To meet demands from mail order companies, online traders, agencies & consumers, the Accredited Response Management Scheme (ARM) is a new initiative designed to raise standards and confidence in the UK Fulfilment & Response Handling Service Industry. This industry has come of age and it is now universally recognised that well-resourced & professionally managed Response Management companies are important to the success of campaigns & customer satisfaction. Now more than ever, companies need to demonstrate their commitment to the development of high professional standards and performance. ARM is a scheme, which meets a series of standards in terms of corporate and financial stability, training, staffing and facilities, security, brand & customer protection. Robinia Bishop, Nestle UK’s Sales Promotion Manager and a member of ISBA’s Activation and Engagement Action Group said: “This scheme sounds like an excellent opportunity for the response management industry to promote the increasing professionalism & range of services it offers. I hope it will develop over time to provide a detailed picture of industry best practice and help to drive high standards throughout the sector. I will certainly consider ARM accreditation when selecting and recommending suppliers.”  ARM will provide clients and agencies with a simple way of ensuring that a response management company meets a series of standards. This is a joint initiative between three trade organisations - DMA, ISP (Institute of Sales Promotion) & ISBA (Incorporated Society of British Advertisers). It is recognised that Response Management companies work across the whole spectrum of marcoms activity therefore no single trade body accurately reflects the full range of interests & skills. ARM an accredited scheme for buyers (promoters/agencies) to gain access to proven, high quality Response Management companies.