Royal Mail launches data tool

Royal Mail has unveiled new data solution Clear Prospects(tm), an online tool designed to help SMEs create business growth from their existing customer databases.

Royal Mail has unveiled new data solution Clear Prospects(tm), an online tool designed to help SMEs create business growth from their existing customer databases.

The secure, web-based service allows businesses to cleanse and enhance records to improve accuracy of their data before prospecting, boosting the overall effectiveness of mailing campaigns as well as helping them track lost customers.

A typical database of 5,000 records can be enhanced and readied for a mailout in just 15 minutes. The prospecting option enables firms to buy data from 5p per consumer or 11p per business record.

Businesses that visit www.royalmail.com/clearprospects can register for a free data audit. Royal Mail is also offering two records for the price of one until 31 August, on a minimum order of £10.

Clear ProspectsTM has been developed by Royal Mail in conjunction with data management and technology specialist UKChanges, which becomes the latest company to join Royal Mail’s expert data supplier framework.

Launched in January 2008, the supplier framework brings together leading companies from a range of specialisms to deliver a complete portfolio of data management, enhancement and consultancy services; the aim being to help companies maximise the commercial benefits of direct communications.

UKChanges has been tasked with providing technology solutions and a broad variety of bureau work, from data cleansing and management tasks to bespoke development of single customer views for Royal Mail clients, as well as data projects for the postal service.

Keith Jones, head of Data Strategy at Royal Mail, said: “Direct mail is an extremely powerful channel to retain and recruit customers, and underpin business growth. Solutions like Clear ProspectsTM simplify and speed up the campaign process, putting data management software directly in the hands of the end users.”

He added: “Royal Mail is committed to developing a wide range of data solutions to help businesses get the most from their direct marketing campaigns and help them know and target their customers more effectively.”

Steven Day, director, UKChanges, added: “We are delighted to have been appointed to Royal Mail’s Supplier Framework. Delivering Clear ProspectsTM is the first of the many and varied projects that we look forward to having the opportunity to work on.

“During these uncertain times companies need to be confident that they are getting a good return on their marketing investment. The Royal Mail brand is recognised and respected as a provider of sound business advice and its efforts to develop the data panel offer is testament to its commitment to the direct marketing sector.”