Why You Should Check CTPS List Before You Call
Check CTPS list before you call — it’s a simple step, but one that far too many businesses overlook. If you’re using purchased B2B data for outbound calls, especially in the UK, ignoring the Corporate Telephone Preference Service (CTPS) could cost you more than just a few missed opportunities. It could land you in hot water with the ICO, waste your sales team’s time, and damage your brand’s reputation.
For business owners, sales directors, and marketers trying to hit lead gen targets, compliance often feels like red tape. But in reality, it’s your competitive edge. Knowing which numbers not to call protects your business, shows professionalism, and boosts campaign efficiency.
In this article, we’ll explain what the CTPS is, why it matters, and how to stay compliant without slowing down your outreach. Whether you’re new to cold calling or experienced in outbound campaigns, this guide will keep you safe — and sharp.
Table of contents:
What Is the CTPS and Why It Exists
Understanding the CTPS (Corporate Telephone Preference Service)
The first thing every outbound caller should know is this: check CTPS list before you call — because the CTPS is a legal barrier between your phone and businesses that have explicitly said no thanks to sales calls.
The Corporate Telephone Preference Service (CTPS) is a UK-wide opt-out register, set up specifically to protect companies from unwanted sales and marketing calls. It applies to all types of organisations, from sole traders and SMEs to large corporations.
The CTPS was introduced to give businesses control over who can contact them by phone, reducing spam and safeguarding productivity. It sits alongside the TPS (Telephone Preference Service), which covers individuals and households. Together, they form the foundation of the UK’s cold calling rules.
If your business is making unsolicited calls using purchased or third-party B2B data, this register isn’t optional — it’s a legal requirement and closely linked to your GDPR responsibilities.
Who Needs to Check the CTPS List
If your business makes outbound sales calls — especially using purchased B2B data — you must check the CTPS list before you call. It’s not just best practice; it’s the law.
This applies to:
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Sales teams using third-party lead lists
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Marketing departments running telemarketing campaigns
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Business owners making their own cold calls
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Outsourced call centres dialling on your behalf
It doesn’t matter how large or small your company is. There’s no exemption for SMEs, freelancers, or first-timers. If you’re contacting businesses by phone without checking the CTPS first, you’re leaving yourself open to complaints — and enforcement action from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
Even if your data supplier is reputable, the responsibility lies with you, the caller.
Why You Should Check the CTPS List Before Calling
Avoiding Fines and Legal Risk
You must check the CTPS list before you call — or you could be on the hook for serious financial penalties. The Information Commissioner’s Office actively enforces CTPS compliance. Businesses that ignore the rules have faced fines of up to £500,000 for making unsolicited sales calls to registered numbers.
And no, it’s not just large corporations being targeted. SMEs across the UK have been penalised for calling without proper screening. Even if it’s accidental, “we didn’t know” won’t hold up as a defence.
Compliance protects your business, your reputation, and your budget.
Respecting Prospect Preferences
Beyond legal risk, there’s a simple truth: people don’t want to be bothered by cold calls they didn’t ask for. The CTPS gives UK businesses the right to say no — and it’s your job to listen.
Calling someone who’s opted out doesn’t just risk a fine — it damages trust. Respecting the CTPS means respecting your audience’s boundaries, and that’s how long-term customer relationships begin.
Improving Campaign Efficiency
When you check the CTPS list before calling, you’re not just avoiding problems — you’re making your sales process more efficient. Think about it:
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No time wasted calling dead-end numbers
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Better call-to-conversion ratios
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Less resistance from frustrated recipients
Screening out CTPS-registered numbers means your team spends more time speaking with willing, reachable prospects — the people most likely to listen, engage, and buy.
Common Misconceptions About the CTPS
“It’s Only for Big Corporates”
One of the most common myths we hear is that the CTPS only applies to large enterprises. That’s not true. Any UK business — including SMEs, charities, and even sole traders — can register on the CTPS list. And many do.
Assuming “they’re too small to be on the list” is a costly mistake. The only way to know for sure is to check.
“My List Supplier Should Handle That”
Relying on your data provider to handle compliance might seem convenient, but the responsibility ultimately rests with you as the caller.
Even if your supplier claims to check the CTPS list, the ICO holds the party making the call accountable. That means your business needs to ensure screening has been done recently and thoroughly.
“CTPS Is Just Red Tape”
Another misconception is that CTPS screening is just a bureaucratic barrier. In reality, checking the CTPS list helps you work smarter.
Removing numbers that are guaranteed to reject your call leads to cleaner data, more productive conversations, and fewer complaints.
How to Check the CTPS List — Step-by-Step
What You Need Before You Start
Before you check the CTPS list, make sure you have:
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A list of telephone numbers you plan to call
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Access to a licensed CTPS screening provider
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A record-keeping process to document compliance
The CTPS database isn’t something you can manually browse. You’ll need to run your call list through a proper screening service to identify and suppress numbers that are registered.
Screening Best Practices
To stay compliant and effective, follow these best practices:
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Check the CTPS list before every new calling campaign
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Re-screen your data every 28 days, per ICO recommendations
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Screen older lists again before reuse
What Happens After Screening
After screening:
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Remove or suppress CTPS-registered numbers
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Record when and how you checked the list
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Only call from the filtered, compliant data
This isn’t just about avoiding penalties — it’s about working smarter and respecting your audience.
What Happens If You Don’t Check?
Real-World Consequences
Failing to check the CTPS list before you call is a breach of UK privacy laws. The ICO doesn’t take that lightly.
Potential consequences:
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Fines up to £500,000
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Public enforcement notices
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Mandatory audits and damage to your brand
Even small businesses are held accountable. Compliance isn’t optional.
Case Examples
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A small marketing firm fined after calling CTPS-registered numbers
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An IT company penalised for using unscreened, bought data
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A telesales team warned after failing to keep proof of screening
All preventable — with one simple check.
Why Choose Results Driven Marketing
Experts in B2B Data and Compliance
At Results Driven Marketing, we don’t just supply data — we help you use it properly. Results Driven Marketing understands CTPS compliance, UK cold calling rules, and how to avoid costly mistakes.
We guide you through the right steps — including how to check your data before launching a campaign — so you can focus on results, not regulations.
We Understand SME Pressures
You’re busy. That’s why we make the process fast, clear, and human. Whether you need fresh contacts or support with CTPS-screened data, we’re here to help.
We also supply email lists for targeted campaigns, giving you the best shot at lead generation success.
Part of Your Success Team
We’re not just a supplier — we’re your growth partner. Our goal is to help you:
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Generate real leads
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Avoid fines and reputational risks
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Work smarter, not harder
We succeed when you do.
Final Thoughts: Make Compliance a Competitive Advantage
Turn Caution Into Confidence
Checking the CTPS list before you call doesn’t slow you down — it clears the path. It ensures your outreach is focused, respectful, and effective.
It helps your team spend more time with the right people. And it positions your brand as one that takes privacy and professionalism seriously.
Your Next Step
Ready to launch a compliant calling campaign with confidence?
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We’ll provide clean, accurate, CTPS-screened data
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We’ll guide you through every step
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And we’ll help you drive real results, the right way
Contact us today — and let’s get your campaign moving.
Who are we?
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Providing b2b database solutions is our passion.
Offering a consultancy service prior to purchase, our advisors always aim to supply a database that meets your specific marketing needs, exactly.
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