Database Direct was formed by Peter Watson and David Bingle in 1988. Originally based in Ellesmere Port in Cheshire, the Company provided mainly mailing and mail order processing services for the first five years and during this time took the lead in introducing marketing databases to Clients, a relatively new concept at that time.

In 1993 Database Direct (Scotland) Limited was formed as a new operations centre opened in Dunoon with the focus on response fulfilment, telemarketing and development of the marketing database. Within a year of setting up Dunoon, the Research division, now DDL Data, was established. DDL Data has developed a reputation for leading the way in the use of advanced statistical techniques to solve direct marketing problems. At the end of 1997 the two operating Companies were merged into a single combined Company, Database Direct Limited.

September 1998 saw the mailing operation move into new premises in Ellesmere Port, a substantial new building fitted out to the precise requirements of high volume direct mail and despatch services. 1999 saw a further expansion of the Dunoon site and the Research and Analysis division move to Edinburgh. In 2007, Database Direct Limited re-branded as DDL Group which is the name of the Company today.  Our Sales & Accounts office is based in Wilmslow, Cheshire.