Since pairing with UKIP Media and Events in August 2011, Air Business, who initially managed their main magazine distribution, have gained all their conference material, managing the fulfilment, despatch and return of direct mail. Graham Johnson, UKIP Media and Events’ managing director, attributes the long-term investment to, “The customer-focused, personal and transparent service” they have experienced. Adam Sherman, group managing director of Air Business, comments, “Despite the increasing size of Air Business the customer remains at the forefront of everything we do. Our tailored solution has cemented our relationship with UKIP Media and Events”.
Air Business has supported them through the growth of their events expertise and specialist shows in Europe, China, India and North America. UKIP Media and Events have made hard copy mailings a key part of their acquisition strategy as email responses have been declining. Their new focus is on magazines and direct mail marketing campaigns and Johnson comments that, “The power of the letter has increased enormously; email was effective before but now it doesn’t work, you may save costs but email is poor value for money as you don’t always get results. A beautifully presented, signed, invitation will get a reply and our five year contract reflects that. We fully expect our relationship with Air Business to grow, continuing beyond five years, as our mailings grow. We will be mailing more in five years than we are today”.
Air Business will also continue to sponsor the UKIP Media and Events’ team, comprising Graham Johnson and Mike Robinson as part of the Total Control Racing team, with their pursuit of the Britcar Production Cup Championship. UKIP Media and Events’ racing partnership is one that Jonathan Middleton, group sales and marketing director at Air Business, can relate to: “The pro-active, attentive and responsive approaches needed to succeed in motorsport reflect the qualities of our business”. Commenting on the common marketing and motorsport goals Johnson agrees: “Of course we are in the Championship to win. To win a race you need speed and reliability, which is what we need when we are working with Air Business, delivery without delay and on time. And that is what we get”.
This five year deal is, says Air Business, a key supplier partnership which will enable UKIP Media and Events’ continued growth, both on and off the track, with the support of Air Business' excellent customer service.
About Air Business Group
Air Business says: “Air Business Group is the UK’s leading global distribution, fulfilment and integrated subscriptions management bureau.
Customer service lies at the heart of our business. We provide it through cost effective, on-time global fulfilment and delivery solutions. We are market leader, but we are not complacent - regardless of size we treat every customer as if they were our only one.
Established in 1986, Air Business has been a wholly-owned subsidiary of An Post, the Irish Post Office, since 2002. Air Business Group is financially stable with forecasted revenues of £80 million for 2014.
To allow us to continue to provide the highest quality service in rapidly changing and challenging times, we have invested heavily in new premises, people, and equipment. We now have over 400 people throughout the company, at four strategic locations to the north, south, east and west of London.
We are MDAS accredited and specialise in mail and fulfilment, courier, freight services and warehouse logistics.
As strategic partner of both the DMA, and the Professional Publishers’ Association (PPA) for the third consecutive year, we are committed to being more than just a supplier. We are a visible and active supporter of the industries we serve.”
