Gillian Lyall and Steve Harrison of Gateshead-based NB Group are now accredited for the advice the company provides to clients that are running direct mail campaigns.

The North-East business is one of 165 mailing houses throughout England to have secured the accreditation, which Lyall said puts the company "in a bracket above" most other direct mail firms.

She added: "Our clients can now be assured that the advice we give and the campaigns we devise will be of the very highest calibre."

Last month, the company bolstered its headcount after taking four new recruits in order to drive its burgeoning personalisation offering.

Brian Waites, managing director of NB Group, said: "Direct mail is a fast growing aspect of our business.

"It complements all other areas of our business from data processing, print production and distribution and is supported by our communication solutions of e-commerce and digital channels.

"Steve and Gillian’s recent success puts us in a very strong position when it comes to advising clients on the best course of action and then implementing it on their behalf."