DST nets Virgin Media DM work - DecisionMarketing

DST Output, the UK print division of global group DST Systems, has landed a three-year deal with Virgin Media to handle the brand’s print and direct marketing material.
Although the value of the account has not been disclosed, Virgin Media spends upwards of £200m a year on advertising and marketing, a large chunk of which goes on direct mail and door-drops. Rapp has handled the direct and digital account since May 2010.
The strategic relationship between DST Output and Virgin Media, will allow the brand to bring together its print and direct marketing production with greater control and opportunity for innovation.
DST Output, one of the UK’s leading producers of customer communication, will employ a unique output management model that combines the strength of its extensive manufacturing capabilities with the flexibility of a diverse, audited vendor base.
According to DST chief executive Jeremy Walters, DST’s “Lead Supply Solution” is ideal for Virgin Media’s specific communication needs.
“Our solution was developed in response to increased client demand for DST and third-party sourced products and services to be delivered through a trusted and dedicated account team,” said Walters. “Virgin Media can expect an unparalleled breadth of services from within our group.”
The majority of a typical Lead Supply client’s requirements are typically met through DST’s in-house production capabilities, with any remaining needs undertaken by DST’s audited vendor base or by preferred vendors that DST manages on the client’s behalf. The “One-Team” approach to managing all day-to-day requirements helps remove duplication and increases compliance.
“Our approach achieves considerable savings for our strategic clients,” said Walters. “And since we are at the sharp end, we are well positioned to invest in our infrastructure to help build and execute innovative development plans to deliver on our client’s objectives.”
Virgin Media director of acquisition marketing Natasha Oram said: “Direct access to a knowledgeable and expert team who always see the bigger picture will help us make smart investments whilst increasing the effectiveness of our communications.”
DST’s data and insight division, the Global Insight Group (GIG at DST), picked up the Hyundai CRM account late last month.