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)