SWINDON businesses will be able to block out nuisance marketing calls from this week.

From Friday, UK businesses will have the same right as individuals to block out cold calling marketing firms. Individuals have been able to use the block since 1999.

Companies can now choose to opt out of direct marketing by registering business and mobile numbers with the Telephone Preference Service.

Once registered, direct marketers cannot cold call as they are under a legal requirement to check with TPS registration. There is also a similar system for faxes.

Marketing companies that carry on bombarding businesses with calls will face severe fines.

Richard Houghton, the south west spokesman for the Associa-tion of Chartered Certified Accountants, said: "This will ease the burden of unwanted cold calls on UK businesses from direct marketing companies.

"Small businesses, in particular, can find this type of marketing intrusive and time con- suming but by registering free of charge with the TPS, they will be able to freeze out the unwanted cold call.

"The scheme, which has been operational for individual subscribers since 1999, has proved to be effective, and companies will now be able to enjoy the same protection of their privacy."

More information is available from the Direct Marketing Association at www.dma.org.uk or on 020 7291 3300.