Words About Things

A recent study has shown that customers in the UK are concerned about data loss by their banks to the extent that they would move their savings or business account if information was lost. Security is a big concern and although the government has lost sensitive data on more than one occasion so far most of the major banks have not. The study, which was undertaken by ArmstrongAdams risk management, will make compelling reading for the banks in what is now an even more competitive market.

55% of bank account holders would move their savings account if their existing provider lost the personal data of their customers. 22%  were “very likely” to switch and 19% were “certain” they would switch current account.

“The survey results clearly show the continuing concerns that British consumers have with regard to the security of their personal information held by British banks as well as the safety of their money. And although the survey only looked at personal bank accounts, it, it is not an unjustified extrapolation to say that all financial institutions that deal with large amounts of customer data should continue to pay serious attention to the concerns of their customers and ensure they are taking a very robust approach to information risk management.” -Tim Kipps

A woman has survived an amazing 100 foot plunge over a cliff in her car, without her seatbelt on. Barbara Tyreman from Whitby, North Yorkshire was left shocked but unharmed after the incident last week. Her Mini was completely ruined but Mrs Tyreman is just happy to be alive.

“I can’t believe I escaped unhurt, It’s unbelievable. When I look at the car I just think ‘How did I survive without a scratch?”

Mrs Tyreman was trying to put her seatbelt on when she accidentally stepped on the accelerator. Then when she trying to stamp on the break she pressed the accelerator again before swerving to avoid another car and plunging over the cliff. She was cut out of the car by firefighters before being airlifted to Scarborough Hospital where she was given the all clear.

Luckily two trees had stopped the car from hitting the ground despite Mrs Tyreman’s best efforts. If I worked for a car rental or car insurance company I would keep a note of Mrs Tyreman’s name

British fashion is taking off at home and abroad with eccentric designers Paul Smith and Vivienne Westwood leading the charge. More and more people are opting for British brands as well as overtly British items such as Union Jack print scarfs and handbags. A recent Vivienne Westwood ad featured Pamela Anderson in a Union Jack Skirt. But is this trend patriotic, protectionist or based on quality and great design?

Paul Smith is the biggest selling British designer but most of his sales occur overseas. He has been expanding over recent years, building new stores and concessions in large department stores. He is, as the old joke goes, very big in Japan. Amanda Ware is a buyer for a luxury gifts store in London who says that British themed accessories are flying off their shelves. “Paul Smith is strong with the Union Jack. It’s really flown over the past 8-12 weeks”.

Traditionally (over recent years at least) most British people would shy away from wearing the Union Jack or the St George’s Cross except perhaps during the World Cup. It is unfortunately often associated with the far-right although there is of course a big difference between national pride and bigotry. The bizarre belief that were you where born is superior to other places because you were born there is foolish whereas being proud of the achievements of British people (including designers) makes perfect sense.

Protectionism would certainly do more harm than good to the British fashion trade. The classic brand Burberry is reliant on Asia as it’s biggest market as is Paul Smith. International trade is important in all sectors and fashion is no different. The moral of the story: buy British fashion because it is stylish and well made not because it’s British.

The Compare The Meerkats ad campaign was created by VCCP for CompareTheMarket.com and is a rare example of a viral ad actually going viral. Lots of companies have tried and failed (See Radio 4′s really quite bad attempt) to capture a bit of online buzz. The idea and the execution was good enough for people to actually seek out comparethemeerkat.com and possibly even comparethemarket.com.

It helps that Aleksandr_Orlov (the Meerkat who stars in the advert) has his own Twitter account as well as a functional Meerkat comparing site. The latest part of the campaign is an out-takes video showing bloopers featuring Aleksandr fluffing his lines and struggling with the English language.