Interactive Prospect Targeting (IPT)

Interactive Prospect Targeting (IPT) provides a range of online direct marketing products and services across Europe. The company was formed with the aim of meeting marketers’ technological needs and the judges believe it has succeeded in this. Starting with just two people in 1999, the company has grown into a 228-strong business, with revenues rising from £900,000 in 2000 to £20m today.

“I think the main thing that sets us apart from other businesses is that we started a new industry, email marketing and broadcasting,” explains commercial director Ivan Southall. “However, it has now become an established part of UK marketing.”

IPT uses a range of websites, which have a total audience of 22.2 million users, to collect opt-in data for clients. It also sources additional data through its broking services. In all, around four million questionnaires are completed each month keeping its data fresh for clients, which include many big names such as the AA, BSkyB and Nestlé.

European expansion is the next phase for the growing business, and this is already well underway. Further organic growth is one part of its strategy, but IPT is also expanding through acquisition. “We have recently acquired a couple of businesses in France and we would like to move across Europe over the next few years,” Southall says.

Company stats Company: Interactive Prospect Targeting (IPT) Founded: 1999 Founders: Lionel Thain, Ivan Southall, Martin Kiersonowski Turnover 2006: £24.1m Turnover 2007: £34m (expected) Web:www.ipt-ltd.co.uk