Member benefit – Oodles of info’

CIM members have access to a whole host of benefits. Some, you’ll probably be very familiar with, like The Marketer magazine, and others less so. To help you get the most from your membership here’s a reminder from Dawn Southgate, CIM Head of Knowledge, about our Information and Library Services, and in particular, the company information services available to you.

The Library is a specialised collection of marketing information which is accessible by speaking to the research team by phone or by visiting the library in person. You can also login as a member for fast online access to marketing journals, magazines, books and reports. 

You can phone or visit the Library from Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 17:00, on 01628 427333 or you can contact us by e-mail. Researchers are on hand to help you with your information needs whether this is a short enquiry, an in-depth enquiry or assistance in using the online services.

Find out more.

There is also a wealth of company information services, some of which are free, while others charge a fee for information. Here’s a quick roundup:

Ebsco – Ebsco’s Business Source Corporate database has more than 10,000 global company profiles. The databases available will also highlight any published articles in their collections that are on a company. The database includes newspapers, magazines and trade journals on many subjects. Free to CIM members.

Key Note – Database of more than seven million UK companies with up to five years of financial data. The database includes director, secretary and shareholder information. Key Note company reports make spotting trends and analysing performance easy. The database can also be used to benchmark companies against each other. CIM members can access the Key Note database in the CIM library, or order company information within our licence agreement with Key Note (Varying fees apply for this service).

Kompass – Company database with global listings. CIM members have access to Kompass Easybusiness Marketing Analysis tool in the CIM library. Basic company information is free, more detailed information and Easybusiness Marketing Analysis are available on a fee-paying basis.

Companies House – the main functions of Companies House are: to incorporate and dissolve limited companies; to examine and store company information delivered under the Companies Act and related legislation; and to make this information available to the public. Companies House provides information on company status, directors and accounts. Some information is free but charges are made for the supply of some documents.

Dun & Bradstreet – a leading provider of business information for credit, marketing and purchasing decisions worldwide. They also have a Small Business Information Tool called Do-business. D&B services are available on a fee-paying basis.

Hoover's, a D&B company – Overviews and financials on more than 87m companies worldwide. Register for a free trial, otherwise available on a fee-paying basis.

Europages – Business directory listing more than 2.6m companies in Europe. Searches can be refined by category, country, company type and number of employees.

Financial Times Company Content Hub – Search for financial data on listed companies by country, stock exchange or sector. Free.

Fortune 500 – Annual list of the USA’s 500 largest corporations, the site gives corporate overviews and financial data. Historical lists are available on the site. Free.

GlobalTrade.net – Global trade directory giving company contact details. Free to search.

Graydon – Company credit checks and risk monitoring. One free company credit check, further checks or services are on a fee-paying basis.

Investegate – The latest company news, press releases, annual reports and financial statements for UK quoted companies. Free.

London Stock Exchange – Performance, news and analysis of companies listed on the LSE. Click on the index eg FTSE 100, then constituents and then on the company link. Free.

Morningstar – In-depth stock data and analysis for global stock exchanges and companies. Free registration for limited access, subscription for full access.

Thomson Local – UK directory of companies, searchable by service and location, giving company contact details. Free.

UK Business Forums – Virtual community for SME and SOHO professionals. The site includes a small business directory. Free to search. Registration or subscription required to access other resources.

Yell – UK directory of companies, searchable by service and location, giving company contact details. Free.

Don’t forget annual reports and financial statements. Most medium and large companies have their annual reports and financial statements available on their websites and this can be another valuable information source.

For more information go to www.cim.co.uk/resources, call The Library on 01628 427333 or contact us by e-mail.