Do I Need a CTPS Licence for B2B Calls

Do I need a CTPS licence for B2B calls? It’s a question we hear a lot from SME owners, sales directors, and marketers—especially those using purchased B2B data for outreach. And fair enough: one slip-up can land you in hot water with regulators, or worse, damage your brand’s reputation.

The trouble is, the rules around the CTPS (Corporate Telephone Preference Service) aren’t always crystal clear. You’re not alone if you’ve been unsure whether you need a licence, what counts as compliant, or how to stay within the law while still hitting your lead gen targets.

This guide clears things up—no jargon, no fluff. Just a straightforward look at whether you need a CTPS licence, what the law actually says, and how to run a compliant, results-focused cold calling campaign using clean, screened B2B data. Let’s make sure your next dial is both legal and effective.

What Is the CTPS and Why Does It Matter?

The Corporate Telephone Preference Service (CTPS) is a UK register that allows companies to opt out of unsolicited sales and marketing calls. It’s the B2B equivalent of the more familiar TPS (Telephone Preference Service) for consumers.

If a business is registered with the CTPS, it’s illegal to cold call them for sales or marketing purposes—unless you have their consent. This applies to all types of businesses: limited companies, PLCs, partnerships, and even some sole traders using business lines.

The rules come under the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR), enforced by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). Breaches can lead to hefty fines, regardless of your business size. These rules also sit alongside broader responsibilities under GDPR for lawful, fair, and transparent processing of personal data.

CTPS registration is free and fast for the business being registered—which means millions of UK companies are already on it. That’s why it’s essential that any B2B calling campaign starts with screened, compliant data—or you could be wasting your time (and risking penalties).

Do You Need a CTPS Licence for B2B Calls?

Do I need a CTPS licence for B2B calls? No—but there’s a catch.

There’s no such thing as a formal “CTPS licence” you can buy or apply for. What you do need is to ensure the numbers you’re calling have been screened against the CTPS register—and that screening must be up to date (within the last 28 days).

If you’re using purchased B2B data, the responsibility is still on you as the caller to make sure those numbers haven’t opted out. That’s where many businesses trip up—assuming the list they bought is automatically compliant.

Common misconceptions include:

• “It’s B2B, so CTPS doesn’t apply” – It does.

• “If they haven’t told me to stop, I can call” – Not if they’re registered.

• “I bought a list, so it’s not my fault” – The ICO won’t see it that way.

The key is working with reputable suppliers who guarantee CTPS screening as part of their service. No grey areas. No excuses.

Who Enforces the Rules—and What Are the Risks?

CTPS compliance isn’t just a “nice to have”—it’s a legal requirement under the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR). And it’s actively enforced by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

The ICO has the power to:

• Investigate complaints from CTPS-registered businesses

• Issue enforcement notices

• Impose fines of up to £500,000 for serious breaches

And yes—small businesses are very much on their radar. There have been multiple cases where SMEs faced enforcement action because of unsolicited B2B calls to CTPS-registered numbers.

The risks aren’t just legal. Non-compliance can lead to:

• Damaged brand trust

• Wasted time calling numbers that won’t convert

• Internal resources tied up in dealing with complaints

On the flip side, being compliant protects your business, strengthens your brand, and ensures your campaigns reach the right people—those actually open to hearing from you.

CTPS Compliance: What You Actually Need to Do

You don’t need a licence—but you do need a process. Staying compliant with CTPS rules is simple when you break it down into two key areas: using screened data and ensuring your team is properly briefed.

Use CTPS-Checked Data

• Only use marketing lists that have been screened against the CTPS register within the last 28 days

• Work with data providers who guarantee CTPS compliance as standard

• Avoid DIY checking unless you have the right tools and access—it’s time-consuming and carries risk

• Document when the data was last screened as part of your audit trail

At Results Driven Marketing, we automatically CTPS-check every record before it reaches your inbox—so you can call with confidence.

Train Your Team

• Make sure your sales and marketing staff understand what CTPS is and why it matters

• Provide simple scripts for handling objections or opt-outs

• Keep a record of calls and any preferences expressed (e.g. requests not to be contacted again)

• Reinforce the importance of compliant calling in your sales culture—it protects your team and your brand

Compliance doesn’t need to slow you down. With the right data and processes, it becomes part of a smarter, more effective outreach strategy.

Can I Still Cold Call B2B Contacts?

Yes—you absolutely can still cold call B2B contacts. But only if you’re calling numbers not registered with the CTPS.

That’s the key distinction: CTPS doesn’t ban all cold calling, it just filters out businesses that have actively opted out. Think of it less as a blocker and more as a targeting tool—helping you focus on prospects more likely to engage.

How to Maximise Results While Staying Compliant

• Target non-CTPS registered firms: Many smaller businesses, especially sole traders and micro companies, are not registered and open to calls

• Use segmented data: Filtering by sector, size, geography, or job title increases your relevance and reduces rejection

• Call with value, not spam: Introduce how your offer solves a business problem—don’t just pitch

• Keep it timely: Freshly-screened data ensures accuracy and protects your reputation

With the right data partner, you can reach the right businesses, stay compliant, and drive real results from cold calling—without the legal headaches.

Why Choose Results Driven Marketing

When it comes to B2B outreach, data quality and compliance aren’t optional—they’re everything. At Results Driven Marketing, we make sure your campaigns start with the strongest possible foundation.

Here’s how we help:

• CTPS Compliance Built-In
  Every list we supply is screened against the CTPS register within the last 28 days—so you stay on the right side of the law without lifting a finger.

• 40-Point Data Quality Check
  We don’t just clean data—we scrutinise it. From formatting to validation, our 40-point process ensures accuracy and usability across every contact.

• Expert Advice, Human Support
  Got questions about compliance, targeting or segmentation? We’re not just a data supplier—we’re your partner in smarter marketing.

• Tailored Lists for Real Results
  With access to 2,000+ sectors, we build lists that match your ideal customer profile—whether you’re targeting manufacturers in Manchester or consultants in Cornwall.

• Fast Delivery, No Nonsense
  Need data fast? We deliver within 24 hours—password-protected, fully screened, and ready to go.

Choosing us means you’re not just buying data—you’re investing in better results, safer campaigns, and fewer sleepless nights.

Final Thoughts: Stay Compliant Without Killing Campaigns

CTPS compliance doesn’t have to kill your momentum. In fact, it can sharpen your focus—filtering out the time-wasters and steering your outreach toward prospects who are more likely to pick up and engage.

Let’s be clear: you don’t need a CTPS licence for B2B calls, but you do need to play by the rules. That means using screened data, understanding your responsibilities, and building compliance into your outreach from the start.

With the right data partner (hi 👋), you can keep your campaigns efficient, legal, and results-driven—without slowing your team down or risking fines.

If you’re serious about making your next B2B campaign count, we’re here to help—with CTPS-checked lists, expert guidance, and the kind of support that makes compliance feel like a shortcut, not a hurdle.

Need help with your data or outreach? Contact us today to get started.

You can also buy email lists that are fully screened, segmented, and tailored to your exact targeting needs.

Results Driven Marketing
Helping UK SMEs go from bad data to more customers and profits.
CTPS-screened, GDPR-compliant, and tailored to your preferred marketing style.
📞 0191 406 6399 | Newcastle-based, serving the whole UK
Website: rdmarketing.co.uk