Direct Mail - The Facts

Industry facts and figures

£43.7bn: the overall value of the direct marketing industry to the UK economy
886,000: the total employment accounted for by the direct marketing industry in the UK
3.1%: the percentage of total UK employment of those working in the direct marketing industry
£125bn: the value of sales attributed to the direct marketing industry
9%: the percentage of total UK consumer spending accounted for by direct marketing 

Putting this into context, sales generated as a result of direct marketing stand well above significant UK industries such as clothing and footwear (£45bn) and alcoholic drinks (£42bn) 

Sector specific facts and figures 

£8.6bn: the overall value of direct mail industry to the UK economy
182,000: the total employment accounted for by the direct mail industry in the UK
£14bn: sales accounted for by the internet and email
£17bn: sales accounted for by direct mail

Social and environmental facts and figures 

2%: the percentage, in volume terms, of household waste accounted for by direct mail – equivalent to about a third of a Sunday newspaper per week
4%: percentage of the UK’s total paper usage used in direct mail**
95%: percentage of paper used in direct mail coming from recycled or managed sources**
** Confederation of Paper Industries

Direct marketing as a vital business tool 

Direct marketing is often a favoured advertising medium as it can be tailored and personalised to make it relevant to the audience. It is a key medium in acquiring new customers, retaining current customers as well as building customer relationships. 

- Nearly three quarters of all UK companies use some form of direct marketing
- For every £1 spent on direct mail, £14 is generated***
- Direct mail is most responsive advertising medium with 60% of consumers responding to it***