The British Postcode: its background, how it is employed and how it can be used in business enterprise

The British Postcode: its background, how it is employed and how it can be used in business enterprise

It is not entirely obvious how the British postcode system works and if you are looking to use the uk postcodes finder effectively, its best to gain a greater understanding of its history and how it can be utilised in business.

The British postcode system was introduced to increase the efficiency of the postal service. Every postal address in the UK has a postcode, or to use its official name, postcode unit'. Almost two million postcode units are currently in use, and new ones are allocated to each new-build housing or business development. The postcode for any UK address can normally be obtained quite easily by using a postcode finder.

Postcodes ensure that mail is sorted correctly by the automated sorting systems. An incorrect postcode on a letter or parcel may cause a delay in the item being delivered. Finding out the correct postcode is simple. A postcode finder will instantly find every UK postcode; all you need to do is type in the address of the premises.

There are two parts to UK postcodes. The first part identifies the postal area. Often it consists of two letters followed by two numbers, but this is not always the case. This is followed by a space. The second part always consists of one number and two letters. This identifies the precise location of the address within the postal area.

Postcodes are used in a variety of ways. A postcode search using online directories and search engines is a quick way of finding shops and businesses in a locality. Also, many people opt to enter their destination into their sat nav using the postcode.

Postcodes for business - Businesses can use of postcodes to find out the geographical spread of their customer base, track how their sales activity varies from place to place, and many other purposes. Postcodes are used by insurance companies in determining insurance premiums. Indeed, for some organisations, advanced software using postcode data, such as the applications developed by MapInfo, have revolutionised the way business operates, making it far more efficient and opening up new possibilities.

How do businesses know my address before I tell them? - Sometimes when you contact a business for the first time, you are only asked for your postcode and perhaps your house number, and the business is then able to tell you your complete address. These businesses are using a postcode lookup system, which accesses the Royal Mail's Postcode Address Files' (PAF files). As well as making the business look professional, using postcode lookup ensures that all addresses are recorded correctly.

Mailshots using postcode data - Because PAF files contain every UK postcode and address they can be used for many purposes. Businesses use PAF files when they want to send a mailshot to every UK address, or to addresses that meet certain criteria.

What else is postcode software used for? - There are numerous business applications for postcode software, but it is probably most frequently used for mailshotting. PAF files contain every UK postcode, and can be provided in a format compatible with mailmerge programs.

About the Author: Pauline Garry is a specialist writer with a background in corporate and management training. One of her current projects is an evaluation of various types of software that can prove cost-effective in increasing work productivity and performance in small and medium sized companies. She has been assisted in this by a leading GIS specialist who are experts in how to use uk postcodes finder - visit their website at http://www.xyzmaps.com/

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