Frequently Asked Questions

What types of organisations do you work with?

We genuinely look to work with a wide range of organisations. If you have a print and mailing requirement of 500 items or more, we want to talk to you.

That includes both end-user clients and trade resellers. Our focus, regardless of size, is always the same — to help you get better return from your direct mail activity. That means looking at how mail is produced, personalised, distributed and measured, and making sure it works as hard as possible for your business.

Do you work directly with end clients or through intermediaries?

We work with a mix of clients. A large proportion are end-user organisations, where we manage the full direct mail process, often across multiple campaigns.

We also work closely with trade clients, supporting them with specialist mailing expertise, production, data handling and postage. In these cases, our role is to help deliver the most effective and efficient direct mail solution for their end client.

Do you print everything in-house?

No. We use a combination of in-house digital print and externally sourced litho or web printing, depending on the specific requirements of each mailing.

Our team selects the most efficient and appropriate print route based on format, volume, personalisation and delivery requirements. Some mailings benefit from in-house personalisation and finishing, others from externally produced print, and many use a combination of both.

Can you source printed materials and mailing components on our behalf?

Yes. We regularly source printed materials and mailing components for our clients, including fully printed envelopes, brochures, full-colour paper wrap and printed packaging.

We work closely with a network of trusted trade suppliers and manage the sourcing process on your behalf.

What volumes of mail are you best suited to?

There is no practical upper limit on the volumes we can handle. We regularly manage both high-volume and continuous mailing programmes.

We are typically best suited to mailings of 500 items or more, where the benefits of automation, data handling and postal optimisation really start to show. Alongside volume, we are also experienced in managing highly complex mailings involving multiple components, formats or finishing requirements.

Can you help with data, or do we need to supply it?

Data is a core part of what we do, and we work with it every day. We can support clients with data optimisation, from profiling and cleansing through to reporting and attribution.

Where required, we can also help source data through trusted suppliers. In all cases, our focus is on improving accuracy, reducing waste and helping direct mail perform more effectively.

How do you manage postage and delivery?

We manage postage as part of the overall mailing process, with the aim of delivering the best return for each campaign. Using our in-house systems, we assess each mailing and select the most appropriate postal or carrier option based on cost, delivery requirements and destination.

By combining our mailing volumes with technology-led workflows, we are able to offer competitive and reliable options for both domestic and international mail, while keeping the process simple for our clients.

Is direct mail still measurable?

Yes, and we can help you make it far more measurable than many people expect. We support clients in tracking delivery, response and attribution, allowing printed mail to be treated as a data-led marketing channel rather than a one-off activity.

Data is key to making this work. By combining mailing data, delivery information and response tracking, we help clients understand what is performing, where value is being generated, and how return on investment can be improved over time.

Are you ISO 14001 certified?

Yes, we are ISO 14001: Environmental Management certified.

What do you do with your polythene, card and paper waste?

We ensure all polythene, card and paper waste is recycled. We use on-site balers to compress and prepare materials ready for recycling. We also recycle ink cartridges, leftover pallets, plastic bottles and more on a daily basis.

Do you provide recycled and responsibly sourced paper?

Yes, we only use reputable suppliers and FSC approved stock.

Can you provide different types of polythene?

We can supply all forms of polythene, including biodegradable and compostable options.

What data management certifications do you hold?

We are both ISO 27001: Information Management and certified by Cyber Essentials and the NHS Information Governance Toolkit.

How can I send you data securely?

We can set you up on our bespoke secure data transfer system SW30.

Can you cleanse and manage data?

Yes, please see our Data page for full details.

Do you provide data?

We do not provide data.

What data security procedures do you have?

At CMS we adhere to strict data policies. We are both ISO 27001: Information Management and certified by Cyber Essentials and the NHS Toolkit.

Can I take a tour around your site?

Yes, we welcome the opportunity to showcase the production centre and how we work.

What storage facilities do you have?

We have over 2,500 pallet spaces, including secure storage.

What’s your minimum order value?

There is a minimum order value of £500.

Can you provide proof of completion and audit logs for enclosing?

Yes, we are happy to provide a full log of all the work carried out.

What size parcels can you enclose?

We can enclose into all shapes and sizes of parcels, from tubes to heavy boxes.

Do you offer a range of paper stocks?

Yes, we offer the full range of paper stocks.

What paper stocks can you print on to?

All uncoated or coated paper from 70gsm to 400gsm.