Law is changing on ‘Cold Calls’
Under Government legislation introduced on 1 May 1999 it is unlawful to make unsolicited direct marketing calls to individuals who have indicated that they do not want to receive such calls. Companies can be contacted directly and asked not to call you or you can register with a central register - the Telephone Preference Service (TPS).
As from 25 June, the law is changing, bringing business-to-business unsolicited calls under the same legislation. This requires businesses to check their calling lists with the TPS (before making unsolicited calls) or face a possible fine or enforcement procedures. The regulations will enable all firms the chance to register with the (TPS) to stop other businesses from marketing to them by telephone. Once a number has been registered, it will be an offence to make an unsolicited call to that number from 28 days after it has been registered with the TPS. Until this date the service has only been available to individuals, sole traders and unincorporated partnerships.
Businesses will, no doubt, wish to make an informed choice on whether to register or not and the following web sites may be of help in making this choice - they give guidelines regarding the regulations, FAQs and information on how to register.
www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk
It should be remembered that this could also have an affect on your business if unsolicited calls to other businesses are made.
Provided by Jane Hailstone
Qdos Consulting