Figures for April to June 2002 show that Direct Mail volume was up 8.8% on the same quarter last year to 1.36 billion items.

This is the first quarter since January-March 1999 that Consumer Direct Mail has increased more than Business Direct Mail. Consumer Direct Mail was up by 9.9% while Business Direct Mail rose by 6.2%.

Direct Mail expenditure over the same quarter was £527 million - an increase of 9.7% over the same period in 2001.

Analysis shows that the Financial Services sector remains the largest mailer with 236 million items - an increase on the 2001 figures of 3.4%. Home Shopping follows with 139 million items - an increase of nearly 23% from the same period last year.

Mailings from the Media sector (including Book clubs, newspapers, television/cable/satellite companies) dropped by over 11% to 69 million items.

There was an increase in volume across all socio-demographic groups. The largest increase was by the DEs who received over 19% more mailings year on year, followed by the ABs with a 10% increase.

Analysis by age shows that the 16-34 age group saw a drop of more than 23% in the number of mailings they received, while all the other age groups saw an increase. The largest increase of 25% was in the 55-64 age group.

Commenting on the figures, DMIS Managing Director, Jo-Howard-Brown, says "The figures show that Direct Mail continues to grow steadily. The increase in Consumer Direct Mail only goes to underline the fact that the consumer is spending more and more money through the medium, and advertisers are clearly seeing a return on investment".

Ends FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Jo Howard-Brown, on: 020 7494 0483 jo@dmis.co.uk