IDM data business shuts up shop

Independent Direct Marketing (IDM), the Bracknell-based list and insert management firm whose clients included Kate Middleton’s family business Party Pieces, has gone into liquidation after nearly 25 years in business.
Set up by Derek Laken and John Wright in 1990, IDM offered a raft of direct marketing services, including managed mailing lists, package insert programmes, press and online space, as well as media planning and buying and data capture and bureau services.
Other clients included Direct Golf, Direct Holidays and Hotel Chocolate.
One testimonial on its website from Terry Waters, managing director of The Tasting Club at Hotel Chocolate, reads: “IDM’s expertise and service continues to be an important part of our success. This established agency has proven to be pro-active and innovative with excellent media planning & buying skills and is viewed as a valued extension to our marketing department as we continue to expand.”
But an online notice on The Gazette, says the directors of IDM have now appointed Mike Grieshaber of MLG Associates as liquidator of the company.
It added: “Notice is hereby given that the creditors of the above named company which is being voluntarily wound up, are required, on or before 30 November 2014 to prove their debts by sending to the undersigned written statements of the amounts they claim to be due to them.”
The list management industry has faced a major squeeze over the past few years and is under even more pressure from the looming EU data protection reforms. Former DMA chair Rosemary Smith wound up her data company – RSA – 18 months ago.

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