Businesses in East Sussex are being encouraged to join a new scheme to block unwanted sales calls.

Companies which register with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) are placed on a list showing they do not want unwanted sales calls.

The measure has been introduced because many firms, especially small ones, do not have the resources to cope with the volume of calls.

Direct marketing companies now have a legal obligation to comply with the list before calling prospective customers.

Any marketing firm which fails to abide by the law faces enforcement action by the Office of the Information Commissioner (OIC).

For more details about registering with the TPS, visit www.tpsonline.org.uk or write to Corporate TPS, Department 3574, Camberwell Way, Sunderland, SR9 9XZ.

Wednesday August 11, 2004