These accreditations support the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information systems and protection of customer information said chief technology officer James Parker.

“The way we were moving with DM and high levels of information, we thought it was important to existing and prospective clients,” he said. “The ISO 27001 is the holy grail of data management.

“For existing clients this adds to the already robust service we offer. A customer using us for fine art who may not have given us data or campaign information may now have the confidence. So rather than taking on 30% of the project we could get it all.”

Companies that achieve management system certification to ISO/IEC 27001:2005 have established clear policy, good resource security, and efficient process control, measurement, and analysis. The ISO took about a year to achieve and a DataSeal accreditation was gained “en route”, he said.

DataSeal is the only recognised standard for information security management systems other than ISO 27001 and available to members of the DMA and other associations such as IPA and IPM.

Parker said: “Services that have been brought in-house such as data management, direct mail, storage and fulfilment need to integrate seamlessly. A solid system including ISO9001, 14001 and now 27001 and DataSeal alongside our environmental policies mean have a world class offering.”

DMA director of communications and insight Rachel Aldighieri said:“Consumers need confidence they are sharing their information with companies that act responsibly and keep data secure. 

“Gaining accreditation demonstrates commitment to adhering to the highest standards of industry best practice and commitment to putting the customer at the centre of everything they do.”