News

  There are a number of key areas that all businesses should consider when looking to start marketing their products or services internationally. One of the most fundamental of these is ensuring that you carry out effective market research.   However, I have seen many businesses, particularly the smaller ones, who have skimped on their market research only to pay the price later on. It really pays dividends to invest in good market research in the initial stages, before making your decision on whether to launch into a new market or not. To discover that there isn’t a market for what you are selling, or realizing that your product/service is too advanced for that market, or finding that competition is too tough is something you really need to know before you waste good money.   The more in-depth market research that you carry out up front, the less risk you are taking in launching into a new market.   To find out more you can read my article “ The Keys to Successful International Marketing” published this month in Direct Commerce Magazine.    

  HSBC is to launch a £4bn fund that will lend to small and medium-sized businesses that trade internationally.   The aim is to capture the benefit of increasing global trade conducted by British SMEs with a turnover of up to £25m.   Companies in the UK that are looking to expand their business into a new market overseas could benefit from the funding that is becoming available.   This is good news for companies who are considering launching into a new market overseas as it could provide the stimulus to make them actually take that action this year.   Research by HSBC found that businesses which trade internationally are forecast to recover quicker and earlier than previously expected.    

It was very interesting to read the results of some recent research carried out by GI Insight that shows that direct mail remains a powerful tool for driving online traffic.

We have just been informed, by Royal Mail, that they are delaying implementation (Royal Mail branding coming on all machine sorted mail) pending further consultation! If we hear more we will keep you posted.

Royal Mail has said that all machine sorted mail from September 2011 will feature the mark” Delivered by Royal Mail.”

The Directive on Consumer Rights has now been adopted

The European Commission legislative proposal for Data Protection

While drafting a new paper on Integrated Marketing I identified these two pieces of research into the benefits of an integrated approach to marketing activity.

Small and medium sized businesses can breathe a sigh of relief at this news.

STB have moved!   Following a great year, using direct marketing (amongst other tools) to bring clients success in a wide range of industries and market places all around Europe, STB Direct Marketing Ltd out-grew their previous offices and have moved. STB can now be found at: Regus House Herald Way Pegasus Business Park Castle Donington DE74 2TZ Contact Details are: Tel : +44 (0) 1509 670567 Fax: +44 (0) 1332 638001 E-mail : [email protected]

iDi London Marketers Forum - Monday April 27th, 2009We will be at the iDi London Industry debate on Monday 27th April 24, 2009.

iDi New York STB Direct Marketing attended the iDi Marketers Forum in New York. This is our review of the event.