Not so, according to the Mail Media Centre.  Pound for pound direct mail still generates unrivalled results. Unlike other mediums such as internet or TV, direct mail is a HAP (high attention processing) medium which means undivided attention – it demands to be opened and read. Telephone calls can be ignored, emails deleted, but everyone opens and scans their post.

Insight Data introduced a direct mail division three years ago with investment in full mailroom facilities for print, fold, insert and mailing.  Sophie Priest, Marketing Services manager at Insight comments; “our customers are generating millions of pounds in new business from our direct mail service. We offer a full design and copywriting service, printing and mailing all in-house. We can use clients own data or we can use data from the Insight database to create more acccurate, targeted mailings.”

The Insight database enables clients to target fabricators, installers, IGU manufacturers, roofline installers, composite door suppliers, architects, main contractors, house builders, developers, small builders (“white van man“) and renewable energy installers.

And the great news is that as a Royal Mail partner, Insight provides discounted mailing rates, with postal discounts of 40% available even on small mailings. Contact Insight on 01934 808293 or email info@insightdata.co.uk to arrange your mailshot.

http://www.insightdata.co.uk

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“Insight Data has thoroughly researched the commercial and new-build markets and developed a range of prospect databases specifically aimed at helping building product suppliers engage with specifiers and buyers. Ecobuild was an ideal platform to introduce our company to the wider building industry.”

Insight showcased the company’s Architects database designed to help suppliers pinpoint the key influencers in the specification process. Also launched at the show was the ‘Construction File’ – the first prospect database in the UK that combines house-builders, main contractors and major property maintenance companies in one easy-to-use, fully searchable database.

The architects database has some 15,000 contacts with detailed information including market sectors, such as housing or education, with the ability to drill down further into sub-sectors such as social housing or schools.  The Construction File has over 4,900 senior decision makers.

Visitors were also keen to learn more about Insight Data’s newest database, Renewable Energy Installers.  The database has detailed information on over 4,500 companies involved in solar PV, solar thermal, air and ground source heat pumps, hydro and wind power, and biomass.

For more information on the Commercial, New-Build and Renewable Energy databases, call Insight on 01934 808293 or email info@insightdata.co.uk

http://www.insightdata.co.uk

Since 2006 Insight has helped hundreds of companies generate tens of millions of pounds in new business and Eco-Build has been chosen as the platform to launch the company’s new commercial, new-build and renewable energy databases.

Insight’s Commercial Director Helen Costeloe-Hughes comments: “Generating new business is harder than ever, so any tools that help suppliers dramatically increase marketing response rate will benefit the industry.”

The company will be showcasing two new prospect databases, the Construction File and Renewable Installers. The Construction File brings together the UK’s major building firms including house-builders, main contractors, developers and major maintenance companies with 4,900 named senior contacts.

The Renewable Installers database provides full contact details of over 4,500 companies who install renewable energy including solar, ground and air heat pumps and biomass.

Insight Data specialises in the construction industry and a full time team of researchers continuously telephone interview and update contacts on its database. Clients access the prospect information via Salestracker, an in-depth market intelligence online software system.

Over 500 users already rely on Insight Data’s Architects, Fenestration and Builders prospect databases, including world class companies such as Masco, Saint Gobain and Bowater.

Suppliers simply log-on to Salestracker, select their target audience and instantly create direct mail, email marketing and telesales lists, or a contact list for sales teams to follow up.

Eco build runs from Tuesday March 20 to Thursday March 22 2012 and you can visit the Insight Data stand in the Green Shoots area, stand number S1563.

To find out more about Insight Data call 01934 808293 or visit www.insightdata.co.uk

Developed by Insight Data the Index combines an online product finder, supplier directory and dedicated search engine, and over 300 suppliers are already listed.

Leading hardware supplier Yale were amongst the first, and Yale OEM’s Sales Director Paul Atkinson commented: ‘this is exactly what the industry has been waiting for’. High profile trade fabricator Lister Trade Frames also signed up, with its Managing Director and newly appointed President of the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF), Mark Warren, stating: “The Insight Index is a no-brainer for our industry. I think we will look back in a few years time and wonder how we managed without it.”

Suppliers have the opportunity to showcase their company and products to thousands of highly targeted potential customers, providing detailed product information, accreditations and PDF downloads.

Meanwhile key decision makers, buyers and specifiers across the window, conservatory and building industry are using the Insight Index to find new suppliers, products and information.

To raise awareness of the Index, Insight Data has invested £100,000 in a national marketing campaign that incorporates everything from high profile press advertising to direct marketing and online advertising.

Helen Costeloe-Hughes, commercial director of Insight Data concludes: “It’s great to see so many of the industry’s best suppliers recognising the potential of the Index and already showcasing their products on the site. Its still early days, but our aim is to turn the Index into the central hub for the window, conservatory and glass industry.”

For more information call the Insight Index support team on 01934 808293 or visit www.insightindex.co.uk

To raise awareness of the Insight Index across the industry, Insight Data has embarked on one of the industry’s biggest ever marketing campaigns.

This month you’ll see full page advertisements for the Insight Index in Windows Active Magazine, Glass & Glazing Products, Glass Times, Clearview, Glass News, Window Industries and Glass Times Marketing Supplement (front cover).

This is supported by major editorial coverage and the distribution of 25,000 large-format newsletters circulated to the entire industry.

The Index is also being extensively marketed across social media channels, online marketing (SEO and PPC), online advertising (ad banners) and telesales. A direct mail campaign goes out to over 15,000 window, door, conservatory and glazing companies and a monthly ezine to over 40,000 recipients follows, which also includes senior contacts at leading architects, builders, main contractors and house-builders. In fact, we aim to engage with over 60,000 UK companies who buy in or specify products or services relating to the fenestration and glazing industry.

If you are looking for new products, new suppliers, information or services relating to the fenestration or glazing industry, the Insight Index is the place to find them.

If you are a supplier and would like to list your company on the Index to engage directly with industry buyers and specifiers, there are a range of subscription options available. 

For more information call the Insight Index support team on 01934 808293 or visit www.insightindex.co.uk

1. What prompted Insight Data to develop the Index?

The Index has actually been on the drawing board since Glassex 2010. As a data supplier we carry out in-depth research and analysis of over 15,000 companies in the window, door, conservatory and glass industry, in addition to the wider building industry.  As part of this process we realised there was a clear need for a central database and information hub for buyers and decision makers to find suppliers, research information and source products and components. This led to development work on the Insight Index in early 2011, with support from many of the industry’s leading suppliers.

2. Is it available for the entire industry?

Yes, the Insight Index is a free-to-use searchable directory of products, components and suppliers specifically for the fenestration, architectural glazing, building plastics and associated industries and suppliers can showcase their company and product information and provide a wide range of PDF downloads.

3. Who is the Insight Index aimed at?

The Index is primarily aimed at installers, fabricators, glazing contractors and associated industry people who need relevant and accurate information about products and suppliers. We also plan to roll it out across the wider construction industry so that architects, specifiers, builders and developers have access to the latest fenestration and glazing products.

4. What types of suppliers are listed on the Index?

Any company that provides products or services into the fenestration, glazing or building plastics industry. This can range from component and hardware suppliers to machinery companies or trade associations.  The Insight Index has over 300 categories and suppliers have the opportunity to showcase their products and provide relevant information and PDFs. This could be sales literature, technical information, case studies or accreditations.

5. How will the Insight Index be marketed?

We have very ambitious marketing plans for the Index. The target audience is the 60,000 companies (representing over 400,000 employees) who buy or specify fenestration or glazing products, from fabricators and installers to architects, contractors and housebuilders. Our marketing strategy includes national press advertising, SEO/PPC and online marketing, a major direct mail programme and we will also use our proprietary email database of 40,000 industry contacts as part of an email broadcast campaign. In fact, we’ve committed £100,000 to marketing the Index.

6. Is there a social media or viral marketing strategy in place?

Yes, we actively promote the Index using Twitter and LinkedIN and companies listed on the Index have the opportunity to use a dedicated Index web link (URL) to use on websites and marketing material to point potential customers to their profile on the Index.

7. Is the Index linked to the existing Insight Data software, Salestracker?

Salestracker is a very different product. It is a subscriber-only database that provides users with detailed information on around 60,000 contacts in the fenestration and building industry. Salestracker connects suppliers with buyers, whereas the Index is really a reverse engineering of this – connecting buyers with suppliers.  There will be some links, for example Salestracker will now provide the unique Index URL (web link) for companies listed on the Index.

8. Is the industry ready for a new service like the Index?

Our research has shown that the window industry is crying out for a supplier directory and product finder, but like any new technology or innovation it will take time to establish the Insight Index. It was the same when we launched Salestracker in 2008 and this is now the No. 1 prospect database in Europe for the building industry. We have a long-term vision for the Index and plan to develop it extensively in the years ahead.

9. Should all suppliers have a listing on the Index?

Every supplier should be on the Index. We aim to make it the primary source of supplier and product information for the industry, so that any company, whether this is a fabricator, installer, architect or builder, can find all the information they need from one portal. As well as product suppliers, any company that sells into the window, door, conservatory, glass or building plastics industry should be listed, such as machinery companies, insurance agencies, trade associations, software companies, component suppliers or consultants.

10. How do people find out more?

Just visit the Insight Index at http://www.insightindex.co.uk to use the service, there is no log-ins or registration required. Suppliers can also find out about the range of subscription options and price plans by visiting the site. Alternatively call Insight Data on 01934 808293.  Be sure to follow the Index on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/insightindex

Insight's Data Analyst David Lewis

Despite global financial turmoil and continued economic uncertainty the mood of the UK construction sector has been lifted by a number of positive stories related to the industry, says leading market intelligence providers Insight Data.

“From compiling our own market research and bringing together other leading studies and surveys, we have found that construction activity picked up last month amidst a clutch of positive news for major firms,” comments Insight’s Data Analyst David Lewis.

Insight’s findings were echoed by the Markit CIPS UK Construction survey which stated that, despite a weakness in house building, construction activity picked up unexpectedly last month to reach a five-month high as companies boosted their order books and put more staff on the payroll.

News that Costain’s order book has increased to £2.6b after it secured a major contract with Network Rail; housebuilder Taylor Wimpey’s announcement that it expects to boost margins even further in 2012, and Babcock’s 30 per cent increase in turnover for the six-months leading up to September 2011 further illustrated the good feeling in the industry.

But despite the positive news, Insight Data has identified that many suppliers in the building industry are still struggling to locate the details of key decision makers.

David explains why: “The fact that major house builders are returning to profit and main contractors are winning contracts shows that there is life in the industry and huge opportunities for suppliers. But there has been massive consolidation since the recession hit, with management changes everywhere altering the landscape of the industry and making it difficult for suppliers to reach those they need to in order to sell their products and services. ”

“That’s why having access to the most up to date contact details of directors of main contractors, major house builders, and property development firms is vital if companies are serious about making the most of the opportunities out there.”

Insight Data can provide the market intelligence that allows suppliers to do just that thanks to their recently launched Construction file.

The Construction File is continuously updated by Insight Data’s research team and provides suppliers with ruthlessly accurate data on all major building firms on one easy-to-use database. With over 4,900 senior decision makers (including over 4,300 email addresses), across 1,400 organisations including major house-builders, property developers, maintenance companies and main building contractors.

Users of the database can instantly search between business types (eg house builders or main contractors) and even market sectors (eg education sector or social housing).

For more information on the Construction File or other building industry databases call Insight Data on 01934 808293 or visit www.insightdata.co.uk

Sonia Punter Insight's Sales Manager

After a period of further consolidation, suppliers in the window and construction industry are actively widening their nets to capture new sales opportunities, according to specialist data provider Insight Data.

This has seen subscription to Insight’s Local Builders database reach an all-time high, with some of the biggest names in the industry identifying small builders and the ‘white van man’ as a direct sales opportunity to sell windows, doors, conservatories and other building products.

Meanwhile, fast thinking suppliers further up the supply chain are also seeing Insight’s Local Builders database as an ideal way of “pulling through” sales volume to their own customer base.

“We are delighted with the uptake of the Local Builders database. It is ideal for fabricators, larger installers, trade-counter outlets and ancillary suppliers who want to find and target a much wider customer base,” says Sonia Punter, Insight Data’s Sales Manager.

Big name suppliers such as Veka PLC, Conservatory Outlet and Whiteline Group have already signed up to the database, while a string of distributors, fabricators and installers are actively using the data to promote their brands and products.

“With little movement in the housing market homeowners are staying put, and with virtually no return on their savings many are choosing to invest money to improve their homes. The builder who refurbished their kitchen or built their extension is now increasingly likely to pick up the order for new windows, doors or a conservatory,” adds Sonia.

The Insight Local Builders database has over 23,000 builders, small contractors and ‘white van men’, with details of the services they offer such as home improvements, new-build projects, refurbishments and roofing.

The database is available on Salestracker, Insight’s web-based prospect software and users can subscribe just to the regions that are most relevant.

For more information and a free online demo call Insight Data on 01934 808293 or visit www.insightdata.co.uk

Insight's Data Analyst David Lewis

A difficult year in the window industry has taken its toll, with further consolidation and economic factors contributing to realignment among fabricators and installers, claims Insight Data.

“The number of window and conservatory companies changing their details, moving or closing their doors is at the highest ever level,” says Insight’s Data Analyst, David Lewis.

“So far this year we have quarantined 847 companies who have either ceased trading, retired, moved into other markets or are no longer contactable.”

“With so many changes in the window industry, it is essential that suppliers have the most accurate and relevant information. Unfortunately many of the 847 companies we have quarantined still appear on other databases. This means many suppliers are wasting a great deal of time and money trying to contact them.”

The Insight fabricator and installer database has detailed information on over 14,000 window and conservatory companies including product volumes and preferred supplier brands. Insight Data’s research team continuously interview and update contacts on the database, while a sophisticated credit reference system double-verifies the data.

“Suppliers access the latest window industry data via Salestracker, our web-based prospect software. Salestracker is the only prospect database updated live in real-time, so if a new record is added at 9:00am, our customers can be contacting them at 9:05.

“It’s an incredibly powerful tool and it means every time a customer logs-on, they are accessing the most accurate and relevant data, while their competitors continue to use old, out of date information,” adds David.

For a free online demo of Salestracker or for further information on any of the Insight prospect databases, visit www.insightdata.co.uk or call 01934 808293.

“Given the caliber of the entrants we were surprised to be nominated and make the finals. So I was really shocked when we were announced as one of the winners” said Commercial Director Helen Costeloe-Hughes.  The Business Award was presented to Insight Data in recognition of job creation, training and development.

“We would have loved to have picked up the outright Business of the Year again as we did in 2009, but this was awarded to McDonalds Restaurants. However our award was particularly well received as it demonstrated our commitment to training and development of our team, and it was great to have 15 of our staff with us at the awards” added Helen.

The Business Awards were held at the function suite at the prestigious Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare, which re-opened in 2010 after a fire destroyed the original building. The Pier has seen a £52m investment to rebuild which included a range of corporate hospitality and event facilities, with stunning views of the coastline.

Helen concludes; “It was a superb night combining the Business Awards with a Charity Ball and auction, with donations made by a number of high profile people and businesses, including John Penrose MP and Virgin Active, which recently acquired the Esporta chain of health clubs.

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