Standard Life, the savings and investment specialist, has warned that the effects of inflation can seriously damage one's retirement wealth. New data released today shows that a 90-year-old who retired in 1981, when petrol cost 35p a litre, would have seen the purchasing power of a £10,000-a-year level pension income fall to just £3,207 today.
John Lawson, Head of Pensions Policy at Standard Life said: "Inflation can have a huge impact on the purchasing power of your retirement income. As people are living longer, retirement income needs to go that much further, with a 60-year-old man retiring today living on average for another 26 years."
He went on to say: "Our research shows 57% of people do recognise that an income keeping pace with inflation is attractive. But currently, and somewhat inevitably, the majority go for the higher starting income of a level annuity, leaving only 3% choosing an inflation linked annuity. This is perhaps understandable given that annuity rates have reached record lows and level annuities start at a higher rate than their inflation linked alternatives.
"People approaching retirement need to consider their own personal inflation rate may be higher in the future than that of the average person in the UK due to the types of products and services they will consume. After 10 years in retirement, a 60-year-old man who had purchased a RPI linked annuity with a fund of £100,000 could achieve a higher annual income than someone who had purchased a level annuity."
An example provided by the data shows the purchasing power in today's money of a £100,000 pension fund being used by a 60-year-old man retiring in October 2011 to purchase a level or RPI-linked annuity. Various rates of inflation are shown over a 30-year period. If inflation averaged 7% over a ten-year period, the then 70-year old man would begin to receive a higher annual retirement income than if he had purchased a level annuity.
Please note in this example the level annuity receives a higher starting income than the RPI-linked version. At year 10, with inflation at 7%, there is a crossover when the RPI-linked annuity annual income exceeds the level annuity annual income. At year 22, the total payments from the RPI-linked annuity exceed the total payments from the level annuity.
Lawson concluded: "Low inflation has persisted for the last 15 years or so, but there is no guarantee that it will continue. Rising world demand for food and fuel, without a similar increase in supply, has seen prices for the basics rocket. People retiring today need to consider that they will still need to pay for food, fuel and other essentials for a long time into the future and that these basic items are likely to cost a lot more in 10 year’s time than they do today.
"There are many options to consider at retirement which could minimise the impact of inflation on your income, so seeking financial advice is vital."
FACTFILE:
Standard Life is a leading long term savings and investments company headquartered in Edinburgh and operating internationally. Established in 1825, Standard Life provides life assurance, annuities, life insurance, savings products, investment bonds, tax efficiencies, pension products such as a self-invested personal pension, financial education and investment management to around 6 million customers worldwide.
Standard Life has its headquarters in Edinburgh and employs around 9,000 people across the UK, Canada, Ireland, Germany, Austria, India, USA, Hong Kong and mainland China. At the end of June 2011 the Group had total assets under administration of £200bn.
Sunday, 30 October 2011
That's Christmas: Create your own Winter Wonderland!
That's Christmas: Create your own Winter Wonderland!: The pre-Christmas build-up can be a magical time for adults alike. And now you can make it even more special for you and your children with ...
That's Christmas: Create your own Winter Wonderland!
That's Christmas: Create your own Winter Wonderland!: The pre-Christmas build-up can be a magical time for adults alike. And now you can make it even more special for you and your children with ...
That's Christmas: Don’t be left in the cold this Christmas!- Get rea...
That's Christmas: Don’t be left in the cold this Christmas!- Get rea...: • Initiative follows problems caused by freezing temperatures last winter • Record property insurance claims • Government departments, L...
Thursday, 27 October 2011
Furniture Village Launches Single Multimedia Bed
Perfect for the discerning teenager, the stylish Harvard incorporates two round speakers within the headboard and a hidden 24” LCD remote control TV that rises with a simple touch of a button. And when it's not in-use, it can be easily retracted into the foot-end, creating a flush surface and erasing all signs of a TV.
Also offering an integrated MP3 docking station, this multimedia bed really is a one-stop entertainment centre. And in addition to all the tech mod-cons, it has handy 'cubby holes' for storing plenty of CDs and DVDs.
But if the family develops a spot of green envy, there are plenty of other adult multimedia beds in Furniture Village's new TV Bed.
Visit www.furniturevillage.co.uk or one of the 39 stores nationwide to view the collection.
Sunday, 23 October 2011
Log fires. For Christmas and beyond
Carefully placed mistletoe and oversized stockings surrounding a roaring fireplace is a quintessential Christmas image. However, given that open fires are notoriously poor heat emitters (typically producing efficiencies of just 10-15%) it is understandable that homeowners prefer to reach for the central heating controls rather than chopping another pile of logs. With this in mind, AGA Stoves, part of the AGA Rangemaster Group, has produced a handy guide to outline the benefits of choosing a wood burning stove and explain why they are not just for the festive season – they can last a lifetime.
The guide provides homeowners with all the information they need to make an informed decision when purchasing a wood burning stove. From running costs to maintenance, manufacturing quality to expected lifespan, the AGA Stoves log burning guide is a must read with winter just around the corner.
AGA Stoves manufactures a wide range of wood burning stoves which are perfect for a variety of homes. Notable models in the range include the Little Wenlock Classic and the Minsterley. The Little Wenlock Classic is a compact stove (H 533mm x W 400mm x D 415mm) which has been designed for smaller homes and standard fireplaces.
By using a combination of high quality engineering and intelligent design, it is exceptionally efficient (over 81%) and is supplied with a supplementary wood grate, providing the option of burning wood or mineral fuels. To not exclude city and town dwellers, AGA Stoves has also developed a smoke exempt version which can be used in smoke control zones – the Little Wenlock Classic SE.
The Minsterley boiler stove is designed to provide plentiful heating and hot water for a family home and is capable of running up to 8 radiators. Thanks to its interchangeable fuel plate, it can also be used with either wood or solid fuel, and has a minimum rated heat output of 3.6kW with a hot water output of 7.5kW. The Minsterely retails at £1,825.
The full guide is available as a downloadable PDF at: www.agaliving.com/media/stoves/AGA_Stoves_Christmas_21.10.11...
Thursday, 20 October 2011
3G living with SANIFLO?
A growing trend in the UK, especially amongst younger buyers or those who can’t afford the property they’d like on their own, is to get together with older generations of their family and buy a home together.Likewise high property prices, the cost of childcare and insufficient places in care homes to accommodate an ageing population can make it both emotionally and economically sensible to invite the grandparents to move in.
3G or three generation, living does work well for some families. Whether buying a big home to live in together, or opting for a property with annexe potential. The annexe option is a good choice for those that don’t want to be on top of each other the entire time, as it gives a degree of privacy and space.
So if there is sufficient space to turn a ground floor room or a garage into living space it’s simple using Saniflo units to install ensuite bath/shower, WC facilities and kitchen facilities even where the soil pipe or drain is remote and gravity drainage is a problem.
Using Saniflo products means that independent living can be achieved without breaking the bank or digging up the floor. Whether it’s for a granny flat or for separate accommodation for ‘first-homers’ who haven’t yet saved up the deposit for a starter flat or house, Saniflo have a product that will enable the installation of extra facilities. It all depends on the facilities you want to add; Saniflo make a wide range of products each designed for adding different facilities:
Saniflo: The original macerator pump for an extra WC almost anywhere
Sanitop: A macerator that enables you to install a WC and wash basin – ideal for cloakrooms
Sanislim: A macerator pump specifically designed for use with slimline sanitaryware
Sanipro: A macerator that enables you to install a WC and shower
Sanicompact: A unique cisternless space-saving ceramic WC with a built-in macerator pump
Sanipack: A macerator pump specifically designed for use with built-in bathroom units
Sanishower: A pump for shower and washbasin
Saniplus: Largest of the Saniflo domestic range, a macerator pump that enables you to install a bathroom or en-suite with ease
Sanivite: A domestic pump for discharge of waste water from kitchen and utility rooms
Saniflo…helping you keep your family together.
For further information:
email: sales@saniflo.co.uk
www.saniflo.co.uk
Wednesday, 19 October 2011
No boiler cover to save money? Please think again!
The Indian summer is well and truly over and as the British public resign themselves to another long winter season, many households will inevitably be reaching for the thermostat to stave off the cold weather.
Jon Ingram, product director at Energychoices.co.uk commented: "UK consumers everywhere are tightening their belts with many households waiting until the last possible moment before switching on the central heating in order to save money. However, many do not consider what will happen if their boiler breaks down, needing costly repairs or replacing altogether.
"If your boiler fails it can be frighteningly expensive to replace – an extra outlay that consumers can ill afford in the run up to Christmas. Furthermore, if the money to pay for repairs is not immediately available then you can be left without basic amenities like hot water and heat fro your home for some time.
"Boiler cover can offer homeowners the peace of mind that their central heating system will be repaired swiftly without having to fork out a huge amount. So if your boiler is looking a bit long in the tooth, we would urge you to compare boiler insurance deals and get covered.
"Remember - you are not obliged to take out cover from your energy supplier and whilst there are some expensive insurance plans out there, with a little research you needn't pay over the odds."
Energychoices.co.uk's top tips for choosing boiler cover:
1. Do you actually need cover? – If you are only renting, it is your landlord's responsibility to take out boiler insurance and have it repaired if it breaks down. If you own your own home and already have buildings and contents insurance, it is worth checking if your boiler is already covered, or if at least part of the cost is already met in the event of any emergency repairs.
2. Had a boiler fitted recently? – If your boiler is quite new, it may already be covered under warranty. Check the paperwork to see how long you are covered for, otherwise you may end up paying out for boiler cover that you simply don't need.
3. Check the age of your boiler – Most boiler plans exclude models that are over 15 years old, and any models older than 7 years may have to undergo an inspection. Remember to check that your particular brand is covered as some of the older makes are sometimes excluded.
4. 'Boiler only' or 'full heating system' cover? – The cheapest boiler insurance policies only cover the cost of the boiler and controls but if you are willing to shell out a little extra you can ensure cover for your entire heating system, including radiators and pipes.
5. What is considered an emergency? – Some insurance providers don't think that a lack of hot water constitutes an emergency, whilst others will only rush to fix your boiler in the winter months. Make sure you know exactly what your boiler insurance provider considers an emergency so you aren't left waiting around in the cold for them to get around to fixing your boiler.
6. No claims period – Most new plans have a no-claims period to prevent people signing up on the day their boiler breaks down and then making a claim. The majority of no-claims periods last 30 days so bear in mind that you won't be covered during that time.
7. Compare suppliers – It is essential to shop around for a policy using a reliable price comparison site as there is a huge variation in prices and features for boiler insurance. Remember: the cheapest cover may not necessarily be the best value so make sure you read the small print BEFORE you sign up.
FACTFILE:
Energychoices.co.uk was launched in 2005 and offers comprehensive and impartial advice on home energy services.
At Energychoices.co.uk you can research and compare offers on gas and electricity suppliers and learn how to get more from your existing energy supplier.
They also offer advice on a range of boiler, heating, electrical and draining cover options and everything from choosing the right boiler to how to get your boiler serviced.
Whatever your needs, Energychoices.co.uk offers a fair and unbiased view of the market, looking at long term value and price savings on gas and electricity bills above the marketing hype.
Jon Ingram, product director at Energychoices.co.uk commented: "UK consumers everywhere are tightening their belts with many households waiting until the last possible moment before switching on the central heating in order to save money. However, many do not consider what will happen if their boiler breaks down, needing costly repairs or replacing altogether.
"If your boiler fails it can be frighteningly expensive to replace – an extra outlay that consumers can ill afford in the run up to Christmas. Furthermore, if the money to pay for repairs is not immediately available then you can be left without basic amenities like hot water and heat fro your home for some time.
"Boiler cover can offer homeowners the peace of mind that their central heating system will be repaired swiftly without having to fork out a huge amount. So if your boiler is looking a bit long in the tooth, we would urge you to compare boiler insurance deals and get covered.
"Remember - you are not obliged to take out cover from your energy supplier and whilst there are some expensive insurance plans out there, with a little research you needn't pay over the odds."
Energychoices.co.uk's top tips for choosing boiler cover:
1. Do you actually need cover? – If you are only renting, it is your landlord's responsibility to take out boiler insurance and have it repaired if it breaks down. If you own your own home and already have buildings and contents insurance, it is worth checking if your boiler is already covered, or if at least part of the cost is already met in the event of any emergency repairs.
2. Had a boiler fitted recently? – If your boiler is quite new, it may already be covered under warranty. Check the paperwork to see how long you are covered for, otherwise you may end up paying out for boiler cover that you simply don't need.
3. Check the age of your boiler – Most boiler plans exclude models that are over 15 years old, and any models older than 7 years may have to undergo an inspection. Remember to check that your particular brand is covered as some of the older makes are sometimes excluded.
4. 'Boiler only' or 'full heating system' cover? – The cheapest boiler insurance policies only cover the cost of the boiler and controls but if you are willing to shell out a little extra you can ensure cover for your entire heating system, including radiators and pipes.
5. What is considered an emergency? – Some insurance providers don't think that a lack of hot water constitutes an emergency, whilst others will only rush to fix your boiler in the winter months. Make sure you know exactly what your boiler insurance provider considers an emergency so you aren't left waiting around in the cold for them to get around to fixing your boiler.
6. No claims period – Most new plans have a no-claims period to prevent people signing up on the day their boiler breaks down and then making a claim. The majority of no-claims periods last 30 days so bear in mind that you won't be covered during that time.
7. Compare suppliers – It is essential to shop around for a policy using a reliable price comparison site as there is a huge variation in prices and features for boiler insurance. Remember: the cheapest cover may not necessarily be the best value so make sure you read the small print BEFORE you sign up.
FACTFILE:
Energychoices.co.uk was launched in 2005 and offers comprehensive and impartial advice on home energy services.
At Energychoices.co.uk you can research and compare offers on gas and electricity suppliers and learn how to get more from your existing energy supplier.
They also offer advice on a range of boiler, heating, electrical and draining cover options and everything from choosing the right boiler to how to get your boiler serviced.
Whatever your needs, Energychoices.co.uk offers a fair and unbiased view of the market, looking at long term value and price savings on gas and electricity bills above the marketing hype.
Monday, 17 October 2011
That's Beauty and Living: Hope & Glory 2012 - the new collection of natural ...
That's Beauty and Living: Hope & Glory 2012 - the new collection of natural ...: Heyland & Whittle , the British Soap and Herbal Merchants, have created a new line of products, apt...
Thursday, 13 October 2011
That's Christmas: Say it with Ceramics this Christmas with Gallery T...
That's Christmas: Say it with Ceramics this Christmas with Gallery T...: Personalised Tree decorations, various sizes and shapes, from £15. These hand-painted ceramic Christmas decorations from Gallery Thea can ...
Wednesday, 12 October 2011
Paying off credit card debt
Equifax, is providing an insight into the current state of consumer credit card debt.
“We conducted research earlier this year amongst customers of our credit report services”, said Neil Munroe, External Affairs Director, Equifax. “Of the 2,380 respondents to the survey, 91% said they use credit cards with 30% of those having two and over 20% having three.
“What was particularly interesting was that nearly a quarter (24.6%) had a current outstanding balance of between £1,000 and £5,000 and nearly 30% said they pay off less than 25% of the balance or the minimum payment each month. And when we asked how long they envisaged it would take them to clear their credit card debt, over 1 in 5 said more than a year.
“With nearly two thirds (63.1%) saying they use their credit cards for everyday living expenses, this does seem to suggest that credit card debt plays a fundamental role in day to day family finances.”
The Equifax research looked at credit card usage around the UK. Whilst the regional variances aren’t particularly great they do illustrate the considerable dependency on some form of credit for many UK households.
Regionally consumers in Wales rely the most on their credit cards for fuel payments at 68.2%. Perhaps not surprisingly, Londoners use their credit cards the least across the UK for fuel payments – at 43.4% - probably because they are less reliant on their cars in the City. However, it is Southerners (Londoners and those in the South East) who make the most use of their credit cards for everyday living expenses at 67% and 69% respectively.
“With inflation continuing to rise, it’s not surprising that many families need to resort to using their credit cards for more and more living expenses”, continued Neil Munroe. “But we believe this does highlight just how important it is to keep on top of credit commitments overall.
“However, we recommend people should not use credit cards for long term financing due to the high interest rates that can be incurred. And if a person does decide to take out a credit card with an interest free period, they should make sure the debt taken on during that period is manageable, as it can easily spiral out of control. This is especially true if it has a balance transfer offer too, as the rate of interest could be higher after the free term than the previous credit card,” concludes Munroe.
To easily access your Equifax Credit Report visit www.equifax.co.uk where it is designed to help individuals understand their credit file. It also includes expert tips and advice to help consumers take the right steps to manage their finances and navigate through life’s challenges. If the customer does not cancel before the end of the 30 Day Free Trial, the service will continue at £6.99 per month, giving them unlimited online access to their credit information and weekly alerts on any changes to their credit file. It also includes an online dispute facility to help them correct any errors on their credit file simply and quickly.
“We conducted research earlier this year amongst customers of our credit report services”, said Neil Munroe, External Affairs Director, Equifax. “Of the 2,380 respondents to the survey, 91% said they use credit cards with 30% of those having two and over 20% having three.
“What was particularly interesting was that nearly a quarter (24.6%) had a current outstanding balance of between £1,000 and £5,000 and nearly 30% said they pay off less than 25% of the balance or the minimum payment each month. And when we asked how long they envisaged it would take them to clear their credit card debt, over 1 in 5 said more than a year.
“With nearly two thirds (63.1%) saying they use their credit cards for everyday living expenses, this does seem to suggest that credit card debt plays a fundamental role in day to day family finances.”
The Equifax research looked at credit card usage around the UK. Whilst the regional variances aren’t particularly great they do illustrate the considerable dependency on some form of credit for many UK households.
Regionally consumers in Wales rely the most on their credit cards for fuel payments at 68.2%. Perhaps not surprisingly, Londoners use their credit cards the least across the UK for fuel payments – at 43.4% - probably because they are less reliant on their cars in the City. However, it is Southerners (Londoners and those in the South East) who make the most use of their credit cards for everyday living expenses at 67% and 69% respectively.
“With inflation continuing to rise, it’s not surprising that many families need to resort to using their credit cards for more and more living expenses”, continued Neil Munroe. “But we believe this does highlight just how important it is to keep on top of credit commitments overall.
“However, we recommend people should not use credit cards for long term financing due to the high interest rates that can be incurred. And if a person does decide to take out a credit card with an interest free period, they should make sure the debt taken on during that period is manageable, as it can easily spiral out of control. This is especially true if it has a balance transfer offer too, as the rate of interest could be higher after the free term than the previous credit card,” concludes Munroe.
To easily access your Equifax Credit Report visit www.equifax.co.uk where it is designed to help individuals understand their credit file. It also includes expert tips and advice to help consumers take the right steps to manage their finances and navigate through life’s challenges. If the customer does not cancel before the end of the 30 Day Free Trial, the service will continue at £6.99 per month, giving them unlimited online access to their credit information and weekly alerts on any changes to their credit file. It also includes an online dispute facility to help them correct any errors on their credit file simply and quickly.
Monday, 10 October 2011
Un Dimanche à Paris Wallpaper Brand new from Caroline McGrath
Stylish lifestyle website Caroline McGrath has added the brand new Famille Summerbelle ‘Un Dimanche à Paris’ Wallpaper collection to their range of contemporary wall coverings.
Un Dimanche à Paris Wallpaper is a reflection of French designer Julie Marabelle's Paris. She has a young family and they spend a lot of time either in the park, strolling around shops or finding new restaurants. The design includes some family favourites: the small boating lake of Jardin du Luxembourg, one of the many enchanting carousels dotted around the city, the beautiful buildings of Haussmann and of course, La Tour Eiffel!
Design: Un Dimanche à Paris
Roll Size: 10.05m x 52cm
Colour: Red/Blue or Silver/Yellow
Non-woven paper
Printed in the UK with hand mixed non-toxic water based ink on 100% renewably sourced FSC certified paper.
That's Christmas: Ideal Home Show at Christmas Preview
That's Christmas: Ideal Home Show at Christmas Preview: The Ideal Home Show is launching a festive edition of Britain’s best loved home show. The first ever Ideal Home Show at Christmas will take ...
That's Christmas: Be the first to enjoy an Airwick Chirstmas candle ...
That's Christmas: Be the first to enjoy an Airwick Chirstmas candle ...: There's a funky and totally innovative NEW Air Wick Touch of Luxury colour change candles that will create the perfect Christmas atmosphere!...
Raychem’s FrostGuard stop condensing boiler drainage pipes freezing!
Raychem has introduced FrostGuard, its innovative new energy efficient heating cable kit to stop condensing boilers drainage pipes freezing. Cold temperatures can result in a major increase in frozen condensate drainage pipes and if the pipe is blocked it can stop the condensate flowing away causing the boiler to shut off, just when it’s needed most.
Raychem FrostGuard is easily fixed either in or onto the condensate pipe to prevent it from freezing. In includes smart self-regulating technology which means in very cold conditions, the heater cable produces more heat and in milder freezing conditions, less heat. The system offers freeze protection and energy efficiency whilst the simple Plug ‘n’ Play system requires no specialist electrical knowledge. Simply plug into the electrical socket and fix to the pipe.
FrostGuard is available in a variety of lengths ranging from 2-25m and has a plug and cold lead to eliminate the need for electrical wiring.
For details please contact: Tyco Thermal Controls,
3 Rutherford Road, Stephenson Ind. Est., Washington, Tyne & Wear NE37 3HX
Call (UK) 0800 969013 Fax: 0800 968624 Email: SalesUK@tycothermal.com
Terry’s Fabrics Aim to Offer a Well Rounded Service
As the winter months edge ever closer and the nights begin to draw in homeowners throughout the UK are considering ways to make their home cosier as they prepare to spend a lot more time indoors. The new Autumn/winter range at Terry’s Fabrics is designed particularly for this purpose and as well as stocking some great products they have also prepared some informative blogs to help customers get the most out of their living space this winter.
As well as giving customers the ideas and inspiration for interior design they hope to complete a well rounded service that includes being competitive on price. The site recently decided to give customers the chance to find their products cheaper from other suppliers and if they managed to Terry’s Fabrics stated that they would lower their prices to beat their competitors.
Terry’s Fabrics is also known for putting their social networking presence to full use and in recent months has been encouraging their customers to join them on sites such as Twitter. This has created a great opportunity for the company to dialogue with consumers and see’s them offer guidance and answer questions about interior design.
As well as giving customers the ideas and inspiration for interior design they hope to complete a well rounded service that includes being competitive on price. The site recently decided to give customers the chance to find their products cheaper from other suppliers and if they managed to Terry’s Fabrics stated that they would lower their prices to beat their competitors.
Terry’s Fabrics is also known for putting their social networking presence to full use and in recent months has been encouraging their customers to join them on sites such as Twitter. This has created a great opportunity for the company to dialogue with consumers and see’s them offer guidance and answer questions about interior design.
Customers have also been using the sites to review the products and service that Terrys Fabrics offers which in turn has helped them to become more effective in meeting customers’ needs. Ito learn more about Terry’s Fabrics and the products that are available like Terrys Curtains, fabrics and blinds click here to link to the site.
Sunday, 9 October 2011
Black & Decker® Back on TV
Black & Decker®, the world’s largest producer of power tools and accessories is extending its 2011 national TV advertising campaign to support the launch of the new orb-it® Dustbuster.
The original TV campaign aired in May this year announcing the launch of the Autoselect® Steam Mop and has been re-worked to include ten seconds of additional footage to unveil the soon to launch orb-it®. Airing in prime time slots from 17th October, the thirty second ad will run for six weeks demonstrating Black & Decker’s® commitment to driving growth in the expanding small household appliance market.
The theme for the first section of the ad is ‘discover hidden genius on the floor, not hidden bacteria’, and features two young children playing on the floor, accompanied by text descriptors of their future careers once their hidden genius has been nurtured and they have grown up. The ad shows parents that, with the Black & Decker® Autoselect® Steam Mop, they can be safe in the knowledge that their floors are 99.9% bacteria free and their children are safe playing on the floor, simply being kids and developing their talent.
The orb-it® is then introduced with a series of product shots showcasing the 4.8v sphere shaped Dustbuster in open and closed positions and changing between several of the six available colours. The orb-it® is then demonstrated cleaning dust and small spillages from a number of areas around the home, such as the couch, computer keyboard, piano and kitchen worktop. The accompanying voice over explains that this lightweight and compact Dustbuster ‘is ideal for those quick clean ups around the office and home’. The ad also demonstrates to viewers that the side flap easily opens to ensure hassle free emptying.
The closing shot shows the orb-it® in the forefront of a relaxed household scene with the slogan ‘make life easier’. Logos of retailers where the orb-it® is sold are shown across the bottom of the screen, including Argos, amazon, Comet, Currys, Robert Dyas and B&Q.
Black & Decker® Marketing Director David Osborne said: “We’re thrilled to be back on TV and the new ad is a significant investment for Black & Decker®. Our Autoselect® Steam Mop and orb-it® Dustbuster are the latest launches in the household category, offering consumers innovative and quality products that they can trust, a characteristic that Black & Decker® is synonymous with.”
The original TV campaign aired in May this year announcing the launch of the Autoselect® Steam Mop and has been re-worked to include ten seconds of additional footage to unveil the soon to launch orb-it®. Airing in prime time slots from 17th October, the thirty second ad will run for six weeks demonstrating Black & Decker’s® commitment to driving growth in the expanding small household appliance market.
The theme for the first section of the ad is ‘discover hidden genius on the floor, not hidden bacteria’, and features two young children playing on the floor, accompanied by text descriptors of their future careers once their hidden genius has been nurtured and they have grown up. The ad shows parents that, with the Black & Decker® Autoselect® Steam Mop, they can be safe in the knowledge that their floors are 99.9% bacteria free and their children are safe playing on the floor, simply being kids and developing their talent.
The orb-it® is then introduced with a series of product shots showcasing the 4.8v sphere shaped Dustbuster in open and closed positions and changing between several of the six available colours. The orb-it® is then demonstrated cleaning dust and small spillages from a number of areas around the home, such as the couch, computer keyboard, piano and kitchen worktop. The accompanying voice over explains that this lightweight and compact Dustbuster ‘is ideal for those quick clean ups around the office and home’. The ad also demonstrates to viewers that the side flap easily opens to ensure hassle free emptying.
The closing shot shows the orb-it® in the forefront of a relaxed household scene with the slogan ‘make life easier’. Logos of retailers where the orb-it® is sold are shown across the bottom of the screen, including Argos, amazon, Comet, Currys, Robert Dyas and B&Q.
Black & Decker® Marketing Director David Osborne said: “We’re thrilled to be back on TV and the new ad is a significant investment for Black & Decker®. Our Autoselect® Steam Mop and orb-it® Dustbuster are the latest launches in the household category, offering consumers innovative and quality products that they can trust, a characteristic that Black & Decker® is synonymous with.”
Tuesday, 4 October 2011
Confused.com reveals that overvaluing possessions could lead to a higher insurance premium
According to research by Confused.com, in 2011, the average amount people are valuing their home contents at is £50,000 with the most expensive value being £5 million. Some of the most unusual items insured in 2011 included an astronaut autograph collection, a hot tub and a signed 1966 world cup final programme.
But Confused.com are warning that although these possessions may mean the world to their owners, getting them valued correctly is essential as people may be paying more for their home insurance than they should be.
With the economy taking a turn for the worst, Confused.com is urging homeowners to be money savvy and remember that home insurers will only pay out the market value of an item, so it is false economy to insure your contents for more than they are worth.
Mark Gabriel, Head of Home Insurance at Confused.com said: "People always ask whether they need home insurance. Home insurance gives peace of mind should the worst happen. Everyone places a different value on their possessions but getting the right amount of cover is important.
"Do your research when valuing your home contents as you want to make sure you are not over-estimating and paying a larger insurance premium than you should be. On the flip side, one of the most common problems is under-insurance for contents because many people do not realise the value of possessions.
"There is so much competition when it comes to home insurance providers on the market today, so use a price comparison website to ensure that you get a great deal and get your worldly possessions insured, no matter how unusual they are."
Npower wins Best in Sector for its call centres in the North East and around the UK
Awarded top spot in the prestigious 'best in sector' class for utilities and the silver medal position in the 'large contact centre' category, overall npower was awarded 21st spot in the league of 50.
Julie Jaglowski, customer services director at npower, said: "This is a really proud moment for everyone who works in our contact centres. It's external recognition of what we already know: that we are dedicated and passionate about helping our customers and making sure that they experience a first class service.
"It's testament to the hard work that everyone puts in. This year we've worked really hard on continuing to improve our service and keeping our focus as we strive for a five-star service. This reward shows that it's paying off.
"Everyone in our team should feel very proud of this award. Whether it's battling through harsh winters or re-training on our new Atlas systems - our teams have remained committed to serving our customers with outstanding commitment. Well done to everyone - it's a great achievement".
The award culminated in three months of mystery shopping carried out by independent researchers, measuring npower against a range of criteria including: knowledge; personalisation; professionalism and timeliness.
The calls reflected all types of enquires at various times of the day - including customer account queries and those wanting to know more about the products and services.
Collecting the award on behalf of npower, Chris Rainsforth, quality manager said: "I was really honoured to collect the award on behalf of everyone who has worked so hard over the last 12 months.
“I shall be bringing the award back very carefully this afternoon - and promise not to leave it on the train."
Kevin McCullough, npower’s chief operating officer, added: "This is superb news - and well deserved. As part of my Undercover Boss filming just a few weeks' ago, I experienced first-hand just how challenging working in a contact centre can be, so I am full of admiration for the great work that the teams have achieved.
"Customer Service remains a priority and this award has given us the recognition of the great customer experience we're striving to achieve. Well done to everyone involved".
(EDITOR: Interesting. This description of an npower call centre as a beacon of excellence is not one recognised by all of their customers. For example, the married journalists who run That's Home and Household.)
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