A new company has been set up to market Bahrain companies and their products and services. Direct Middle East (DME) says it aims to meet an increasing demand for professional direct marketing services on the island and throughout the GCC.
"Having identified a need in the market for quality, professional, specialised and direct marketing services, we plan to provide a range of marketing communications services to clients," said managing director Rawan Al Sho'ala.
"The services will include marketing communications consultancy, bringing clients together for joint marketing initiatives and client relationship management. DME will manage direct marketing campaigns from inception to implementation and offer services such as bulk mailing, list brokering, database management and telemarketing," she said.
Al Sho'ala announced that a business forum would be organised in Bahrain in October as part of a campaign.
"We expect about 200 companies will take part to share the best marketing practices idea," she added.
"Retail firms and major shopping malls, banking and insurance companies, hotels and companies involved in tourism-related services will all take part. "Top specialists in direct marketing services from Europe will address the forum, the date of which will be announced shortly."
The motto of the new company, said Al Sho'ala, was to Find, Reach and Nurture.
"Our aim is to help companies find the right customers for their business, reach them through effective communication services and nurture the business by building up a network of loyal customers," she said. Chief executive officer Michael Walters said the new company would especially focus on training in direct marketing and customer services.
"We prefer to have the training programme at customers' own sites where skills transfer will be much better," he said. "The training will also cover aspects like quality delivery, professionalism, partnerships with clients and suppliers, reliability, integrity, trust and value for money," said Walters.
"DME aims to promote awareness of the power of effective direct marketing, not only for the future success of the business but also for the direct marketing industry in the region as a whole."
Al Sho'ala worked for three years with the Bahrain Promotions and Marketing Board before establishing the new venture. DME is part of the Al Fanar Group, which has shareholding in public relations, publishing, market research, travel and tourism, manufacturing and trading companies in the Gulf.
Its partners in joint ventures include Hill & Knowlton and Bell Actimedia.
