Factory has announced a free workshop aimed at helping businesses explore expansion into new cross-border territories.
Cross-Border Expansion Workshop Announced By Innovation Factory
The Innovation Factory has announced a free workshop aimed at helping businesses explore expansion into new cross-border territories.
02 October 2012
UK Business Awards Launched
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and Streamline has launched a new UK-wide business awards programme to promote and celebrate innovation and success in small businesses across the UK.
UK Business Awards Launched
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and Streamline has launched a new UK-wide business awards programme to promote and celebrate innovation and success in small businesses across the UK.
06 August 2009
Tesco Cuts Out Landfills
Retail giant Tesco has diverted all of its Northern Ireland waste away from landfills over the last 12 months, it has been revealed. Tesco bosses have also implemented several 'environmentally friendly' solutions into store nationwide.
Tesco Cuts Out Landfills
Retail giant Tesco has diverted all of its Northern Ireland waste away from landfills over the last 12 months, it has been revealed. Tesco bosses have also implemented several 'environmentally friendly' solutions into store nationwide.
27 October 2003
UK's poor transport network 'tarnishes' business reputation
The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has issue a stark warning to the government today, accusing it of failing to improve a transport system that was "tarnishing" the UK's reputation as a place to do business.
UK's poor transport network 'tarnishes' business reputation
The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has issue a stark warning to the government today, accusing it of failing to improve a transport system that was "tarnishing" the UK's reputation as a place to do business.
31 May 2002
Trade Awards mark North South co-operation
The InterTradeIreland All-Island Trade Awards in the Waterfront Hall marked the increasing importance of the contribution of cross-border businesses throughout Ireland.
Trade Awards mark North South co-operation
The InterTradeIreland All-Island Trade Awards in the Waterfront Hall marked the increasing importance of the contribution of cross-border businesses throughout Ireland.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
