Royal Mail launches online data tool Clear Prospects

LONDON - Royal Mail has launched a web-based data service called Clear Prospects that is designed to help SMEs create business growth from their existing customer databases.

Clear Prospects allows businesses to enhance their records and improve the accuracy of their data before prospecting.

Royal Mail said a typical database of 5,000 records could be enhanced and readied for a mailout in 15 minutes.

The prospecting option allows firms to buy data from 5p per consumer or 11p per business record.

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

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 Prospects simplify and speed up the campaign process, putting data management software directly in the hands of the end users."

Royal Mail developed Clear Prospects in conjunction with data management and technology firm UKChanges, which becomes the latest company to join Royal Mail's data supplier framework.

Launched in January 2008, the supplier framework brings together companies from a range of specialisms to deliver a complete portfolio of data management, enhancement and consultancy services.

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.

Steven Day, director of UKChanges, said: "We are delighted to have been appointed to Royal Mail's supplier framework.

"Delivering Clear Prospects is the first of the many and varied projects that we look forward to having the opportunity to work on."