16 December 2004

DMA AND BPIF collaborate to share best practice

The Direct Marketing Association (DMA) and BPIF have agreed a collaborative deal enabling both associations to share best practice and work towards improving efficiency in print thereby reducing waste. BPIF regional director and manager of the BPIF’s Direct Marketing and Special Products section (DMSP) Marcus Clifford, said: “Both organisations have a strong vested interest in ensuring that direct mail continues to be a cost-effective and environmentally sound method of communication. Digital printing with mass personalisation achieves both these objectives by increasing customer response rates and cutting wastage. By working together we will be able to exploit the full range of technology available to meet customer needs.” This partnership between the DMA and BPIF will benefit the membership of both associations, as each association’s members will be offered discounted rates to the others’ seminars and networking opportunities. Mike Barnes, DMA Director of Marketing and Business Development commented: “The DMA has a in-depth knowledge of industry best practice, legislation affecting dm, and the changing nature of direct marketing. It is vital that, to benefit the industry, we are able to share this knowledge with as wide an audience as possible and this partnership with the BPIF is key in helping us achieve this goal. The DMA runs over 80 events a year, covering all areas of direct marketing and the laws and best practice guidelines that govern them. Greater communication between customers and suppliers will enable delegates to exchange ideas, network and improve their skills and knowledge of direct marketing.” The BPIF and the DMA are also supporting the International Direct Marketing Fair taking place on 22-24 February at Earls Court, London. For the first time, the event will host a Digital Print Pavilion to promote the benefits of digital printing to the direct marketing community. BPIF members can take advantage of member discounts for DMA events by visiting www.dma.org.uk. For more information on the BPIF’s special interest groups visit www.britishprint.com/sigs. -ENDS- Editor’s Notes About the Direct Marketing Association (UK) Ltd (DMA) The DMA UK is the largest trade association in the marketing communications sector, with over 900 corporate members. The DMA’s mission is to maximise value for members, whilst maintaining and enhancing consumer trust and confidence in the direct marketing industry. To assist, the DMA administers a portfolio of Preference Services that allow consumers to register their contact details, free of charge, should they choose to reduce the amount of direct marketing approaches they receive via mail, telephone, fax and email. DMA members benefit from added protection, intelligence and growth, which together we call the Power of Association. Within these three areas, DMA member services include government lobbying, free legal advice, training & development, representation on DMA Councils, networking opportunities, regular updates of current dm issues/legislation, research, use of the DMA logo, promotion of member companies and discounts on a range of dm products/services. 13.6 billion was spent on direct marketing activity in 2003, making direct marketing one of the top ten industries in the UK. For further information please visit www.dma.org.uk. For details on the benefits of becoming a DMA member please call 020 7291 3388 to speak to the membership team, email [email protected], or visit www.dmamembership.org.uk.