New figures show that the number of firms choosing to add mobile promotions to their direct marketing mix is increasing.

The Mobile Marketing Association (MMA) has released more details that claimed it has gained almost 30 more members since February, highlighting how the emerging platform is continuing to grow.

Two of the UK’s leading direct marketing bodies have joined forces to work with the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) on a new report.

The report entitled ‘Return on Ideas: Better Results from Finance and Marketing’ was produced in conjunction with the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) and the Direct Marketing Association (DMA).

TNT Post UK has lost its legal challenge to remove Royal Mail’s VAT-free status after the European Court of Justice ruled that Royal Mail should remain tax exempt because it’s obliged to provide a universal postal service, which its competitors are not.

TNT argued that since the postal market was deregulated three years ago, Royal Mail should no longer enjoy the competitive advantage over its rivals of paying no VAT. However, the court ruled that Royal Mail’s obligations had not changed when the postal market was liberalised and, therefore, should not have to pay VAT.

Growing businesses that want to improve their environmental credentials should use email marketing to reach consumers, according to an expert.

Email marketing is greener than any other form of direct marketing as it automatically eliminates paper waste.

Standard Life and Lloyds Banking Group’s Black Horse Personal Finance brand have signed up as the first advertisers to use Royal Mail’s new environmentally friendly direct mail service, Sustainable Mail.

Their direct mail campaigns will launch in May, with more advertisers expected to join the new service in the near future.