FAQ's

How can we be sure the information will be up to date?

• The database is updated on a continuous cycle by our own team of researchers - the average record age is under 4 months.
• Contacts are telephoned and details updated either directly or departmentally.  Annually organisations are sent the details we hold on them for re-verification of contacts/organisational structure and to provide any requested/additional demographic information.
• Appropriate press and web sources are monitored to alert us to changes/prompt additional research outside the usual update cycle.  We also benefits from many of our more regular clients feeding back information / updates / imminent changes as a result of their own interaction with the database.
• We are also pleased to have the support and co-operation of a number of Local Authorities, Government Departments, Executive Agencies and Universities who are both customers and kindly provide us with the details of contact and organisational changes.
• At the centre of our business is the database accuracy and consistency.
• Accuracy is what we’ve built our reputation and customer list on and data quality is never compromised on.  However, in order to reassure users we are pleased to offer a no quibble pro-rata refund on any postal returns above 2% of the list volume.

How and in what format is the data supplied?

• Database selections can be delivered in virtually any data format.
• Data can be supplied as a DBF file, Excel file, MS Access, simple Text or CSV file.
• Record sets are available in your choice of either 'relational'or 'flat' tables.
• Data exports are supplied on CD, or, dependent of file size, can be sent as an attachment to an email, or via secure FTP link.
• All data and export media is Virus checked before being supply to end-users.
• Data files are seeded to detect unauthorised usage.
• Data samples are available on request.

Can the database be updated?

We can supply a refreshed copy of any database selections as required.  Subscribers receive update files with details of the information which has been changed/added each month.

How are licences monitored?

Enclosed within each file are a number of ‘sleeper’ addresses / phone numbers and e-mail addresses that enable us to monitor database usage.

What if you don’t have the contacts I’m after?

1. Sometimes it isn’t clear how contacts may relate to what you have in mind.  With some guidance we are regularly able to recommend and match up your criteria to apparently unavailable functional/organisational selections.
2. If we don’t have the contacts on file that best suit your requirements we can provide bespoke research, or advise on the correct selections to default to according to the individual requirements
3. There are occasions when ‘styling’ information can prove just as effective (this is especially the case for schools) as using direct contact names.  If you are undertaking a telemarketing exercise sometimes using the site/departmental contact information is sometimes a useful starting point.
4. We are connected to all the credible suppliers of mailing lists/marketing data and information covering the Public Sector.  If we can’t help you directly, we will give you the details of a supplier who can.

In all cases we can advise on the best combination of options and we do not compromise or restrict advice based on availability.  If an alternative supplier or data build would best meet your requirements, then that’s what we’ll recommend.