Do I Need to Check TPS and CTPS Before Calling

Do I need to check TPS and CTPS before calling? If you’re using purchased B2B data to drive cold calling campaigns, it’s a crucial question—and one that can’t be ignored.

Too often, small businesses assume these rules only apply to consumer numbers. But if you’re calling UK companies, especially without prior consent, you need to be sure you’re not contacting anyone registered with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) or the Corporate Telephone Preference Service (CTPS).

Failing to check can lead to more than just wasted dials. We’re talking about potential fines, complaints, and serious damage to your brand reputation.

This guide cuts through the confusion. We’ll explain the difference between TPS and CTPS, when each applies, and how to stay compliant while still running a results-driven campaign. No jargon—just the straight facts you need to protect your business and boost your outreach success.

What Are TPS and CTPS?

If you’re calling UK contacts for sales or marketing, you’ve likely heard of TPS and CTPS. But what exactly are they—and why do they matter?

• TPS (Telephone Preference Service) is a register for individuals (consumers, sole traders, and some partnerships) who don’t want to receive unsolicited sales calls.

• CTPS (Corporate Telephone Preference Service) is the equivalent for businesses, covering limited companies, PLCs, LLPs, and partnerships.

Both registers are managed by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and enforced under the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR). Their purpose is to protect people and businesses from unwanted calls—especially those they never asked for.

Registration is free, quick, and widely used. That means millions of UK phone numbers—both residential and business—are off-limits for cold calls unless you’ve got explicit consent.

Understanding who’s protected by which register is the first step toward building a compliant, efficient, and effective outreach strategy.

Do These Checks Apply to B2B Calls?

Do I need to check TPS and CTPS before calling businesses? Yes—and it’s one of the most common areas where UK SMEs get caught out.

While many think TPS and CTPS only apply to consumer marketing, the reality is that B2B calls are still regulated, especially under PECR. The rules vary slightly depending on the type of business:

• CTPS applies to:

  • Limited companies

  • PLCs

  • LLPs

  • Traditional partnerships

• TPS may apply when calling:

  • Sole traders

  • Small partnerships using personal lines (e.g. home or mobile)

That means if you’re using purchased data, and you haven’t screened it against both TPS and CTPS, you risk calling numbers that are legally off-limits.

Even if you’re calling business contacts, the ICO expects you to take all reasonable steps to avoid calling registered numbers—and yes, that includes SME sales teams.

Being compliant isn’t about avoiding trouble. It’s about building trust, protecting your brand, and keeping your campaigns on the right track.

What Are the Legal Risks of Not Checking?

Ignoring TPS and CTPS checks isn’t just risky—it’s a direct breach of UK marketing laws. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) enforces the rules, and they’ve shown time and again that “I didn’t know” won’t cut it.

What Can Happen If You Call a Registered Number?

• Fines: The ICO can issue penalties of up to £500,000 for serious or repeated breaches

• Investigations: Even one complaint can trigger a full review of your processes

• Reputation Damage: Being labelled as a nuisance caller hurts trust and damages your brand—especially in close-knit B2B sectors

• Wasted Time: Calling numbers that legally shouldn’t be contacted is inefficient and demoralising for your sales team

The ICO has published multiple case studies showing enforcement against SMEs—not just big corporations. The message is clear: check before you call, or risk paying the price.

Want to avoid all that hassle? It starts with clean, compliant data—and a simple system for staying on the right side of the rules.

How to Stay Compliant With TPS and CTPS

Staying compliant doesn’t mean making your campaigns slower—it means making them smarter. Here’s how to make sure your outbound calls are on point and on the right side of the law.

Screen Data Before Every Campaign

• Check both TPS and CTPS registers: Every phone number must be screened, regardless of whether it’s B2B or B2C

• 28-day rule: Data must be screened within 28 days of use—older checks won’t protect you

• Work with reputable data providers: Make sure your B2B lists are CTPS/TPS-checked before they reach your sales team

• Keep records: Maintain logs of when your lists were last screened—this helps in case of any future complaints or audits

Train Your Team to Spot Risks

• Educate sales and marketing staff: Make sure they know what TPS and CTPS are, and why they matter

• Handle objections and opt-outs respectfully: Keep a clear internal process for dealing with “do not call” requests

• Maintain an internal suppression list: If someone asks not to be called, honour it—regardless of TPS/CTPS status

By making compliance part of your standard workflow, you not only protect your business—you also show prospects that your team is professional, respectful, and worth listening to.

Can I Still Cold Call? Yes—If You Do It Right

Yes, cold calling is still perfectly legal in the UK—as long as you follow the rules. The key is targeting contacts not registered with TPS or CTPS, and doing it in a way that respects the person on the other end of the line.

Who Can You Still Call?

• Businesses not registered with CTPS

• Sole traders and partnerships not on TPS

• Contacts who have given prior consent to be called

How to Maximise Cold Calling Success (Without the Risk)

• Segment your data: Focus on sectors, job roles, and regions that match your ideal buyer

• Use screened, high-quality lists: Don’t rely on guesswork—get the right contacts from the start

• Lead with value: Your first 10 seconds matter—show how your call helps them solve a problem

• Track opt-outs: Keep a clean internal list to avoid repeat calls to those who’ve asked not to be contacted

Done right, cold calling remains one of the most direct and effective B2B channels available—as long as it’s backed by clean data and smart targeting.

Why Choose Results Driven Marketing

When it comes to cold outreach, data quality and compliance are non-negotiable. At Results Driven Marketing, we take the stress out of outbound calling by giving you everything you need to reach the right contacts—without breaking the rules.

Here’s why UK SMEs trust us:

• TPS & CTPS Checks Built-In
  Every list we provide is freshly screened against TPS and CTPS within the last 28 days. No guesswork—just compliant, ready-to-call data.

• 40-Point Data Quality Process
  From format validation to CTPS screening, our lists are quality-checked from top to bottom—so your team can focus on conversations, not corrections.

• Tailored Lists by Sector & Location
  Need finance directors in London or construction firms in Yorkshire? With access to over 2,000 sectors, we’ll build a list that fits your exact needs.

• Fast Delivery, No Nonsense
  Need it tomorrow? No problem. Our data is delivered within 24 hours—fully segmented, password-protected, and campaign-ready.

• Human Support, Not Just a Portal
  Have questions? We’re a phone call away. Whether it’s about segmentation, GDPR, or campaign advice—we’ve got your back.

Whether you’re new to cold calling or refining your strategy, we make sure you’re equipped, compliant, and focused on results from day one.

Final Thoughts: Call With Confidence and Compliance

Do I need to check TPS and CTPS before calling? Yes—and doing so could be the smartest move you make this year.

It’s not about ticking boxes. It’s about protecting your business, saving time, and calling the right contacts with confidence. In a world of strict data laws and rising buyer expectations, being compliant isn’t a barrier—it’s a competitive advantage.

With the right processes and a trusted data partner, cold calling becomes not just legal, but highly effective. You’re no longer guessing who to call—you’re targeting the people most likely to listen, engage, and buy.

Need help getting started or making sure your next campaign is above board? Contact us today. We’ll help you source TPS and CTPS-checked data, tailored to your target audience and delivered within 24 hours.

And if you’re looking for email outreach too, explore our email lists—compliant, segmented, and built for results.

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