VocaLink scales charity heights

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:31:48 GMT

VocaLink, the specialist provider of transaction services to banks, has launched a scheme to help raise money for Bonita Norris in her attempt to become the youngest British female to reach the summit of Mount Everest, in order to raise money for Global Angels.

VocaLink, as the official sponsor of the challenge, is trying to raise funds for Bonita and the Global Angels charity through its network of almost 50,000 Mobile Phone Top-Up (MPTU) ATMs across the UK.

To raise the money, VocaLink has managed to get together some of the major UK banks* who have agreed to donate 5p to Global Angels every time someone tops-up a mobile phone** during March and April using a LINK ATM.

Bonita will be climbing Mount Everest to raise money for Global Angels, an international foundation which champions the causes of children around the world to help provide sustainable solutions. Every pound received from public donations goes directly to projects working at grass-roots level to empower children and their communities.

Bonita will be looking to climb Mount Everest’s towering 8,848 meters during May 2010 when conditions are at their best. To complete her climb, Bonita will be putting herself at risk from the dangers of frostbite, hypothermia, snow-blindness, alongside the many other perils associated with extreme altitude climbing.

The MPTU service is available through ATMs bearing the green top-up logo which include Barclays, Bank Machine, Cardpoint, Cashzone, Clydesdale Bank, Cooperative Bank, Coventry Building Society, First Trust Bank, Halifax, Hanco, HSBC, Infocash, Lloyds TSB, Nationwide Building Society, Nat West, Note Machine, Royal Bank of Scotland, Sainsbury’s Finance and Yorkshire Bank.

In addition to the Mobile Phone Top-Up service, Bonita is also auctioning 3 flags which will feature the highest bidders name or personal message. Bonita will take the flags up Mount Everest on her record breaking journey. The first flag auction will run from the 8th to the 14th March, the second flag 15th-21st and the third flag 22nd -28th.

ENDS

Notes to editors:
*Participating Banks include: Lloyds TSB, Nationwide, Bank of Scotland, Barclays, RBS, Halifax, HSBC, Natwest, Coventry, Cooperative Bank, Clydesdale, Yorkshire Bank, First Trust, Tescos Finance, Sainsbury’s Finance.

**Participating Mobile Phone Operators include: O2, Orange, Vodafone, T-mobile, Virgin Mobile, Tesco Mobile.

About VocaLink:
VocaLink is a specialist provider of transaction services to banks, their corporate customers and Government departments. The company processes domestic and international automated payments and provide ATM switching solutions. On a peak day, the VocaLink automated payment platform processes over 90 million transactions and over half a billion in a month.

VocaLink processing services offer banks euro payments reach throughout the SEPA and beyond and are complemented by value-added services that leverage industry expertise and technical capabilities. VocaLink's Faster Payments service is leading innovation in the payments industry.

Barclaycard rollercoaster glides to top spot

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:43:28 GMT

Barclaycard's rollercoaster campaign has topped the AdWatch list of current advertising campaigns, with 60% of adults questioned by Marketing Magazine recalling the advert.

Launched on 22 January 2010, the advert tells the story of an adventurous and innovative commute to work - on a rollercoaster. Filmed in New York and Hollywood using the 'Spidercam', the process involved a real rollercoaster cart, 40ft of working track, and complex CGI to create a complete, realistic vision of a rollercoaster weaving in and out of the city's skyscrapers.

This new advert follows on closely from the success of Barclaycard's previous waterslide advert, which also used the Spidercam, which had not been used since Sam Raimi employed it to film sections of the Spiderman movies, in order to highlight the flexibility and ease of use which contactless payments provide for cardholders and retailers.

The TV advert, created by BBH and directed by Nicolai Fuglsig, is part of a wider campaign that will include online adverts and a social media campaign set to reach more than 10 million people using Facebook. Barclaycard also plans to launch a Rollercoaster download game later this year.

The contactless payment technology at the centre of the advert was pioneered by Barclaycard in the UK in 2007; now, over six million contactless enabled cards are in circulation in the UK, and over 20,000 retailers across the country now accept contactless payments.

-Ends-

Notes to editors:

About Barclaycard:
Barclaycard, part of Barclays Global Retail Banking division, is a leading global payment business which helps consumers, retailers and businesses to make and accept credit card payments flexibly, and to access short-term credit when needed.

The company is one of the pioneers of new forms of payments and is at the forefront of developing viable contactless and mobile payment schemes for today and cutting edge forms of payment for the future. It also issues charge and credit cards to corporate customers and the UK Government. Barclaycard partners with a wide range of organisations across the globe to offer their customers or members payment options and credit.

In addition to the UK, Barclaycard operates in the United States, Europe, Africa and the Middle and Far East.

Key facts published in February 2010;
number of UK customers: 10.4m
number of International customers: 10.8m
number of retailer/merchant relationships: 87,000

Barclaycard Unwind sponsors Heart's fourth Love Music Live

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:18:50 GMT

Barclaycard Unwind has announced that it will be sponsoring Heart's fourth exclusive Love Music Live.

The multi talented singer-songwriter Sharleen Spiteri will perform an exclusive and intimate gig for Heart listeners on Thursday 4th March at Orchid in London's West End. It follows the huge success of Heart's first three 'Love Music Live with Barclaycard Unwind' events which featured the Grammy Award-winning Michael Bublé and the legendary Spandau Ballet in London and Seal in Los Angeles.

Known for fronting iconic pop-rock band Texas and following the success of her UK top 3 debut solo record, Sharleen is back with a brand new album. The Movie Songbook is a collection of her favourite cinematic showstoppers featuring popular songs such as Xanadu, a re-worked version of the 1980 number one hit. Sharleen's version of Xanadu features on the current Heart television advert and the track is fast becoming a huge favourite with listeners.

Love Music Live with Barclaycard Unwind will be promoted across all 33 stations in the current Heart network. Tickets to the exclusive event can be won on-air and online at heart.co.uk. In addition, tickets can be won at barclaycardunwind.com which was launched as part of Barclaycard's on-going music strategy and allows its credit card customers to access more of the music they love, as well as making it easier for customers to get the best music tickets.

Dan Mathieson, Head of Sponsorship at Barclaycard;
"Heart's Love Music Live is the perfect fit with Barclaycard's music strategy as we continue to give our customers access to the music they enjoy and tickets to the best gigs around the world. We are delighted to team up with the entire Heart network as they launch Love Music Live and stage one of the most exciting gigs this year with Sharleen Spiteri."

- ENDS -

About Heart
First launched in the West Midlands in 1994, Heart arrived in London in 1995 and the East Midlands in 2005. In the latest radio industry figures*, Heart celebrated its position as the UK's largest commercial radio network, attracting over 300,000 new listeners during the last 12 months, with over 7.2 million listeners tuning in across the Heart network each week.

* Source: RAJAR / Ipsos-MORI / RSMB, period ending December 2009, all stations and groups results are reported on their specified reporting period and TSA.

About Barclaycard
Barclaycard, part of Barclays Global Retail Banking division, is a leading global payment business which helps consumers, retailers and businesses to make and accept credit card payments flexibly, and to access short-term credit when needed.

In addition to the UK, Barclaycard operates in the United States, Europe, Africa and the Middle and Far East.

Key facts published in February 2010;
number of UK customers: 10.4m
number of International customers: 10.8m
number of retailer/merchant relationships: 87,000

Principle First to offer remote financial advice

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 10:28:17 GMT

Principle First now offers clients the ability to interact with an adviser online, as they are brought across to his screen to discuss their financial plan using a range of graphical tools, charts and graphs illustrating their proposed or current investments.

Principle First’s remote financial advice service has already been rolled out as a pilot project, and has passed the test with flying colours.

Gareth Flanagan, founder and managing director of Principle First, said: "Our clients have already given our remote advice service a very strong 'thumbs up'.

"I think people love the idea of tending to their future and current financial planning from the comfort of their own home."

A potential client can log onto the Principle First website to make an investments enquiry.

The Principle First remote advice service offers visual and graphical illustrations to complement discussions on mortgages, life insurance, tax planning and savings as well.

Gareth Flanagan added: "The real beauty of remote financial advice is its ability to cut through the resistance of many consumers to visit a financial adviser.

"It’s amazing to think that only 20% of consumers seek and accept free, no-obligation help with their financial plan and pensions. Many of those consult only banks and building societies who, due to their limited product range, place their funds in the worst-performing sectors."

Principle First has found that this resistance is based on three erroneous beliefs, which undermine a customer’s self-confidence in approaching an adviser.

Consumers often believe that financial planning is only for the wealthy, and that they simply do not have enough wealth to justify the attentions of a professional financial adviser.

Another self-intimidating belief is the nervousness the client may feel at his or her lack of financial knowledge.

The third barrier to seeking advice may be a negative experience with another adviser in the past. This is a legacy of the days when financial services was a sales-driven business, and advisers had a low level of training and qualification. The culture of the financial services industry was a sales culture, rather than the information and advice-led culture that prevails today.

As chartered financial planners, Principle First seeks to listen, consider and present the client with top-quality financial advice specifically tailored to their personal situation, and relevant to their circumstances, both in the moment, and as they change through the years. Principle First also provides a corporate financial advice service to businesses.

About Principle First:
Principle First Financial Services is one of the leading UK independent financial advisers, advising on all areas of financial planning, such as pension and retirement planning, savings and investments, family protection, mortgages, and inheritance and tax planning. In 2008, Principle First became one of the few financial adviser firms to achieve the status of Chartered Financial Planners, the UK’s ‘gold standard’ in financial advice.

M&S Car Insurance reveals drivers take to the road in new cars without fully understanding them

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:54:15 GMT

A survey by M&S Car Insurance has found that many drivers will take to the road in their new vehicle without fully understanding how the car works. With many drivers set to pick-up the keys to their new '10' registration-plate vehicles on 1st March, drivers are being urged by M&S to get to know their new cars before heading out on the road.

The M&S Car Insurance commissioned poll found that only 12% of car drivers will fully read the manual before driving off in a car (new or used) for the first time.

When driving a car for the first time over a third of drivers (35%) don't read the manual at all beforehand, while 51% of drivers will simply flick through it. The research found that women (40%) are more likely to drive a car without reading the manual, compared to 30% of men.

Almost a fifth (19%) of drivers admitted that they work out how to use features such as the windscreen wipers, hazards lights and CD player, as they drive. As a result, only 21% of drivers say they feel very confident that they know how everything works before taking a car out for the first time.

The research showed that, from a list of 10 common issues, the top five features drivers struggle to get to grips with in a car they are driving for the first time are:
- Finding the handle to open the bonnet
- Working out how to use the CD player or radio
- Finding how to alter the seat position
- Locating the headlights switch
- Working out how to use the windscreen wipers

David Wells, M&S Head of Insurance, said: "Whether it's a brand new car or a used vehicle, most garages should talk you through a vehicle before you drive it away. To avoid taking risks and potentially causing an accident, it is important to take time to familiarise yourself with the features of a car that's new to you."

Further information about M&S Premier Car Insurance as well as key features is available by contacting M&S Money or through the M&S Money website.

Ends

Notes to Editors
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2102 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 20th - 22nd January 2010. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).

About M&S Money
M&S Money (the trading name of Marks & Spencer Financial Services) was founded in 1985 as the financial services division of Marks and Spencer Group plc, making 2010 the company's 25th anniversary.

The company is a top-ten credit cards provider and the second-largest travel money retailer in the UK. M&S Money also offers a range of insurance cover, including home insurance and car insurance, as well as loans, savings and investment products.

In November 2004, Marks & Spencer sold M&S Money to HSBC. HSBC Holdings plc, the parent company of the HSBC Group, is headquartered in London. The Group serves customers worldwide from around 8,500 offices in 86 countries and territories in Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa. With assets of US$2,422 billion at 30 June 2009, HSBC is one of the world's largest banking and financial services organisations. HSBC is marketed worldwide as 'the world's local bank'.

M&S Money has an executive committee comprising an equal number of representatives from HSBC and Marks & Spencer.

M&S car insurance is arranged by BISL Ltd using a panel of insurers.

For further information please call the M&S Money press office:
Simon Coughlin
Media Relations Manager
M&S Money
8 Canada Square
Canary Wharf
London
E14 5HQ
020 7992 1574
money.marksandspencer.com

Brookson partners with Experian

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 16:51:34 GMT

Brookson has improved its identification assessment process by introducing Experian software for its customer ID checks.

Brookson, a leading accountancy, tax and support services provider to the self employed, has selected Experian as the ideal partner for its Identification Software. Experian's Authenticate Pro and Validator Plus products will be used to verify the new customers and will dramatically reduce the time it takes Brookson to complete their customer take on process.

Brookson's umbrella company customers work with a wide range of recruitment businesses. The Experian partnership enables Brookson to continue to be a compliant service provider while meeting the speed of set up required by both its contractor customers and the recruitment businesses. If contractors are delayed in taking up opportunities it costs the contractor and the agency money.

Authenticate Pro accurately verifies the identity of new customers by referencing applicant details against Experian’s data sources to obtain a 'pass', 'fail' or 'refer' with regards to their identity. Where a 'fail' or 'refer' is signalled, a supporting tool called Validate Plus performs a remote check on information contained in official documents, such as a passport number, without the customer having to part with these.

Andrew Sloan, Head of New Business at Brookson, explained: "Introducing new and innovative solutions is something Brookson continue to demonstrate across both its limited company and umbrella company service lines. This latest addition will further streamline our joining process, in many cases allowing customers to join on the same day, provided relevant checks are passed."

Stuart Johnston, Managing Director at Experian QAS added: "The authentication process plays a crucial part in improving business efficiencies in the financial services market: it affects the customer experience, the staff workload and the compliance levels of the company. It's great that Brookson is integrating our product range so effectively, combining Validate Plus and Authenticate Pro to offer efficient and rapid validation of customer details and make the customer acquisition process less of a headache."

With more initiatives in the wings, Brookson is looking to significantly increase its customer base across all services lines and continue to improve the quality of service it provides to limited company, sole trader and umbrella company customers. The new Experian software will make the joining process more efficient while delivering a better joining experience for the customer.

About Brookson
Brookson is a leading tax accountant, IR35 specialist and support services provider to small business including business start ups. Brookson supports self employed people in their chosen way of working through its, sole trader and umbrella company services. As a 150 strong accountancy service, managing the affairs of over 9000 customers, Brookson is committed to offering the very best service, support and advice.

Brookson's Online Navigator Money Manager portal underpins Brookson's claim to offer one of the most innovative contractor accountant services available on the UK market. Allowing clients to access their business financial information 24/7, the system has been designed to help customers run their businesses more effectively by providing up to date financial information at their finger tips

NS&I reveal Britons not yet planning for new ISA limits

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 10:10:33 GMT

NS&I has revealed new research that shows people across Britain are not yet planning for the changes to ISA entitlements this year and risk missing out on tax-free returns. Just 15% of Britons surveyed say they understand the new limits, which enables individuals to save up to £10,200 per year tax-free.

Research shows that a quarter (25%) of those surveyed incorrectly believe ISA allowances will remain the same in the new financial year while 24% are aware new changes are due, but are unsure what these will be. A further 10% think the ISA limit will be higher for over 50 year-olds only, which is no longer the case once the changes come into effect

It is not just the changes to the ISA entitlement that Britons are unsure of, but ISAs in general.16% of those who are aware of ISAs say the reason they haven't invested in an ISA is because they find it confusing, while one in ten people (10%) admit that saving money in an ISA this year has never occurred to them.

John Prout, Sales Director at NS&I said: "The fact that all interest earned in an ISA remains tax-free means it's a must-have product for people looking to maximise their hard earned savings. Understanding the allowances and reviewing the terms of the product is vital for savers. With less than two months to go until the end of the tax year, there is no time like the present for everyone to check their finances and plan to benefit from tax-free savings."

Uncertainty about ISAs can result in people failing to take full advantage of their entitlement. Just 16% say they will definitely use their full tax-free ISA allowance and feel it is important to do so. 15% of the population say they will take up a proportion, but do not expect to use all of it.

35% of people aware of ISAs have been put off the account in general by the current low ISA interest rates on offer, while under a third (29%) of people say they are not planning to use their full ISA allowance because they can't afford to. A similar number of people (31%) say the current climate and outlook for 2010 means they will look at other financial products, rather than ISAs. 29% say wider economic pressures have also led them to start diversifying their financial portfolio, perhaps a reason for not using the full entitlement.

-ENDS-

Notes to editors:
The Savings Survey (Previously the Quarterly Savings Survey)
The winter 2010 omnibus survey was conducted by TNS, amongst 2007 respondents between 29 and 31 January 2010.

About NS&I:
NS&I is one of the UK's largest financial providers with almost 27 million customers and over £96 billion invested. It is best known for Premium Bonds, but also offers Inflation-Beating Savings, Guaranteed Equity Bonds, cash ISA and Children's Bonus Bonds in its range. All products offer 100% security, because NS&I is backed by HM Treasury.

NS&I products are available over the telephone, internet, post and by standing order. They are also available through a network of Post Office® branches, and our product range guide is available in over 300 WHSmith high street stores.

The Childrens Mutual reports growth of parents funding their adult children

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 12:14:50 GMT

The Children's Mutual, a leading Child Trust Fund provider, has revealed that the cost of having adult children is hitting parents hard, with its new research showing they expect the cost of supporting an 18 to 30 year old to exceed £30,000. Their findings highlight the growth of a generation of Yuckies (Young Unwitting Costly Kids), with 93% of parents funding their adult children.

Yet many of these parents haven't planned for the costs and are putting their own financial futures on the line - 28% have either remortgaged or plan to remortgage to fund their Yuckie, with more than half of all parents borrowing to assist with costs.

The Children's Mutual also found that it's the Yuckies who are necessitating everyday purse tightening in families - two thirds of parents say they have had to or will reduce their day-to-day living costs to fund their adult child, from shopping more economically for food (28%), selling their cars (7%) and monitoring the use of heating and lighting at home (42%).

David White, Chief Executive of The Children's Mutual, said: "These figures unveil the stark reality of the cost of being a parent. No longer does turning 18 mean financial independence - in fact 16% of parents questioned expected their child to remain financially dependent on them into their thirties and beyond.

"The families we questioned had just one message for parents whose children are still young - save, save, save. More than half agreed that if they'd have known when their child was born what they now know about the cost of having an adult child they would have saved more through the years, with just 13% having saved regularly in preparation. These figures give us a very clear warning - children aren't financially independent at 18 and parents need to plan for this to save their whole family's financial future."

Child Trust Funds are designed to provide a tax efficient, long term savings vehicle for all eligible children. Each eligible newborn child (born on or after 1 September 2002) receives a £250 Child Trust Fund voucher (£500 for low income families) from the government when their parents register for Child Benefit. The government will make a second contribution of £250 (£500 for low income families) when the child reaches seven and is considering a third in the child's teenage years. Parents, family and friends can all then add to this account up to a maximum value of £1,200 each year.

- Ends -

Notes to editors
Research from The Children's Mutual research was undertaken by 72 Point during January 2010 and polled 1,484 parents of children aged 18 and over.

About The Children's Mutual - Home of the Child Trust Fund
The Children's Mutual's mission is to help parents, grandparents, family and friends fulfil their hopes for today's children. The Children's Mutual is the only UK company that specialises in long term savings for children and is now the choice of one in four parents for their child's Child Trust Fund, with more than 750,000 accounts. This expertise has led several financial institutions and family-focused high street retailers to choose The Children's Mutual as their stakeholder Child Trust Fund provider.

Barclaycard Freedom retail partnership begins to take shape

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 11:05:27 GMT

Barclaycard has announced the national partners that will be joining the tens of thousands of small and medium retailers who have been invited to join Barclaycard Freedom, set to be the broadest retail rewards scheme in the UK. LA Fitness, YO! Sushi, Firebox.com, Goldsmiths and Nationwide Autocentres are initial examples of the retailers signing up to Barclaycard Freedom and will offer reward money to Barclaycard customers when the scheme launches in March.

Barclaycard Freedom, the innovative new loyalty scheme, will be available automatically to over eight million Barclaycard cardholders who will be able to earn and redeem reward money at the point of sale, without having to do or remember anything. Reward money is recorded in pounds and pence, with no vouchers or coupons to save and no points to calculate.

Alison Vickers, Business Development Director of YO! Sushi said: "We have been trialling Barclaycard Freedom in a couple of our stores and have been impressed with how simple and intuitive it is. We are very excited to be involved in a programme which rewards our customers for simply using their Barclaycard to pay their bill. The simplicity and convenience of Barclaycard Freedom appeals to our customers, and we are looking forward to being part of the launch in March."

Barclaycard Freedom is simple and easy to use with credit card holders seeing their new reward money balance on the card machine as part of each transaction. The next time the card is used at a participating retailer the current value of the customer's reward money balance will appear on the card machine before they enter their PIN to pay. Cardholders can then choose to redeem some or all of their reward money towards that transaction or continue to save for a future purchase at another retailer within the scheme.

Sarah Newman, Managing Director of Barclaycard Freedom, commented: "Barclaycard Freedom incorporates all of the best elements of loyalty schemes with the rewards, quite simply, in pounds and pence. We are delighted that well known high street and online brands LA Fitness, YO! Sushi, Firebox.com, Goldsmiths and Nationwide Autocentres will be part of Barclaycard Freedom. These retailers each interact with their customers in different ways and represent a wide range of retail sectors, and we will be revealing many more participants in the weeks before launch."

One of the strengths of Barclaycard Freedom is that it offers the concept of a rewards programme to many small and medium retailers for the first time. In addition to household names, over 30,000 retail outlets have been invited to be part of the scheme at launch.

-Ends-

About Barclaycard

Barclaycard, part of Barclays Global Retail Banking division, is a leading global payment business which helps consumers, retailers and businesses to make and accept payments flexibly, and to access short-term credit when needed.

The company is one of the pioneers of new forms of payments and is at the forefront of developing viable contactless and mobile payment schemes for today and cutting edge forms of payment for the future. It also issues credit and charge cards to corporate customers and the UK Government. Barclaycard partners with a wide range of organisations across the globe to offer their customers or members payment options and credit.

In addition to the UK, Barclaycard operates in the United States, Europe, Africa and the Middle and Far East.

Key facts published in February 2010;

- number of UK customers: 10.4m
- number of International customers: 10.8m
- number of retailer/merchant relationships: 87,000

Prudential reports pension gap between men and women continues to grow

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:47:12 GMT

According to new figures from the Prudential Class of 2010 retirement survey* women planning to retire in 2010 expect to receive an average annual pension of £12,169, while their male counterparts expect to collect an average pension of £19,593 - a pension gender gap of £7,424. And the pension income gender gap has widened by £782 since 2009 when the difference between men's and women's pensions was £6,642**.

The gap continues to grow despite a decrease in expected pension incomes as a whole over the last year. In 2009 men expected to collect an annual pension of £20,313 - down 3.5% to £19,593 for 2010 - while women expected to collect £13,671, down 11% to £12,169 for 2010.

The mean expected pension income for men and women is down from £17,779 in 2009 to £16,509 in 2010, a fall of £1,270, which equates to approximately £100 a month.

Karin Brown, director of pensions and annuities at Prudential, said: "The reason women appear to get less in their pensions than men is embedded in years of history and, to a certain extent, because some women take a career break to have children which has an impact.

"But there is plenty of scope for women who are working and contributing to a pension to help reduce this deficit in future. By talking to your employer you can find ways of boosting pension savings and maximising the tax advantages that pension savings can bring."

Women who take a career break to have children can safeguard their state pension with home responsibilities protection but this must cover the full tax year from April to April, so July to July, for example, would not count. Women can also buy back any missing National Insurance contributions.

Karin Brown said: "Women could also consider trying to keep up any company or private pension contributions even if they are on maternity leave or an extended career break - or ask their spouse or partner to make contributions for them."

32% of UK workers over 55 who said they were delaying plans to retire because of the economic slowdown and the falling value of investments or due to a financial emergency believe they will never be able to afford to retire completely.

Karin Brown continued: "Although many working people may not be able to remedy this situation at a late stage in their working lives, younger people do have a chance to start building a decent pension pot. Prudential believes people should, ideally, start saving for their retirement as early as their twenties or early thirties instead of putting off pension savings until later in life."

ENDS

The information contained in Prudential UK's press releases is intended solely for journalists and should not be used by consumers to make financial decisions. Full consumer product information can be found at www.pru.co.uk.

Sources
* Survey conducted by Research Plus between 3-10 December 2009 among 6,073 UK adults aged 45+ using an online methodology.

** Prudential Class of 2009 survey based on an independent study carried out by Research Plus of 1,000 UK adults aged 45+ between 10-18 November 2008 using an online methodology.

About Prudential:
"Prudential" is a trading name of The Prudential Assurance Company Limited, which is registered in England and Wales. This name is also used by other companies within the Prudential Group, which between them provide a range of financial products including life assurance, pensions and products for savings and investments. Registered Office at Laurence Pountney Hill, London EC4R 0HH. Registered number 15454. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

M&S Money readies for Valentine's Day rush for wedding insurance

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 11:35:09 GMT

New figures from M&S Money show that February is one of the most popular months of the year to buy wedding insurance, with sales of M&S Wedding Insurance expected to increase in the weeks after Valentine's Day as couples planning their big day make sure they are covered in case the worst happens.

David Wells, M&S Head of Insurance, said: "Considering the cost of an average wedding and the current economic climate, wedding insurance really should be at the top of every bride and groom's list.

"When buying wedding insurance, it is important to think through all the services planned for the big day and make sure the right amount of cover is in place. Once the cover is in place couples can get on with the preparations for the big day."

Dave Simms, Personal Lines Manager at Ecclesiastical Insurance, which underwrites M&S Wedding Insurance, said: "Supplier failure was the main cause for wedding insurance claims in 2009 and can seriously disrupt a perfectly planned special day. Suppliers struggling in the current economic climate can cause brides and grooms stress and heartache by not being able to deliver contracted services. This often happens at very short notice before the big day.

"In such circumstances, having proper wedding insurance in place can help you get your wedding back on track and help to ensure you're not left out of pocket because of failed services. Wedding insurance really should be a top priority for newly engaged couples."

Couples taking out an M&S policy can cover themselves against various nightmare scenarios, including a damaged cake, lost rings or stolen flowers, however there are exclusions, for example the policy does not cover cancellation where the bride or groom decides they don't want to get married.

M&S Wedding Insurance - Key Features:
Four levels of Wedding Cover
No excess
Up to £17,500 cancellation cover
Stress counselling included as standard
M&S Cardholders receive 100 M&S points when they take out a new policy

Ends

Notes to Editors

The company is a top-ten credit card provider and the second-largest travel money retailer in the UK. M&S Money also offers a range of insurance cover, including home insurance and car insurance, as well as loans, savings and investment products.

M&S Money has an executive committee comprising an equal number of representatives from HSBC and Marks & Spencer.

M&S Wedding Insurance policies are provided by Ecclesiastical Insurance Office plc.

Prudential reveals a return to stock market as interest rates prompt rush for risk assets

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 12:13:57 GMT

Prudential has released findings from its latest research which shows that financial advisers are predicting a significant return to the stock market in 2010, with 72% expecting an increase in the number of clients looking to invest in equities over the coming 12 months.

While Independent Financial Advisers (IFAs) questioned for the Prudential study predicted a strong return to the stock market in 2010, they also believe that investors will look to adopt a more cautious approach on the back of the worst recession since World War II.

Almost three quarters (73%) of IFAs expect clients to invest in cautious managed growth funds, with 66% expecting to see investment in defensive funds and 70% believing investors will also look to spread risk by buying into multi-manager funds.

In addition, 55% of IFAs expect clients to invest in absolute return funds and 68% expect to see ongoing investment in bonds. In contrast, just 18% expect to see clients looking to invest in individual stocks and shares and 46% expect clients to invest in higher risk growth funds.

Andy Brown, Director of Investment Funds, Prudential said: "Given the performance of the markets in the second half of last year coupled with the ongoing poor rate of return for cash based savings, it is perhaps unsurprising that IFAs expect to see more clients looking to return to the stock market and buy into equity based investments in 2010.

"However, in reality not all equities will show equal growth over the coming 12 months and choosing the right time to invest in the right asset classes is key."

The survey also found that 71% of IFAs believe the recession will have a long term impact on the way clients look to invest and prompt them to adopt a more cautious investment strategy and be more reliant on professional advice. Of these advisers, 83% said they believe clients will be more cautious with investment decisions and favour more balanced portfolios, with 68% of IFAs expecting investors to utilise independent financial advice when choosing investment funds.

To meet this demand, Prudential recently launched five new actively-managed risk-rated multi-asset funds designed to help advisers focus on client management through an extension of its partnership with independent investment specialist Old Broad Street Research (OBSR).

The partnership gives advisers access to the asset allocation expertise of Prudential's Portfolio Management Group* (PMG), which currently manages over £100 billion of capital, and the fund selection and recommendation experience of OBSR, in one place.

The funds are actively risk managed in line with their portfolio investment objectives and may help reduce the risk of potential TCF issues through running static portfolios.

The five portfolios – Defensive; Cautious; Cautious Growth; Balanced; and Adventurous – are available on a range of Prudential personal pension products, income drawdown, onshore and offshore bonds.

- ENDS -

Notes to Editors:
The information contained in Prudential UK's press releases is intended solely for journalists and should not be used by consumers to make financial decisions. Full consumer product information can be found on the Prudential website.

* When managing these portfolios PMG work within M&G Investment management Limited, part of the Prudential Group.

Phone survey conducted 25Nov-1Dec 2009 by George Street Research. A total of 100 interviews were completed amongst Independent Financial Advisers throughout the UK who do 10% or more investment business (with at least 50 required to do 25% or more investment business).

Barclaycard Platinum to offer 0% on balance transfers until 2011

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 11:06:57 GMT

Barclaycard Platinum has announced it is continuing to offer the lowest balance transfer fee on the market to new customers, with 0% on balance transfers until February 2011 and 3 months interest free purchases.

Barclaycard will charge new Platinum card customers a 2.9% handling charge to make the move and the balance transfer rate is available on transfers up to 90% of the customer's credit limit. Purchases over the first three months will also be interest free, after this introductory period the typical interest will be just 15.9%.

Barclaycard Platinum will also enable customers to enjoy the freedom and flexibility of contactless technology, making payments of £10 and under possible with just a simple swipe. This is backed up by Barclaycard's advanced security and fraud prevention measures.

In addition to the lowest balance transfer fee, the Barclaycard Goldfish credit card is also offering £30 of reward points if customers spend £100 a month for the first three months from account opening. Customers will also receive 0% interest on purchases for the first three months and the lowest interest rate of any rewards credit card in the UK.

Customers can apply for this offer online through the Barclaycard website.

- ENDS -

About Barclaycard
Barclaycard, part of Barclays Global Retail Banking division, is a leading global payment business which helps consumers, retailers and businesses to make and accept payments flexibly, and to access short-term credit when needed.

The company is one of the pioneers of new forms of payments and is at the forefront of developing viable contactless and mobile payment schemes for today and cutting edge forms of payment for the future. It also issues credit and charge cards to corporate customers and the UK Government. Barclaycard partners with a wide range of organisations across the globe to offer their customers or members payment options and credit.

In addition to the UK, Barclaycard operates in over 50 countries including the United States, South America, Canada, Europe, Africa and the Middle and Far East, with 145,000 employees internationally lending, investing and protecting money for more than 49 million customers and client worldwide.

Key facts published in August 2009;

- number of UK customers: 11.9m
- number of International customers: 11.8m
- number of retailer/merchant relationships: 88,000

The Children's Mutual reports CTFs have revolutionised child savings

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 10:18:33 GMT

The Children's Mutual, a leading Child Trust Fund provider, has revealed new research that, five years on from the first CTF vouchers being issued, the introduction of the CTF has revolutionised long-term savings for children.

With every eligible child born since 1 September 2002 having a CTF account, 2010 will see more than five million children holding CTFs.

The Children's Mutual has revealed that around half of their CTF customers set up a monthly direct debit on the day they open their child's account. If you look at wider industry statistics, 31% of CTFs receive some form of additional saving. Before the Child Trust Fund was introduced, just one in five families were saving over the long-term for their children.

In addition, while nearly three quarters of parents choose to proactively open their child's CTF account, a survey by the awards winning Child Trust Fund provider found that when asked over one in 10 parents with CTF vouchers were opting to let the government open the account for them - making an engagement rate of 85%. Compared to engagement rates of other savings products - 40% of the adult population has a private pension and 30% have an ISA - the CTF has driven the UK adult population to engage.

The Children's Mutual also found that currently 1.4m parents, family and friends are contributing to their children's accounts with in excess of £22m being added every month - money set to help towards the cost of higher education, first homes and beyond. As a result they estimate £2.74 billion will be available to young adults each year as they turn 18.

According to its calculations, 50% of the government CTF investment so far is going to 1.5 million families on the lowest incomes (under £15,000), with families in the lowest income bracket saving a higher proportion of their household income for their children than those in more affluent groupings.

David White, chief executive of The Children’s Mutual, said: "To those of us involved with the CTF, five years has gone by in the blink of an eye. And yet in that short amount of time, the results have been startling - the CTF has done what no other savings account has achieved before - getting the mass UK population engaged and saving. We're delighted that parents have engaged with the first universal savings scheme, realising that the only realistic way to fund their adult children's futures is to start saving now."

Please view our footnotes.

- Ends -

M&S Money launches new flexi cash ISA option

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 17:16:10 GMT

M&S Money has announced the launch if its new flexi cash ISA option, offering a variable rate of 2.65% AER/tax-free*. This includes a bonus rate of 1.25% for 18 months from initial deposit.

Research commissioned by M&S Money** revealed that people are now more concerned about easy access to their savings (53% compared to 22% in 2009) and are looking for interest rates with a bonus, as well as fixed rates. When asked what an important factor was to them when putting money into savings, 56% of respondents wanted a savings provider they could trust, compared to 34% in 2009.

The new Flexi Cash ISA requires a minimum deposit of £100 to be made, either paid in one lump sum or £25 by monthly direct debit, up to the Cash ISA allowance of £3,600 or £5,100 per tax year. Transfers from other ISA providers are also allowed under the Flexi Cash ISA.

Flexi Cash ISA is one of the options customers can use within the M&S Cash ISA account to divide their tax free savings allowance between variable and fixed rates. From April 2010, the new limit for Cash ISA savings will be £5,100 per tax year for everyone aged 16 and over. This new limit will already exist for those aged 50 and over from early April 2010.

As an example, with the M&S Cash ISA, a customer would be able to save £2,550 in the variable Flexi Cash ISA option, and the remaining £2,550 in one of the fixed rate savings options available.

Colin Kersley, Chief Executive of M&S Money, commented: "Our research shows that more people than last year are looking for a savings provider they can trust. At M&S Money we have been providing a safe home for customers' savings for many years, and the company itself is 25 years old this year.

"We are also part of HSBC, one of the world's largest banking and financial services organisations, and are continuing to develop our savings range. Cash savings are protected under the UK Financial Services Compensation Scheme and the first £50,000 of our customers' savings are 100% guaranteed."

Notes to Editors:
*AER is the Annual Equivalent Rate and illustrates what the rate of interest would be if interest was paid and compounded on an annual basis. Tax free means the rate of interest where interest is exempt from income tax. Interest will be credited to your account annually.
**Research carried out on behalf of M&S Money by YouGov 26th - 28th January 2010, among 2,044 people aged 18 and over. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).

About M&S Money:
M&S Money (the trading name of Marks & Spencer Financial Services) was founded in 1985 as the financial services division of Marks and Spencer Group plc, making 2010 the company's 25th anniversary. The company is a top-ten credit card provider and the second largest travel money retailer in the UK. M&S Money also offers a range of insurance cover, including home insurance and car insurance , as well as loans, savings and investment products.

M&S Money has an executive committee comprising an equal number of representatives from HSBC and Marks & Spencer.

Brookson completes 2010 strategic recruitment programme

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:45:01 GMT

Brookson, a leading tax accountant and support services provider, has completed its strategic recruitment drive to help strengthen its existing senior team in preparation for extensive 2010 growth plans.

The senior management team appointments consist of new sales and marketing director, Chris Bowden, head of group marketing, Sandi Rowley, and head of new business, Andrew Sloan. These sales appointments together with recent appointments in operations and IT build on Brookson's tax accountant expertise to create a team with the appropriate depth of experience to achieve its growth plans.

Chris Bowden, 42, has over 20 years experience in global logistics, specialising in corporate account management and sales. Chris joins from FedEx where he managed large multinational, global accounts including Rolls-Royce, Microsoft, Dell and HP.

Appointed to communicate the development and modernisation of Brookson services through numerous new marketing channels, Chris will reaffirm Brookson's commitment to support its customers with the latest technological innovations.

Chris will be challenged with building multi channel strategies across all Brookson service lines including limited company, sole trader and umbrella company service lines.

Sandi Rowley is a highly accredited B2B marketer and joins the Brookson team from Alliance and Leicester commercial banking, with over 21 years of direct marketing experience in the finance industry. Tasked with ambitiously growing the business through the integration of key marketing channels, Sandi will be using direct and digital strategies to support new initiatives that will position the company at the forefront of accountancy services. Sandi's experience at A&L marketing products and services to entrepreneurs looking to set up a business will be invaluable to Brookson.

As head of new business, Andrew Sloan, 32, will be responsible for encouraging Brookson's business growth by implementing new sales strategies and increasing prospect conversion through telemarketing and web interaction. Enjoying years of financial services experience, Andrew begins his new role with a wealth of knowledge having joined Brookson after eight years at MBNA, he is also a member of the Institute of Direct Marketing.

The team is working in together to drive Brookson's sales strategy providing accountancy and support services to self employed professionals. The new team recently launched Brookson’s new sole trader service as part of the Revolution sales campaign.

-Ends-

About Brookson
Brookson is a leading tax accountant, IR35 specialist and support services provider to small business including business start ups. Brookson supports self employed people in their chosen way of working through its limited company (sole trader and umbrella company services. As a 150 strong accountancy service, managing the affairs of over 9000 customers, Brookson is committed to offering the very best service, support and advice.

Contact details
Victoria McDonnell
Marketing Manager
Brookson Limited
340 Firecrest Court
Centre Park
Warrington
WA1 1RG
0845 058 1500
www.brookson.co.uk

Brookson launches new healthcare initiative for customers

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 17:05:32 GMT

Brookson has launched a new healthcare initiative with health and wellness care provider Bupa.

Brookson, a leading tax accountant and support services provider, has negotiated an exclusive discount with the leader in health and wellness care, Bupa, for private medical insurance.

The 25 per cent discount is applicable to Brookson customers and their immediate family to provide peace of mind now and in the future. This initiative is available across all Brookson's service lines which include self employed customers working through their own limited company, or as a sole trader, as well as customers working through Brookson's umbrella company as employees.

Andy Linaker, strategic business manager of Bupa, added: "Self-employed individuals are some of the most vulnerable workers in the marketplace when it comes to illness or accidents. With their focus often around securing contracts and ensuring a regular flow of work, arranging private healthcare typically falls to the bottom of the priority list. While the UK is fortunate enough to have the NHS, it is important not to underestimate the impact that prolonged waiting lists or extended treatment can have on the income of a self-employed individual."

Bupa's private medical insurance provides flexibility and swift access to treatments, with the minimum amount of fuss. By working closely together Brookson and Bupa plan to enhance the Bupa offering and create a variety of bespoke benefits for Brookson customers.

Brookson's approach is to provide additional benefits to customers on top of accountancy advice and support services. Brookson want to provide their self employed and sole trader customers with the ability to plan ahead and minimise the impact on income as much as possible, should illness occur. Bupa recognise the challenges that self employed professionals face during periods of illness making them an ideal partner.

As a result of the new deal, Brookson customers now have access to an exclusive discount with a leader in health and wellness care for private medical insurance. This is part of Brookson's continued strategy to offer a wider range of value added services to its customers.

ENDS

About Brookson
Brookson is a leading tax accountant, IR35 specialist and support services provider to small business including business start ups. Brookson supports self employed people in their chosen way of working through its limited company, sole trader and umbrella company services. As a 150 strong accountancy service, managing the affairs of over 9000 customers, Brookson is committed to offering the very best service, support and advice.

The Childrens Mutual reports parents persist in saving

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 14:36:43 GMT

The Children's Mutual, a leading Child Trust Fund provider, has reported that the latest figures from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) show that parents are persisting in saving for their children and engaging with the Child Trust Fund.

The new quarterly Child Trust Fund statistics released by the HMRC have revealed that nearly three quarters of all Child Trust Funds (CTFs) are proactively opened within a year of a child's birth. However, according to a new analysis from The Children's Mutual, this figure only tells part of the story of parents' engagement with saving for their children.

The award winning Child Trust Fund provider found that while the vast majority of parents open an account for their child rather than waiting for the Government to do so, many of those who don't are making a proactive decision not to while others are understandably busy with their new baby.

David White, Chief Executive of The Childrens Mutual, said: "Because the CTF is universal, every single eligible child receives an account, but what is impressive is that nearly 75% of parents choose to proactively open the account and around half of our customers start saving on a monthly basis immediately."

According to its research among parents of young children, over one in 10 parents actively choose not to open an account and to let the Government do so on their behalf, citing their lack of familiarity with financial matters. In addition, research among parents who haven't opened accounts found that 27% say it is because they haven't had time to think about it - not surprising considering a new baby has a profound effect on family life.

Mr White said: "Attention is often paid to the quarter of parents who do not open accounts, accusing them of not engaging with, or being interested in the CTF, but our research shows that parents are far more engaged than many would believe. We found that over one in 10 parents, with CTF vouchers to place, said they would choose to let the Government open their child's CTF and of those who haven't opened accounts, the number one reason is because they are understandably focusing on the here-and-now. The beauty of the CTF is that it allows for this, with the Government opening accounts on behalf of parents if they don't do it themselves, meaning that no child will miss out.

"Engaging 85% of the population to do anything is phenomenal when you consider that when it comes to matters financial just 40% of the adult population has a private pension and only 30% of those eligible have an ISA. The Child Trust Fund has done what no other savings product has done before - captured the imagination of the general population - and parents should be praised not chastised for acting in the interests of their children and recognising the importance of saving over the long term particularly at such a busy time in family life."

Child Trust Funds are designed to provide a tax efficient, long term savings vehicle for all eligible children. Each eligible newborn child (born on or after 1 September 2002) receives a £250 Child Trust Fund voucher (£500 for low income families) from the Government when their parents register for Child Benefit. The Government will make a second contribution of £250 (£500 for low income families) when the child reaches seven and is considering a third in the child's teenage years. Parents, family and friends can all then add to this account up to a maximum value of £1,200 each year.

- Ends -

Notes to editors

About The Children's Mutual - Home of the Child Trust Fund
The Children's Mutual's mission is to help parents, grandparents, family and friends fulfil their hopes for today's children. The Children's Mutual is the only UK company which specialises in long term savings for children and is now the choice of 1 in 4 parents for their child's Child Trust Fund, with more than 750,000 accounts. This expertise has led several financial institutions and family-focused high street retailers to choose The Children's Mutual as their stakeholder Child Trust Fund provider.

Prudential warns of widespread over-reliance on state pension

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:00:19 GMT

According to new research* from Prudential, nearly a fifth (18%) of people planning to retire in 2010 will be retiring on the State Pension and savings.

But 31% of the people surveyed in Prudential’s nationwide Class of 2010 study either do not know how much the basic State Pension pays or over-estimate the individual weekly amount by £25 or more.

Prudential warns the basic State Pension alone may not provide sufficient retirement income for many and urges people who are still working to save as much as possible for their old age in company and personal pensions as well as savings and investments.

"Given that so many people expect to retire on the basic State Pension, particularly when only half know how much it pays, there is still a clear need for people to understand the consequences of not making adequate provision for their retirement," said Martyn Bogira, Director of Defined Contribution Solutions at Prudential.

"If the basic State Pension is your only source of income you could be in an extremely precarious position financially. Just one significant financial emergency, like your central heating system unexpectedly breaking down, could cause serious financial hardship for people expecting to retire on the State Pension alone.

"On its own the basic State Pension, paying just under £5,000 a year**, should only really be used to supplement other sources, such as income from a pension or an annuity.

"We would urge people to pay as much as they possibly can into their retirement savings, because the State alone is unlikely to be able to support you in your retirement. The sooner you start saving, either into a company pension, personal pension or other savings, the greater the amount of money you can build up to help provide for you when you do come to retire."

Average expenditure in households headed by someone aged 65 to 74 was £321 a week, according to the most recent Office for National Statistics figures from 2007***, and £218 a week for households headed by someone aged 75 or over, but today the basic State Pension for married couples lags behind this figure by paying £152.30 a week.

Prudential’s research shows just 29% of those planning to retire in 2010 estimate the State Pension pays £90 a week and 21% estimate £100 a week – the actual maximum amount for an individual is £95.25 a week**. Another one in four of people (24%) believe the State Pension pays between £110 and £175 a week while 7% simply said they didn’t know how much it pays.

The Prudential survey found that the State Pension will, on average, account for just over 34% of income in retirement for those people who say they plan to retire in 2010. Other sources include:
- Company pension: 36%
- Other savings and investments: 11%
- Personal pension: 9%
- Part-time job: 6%
- Property: 2%
- Releasing capital/equity from home: 1%

Please note:
The information contained in Prudential UK's press releases is intended solely for journalists and should not be used by consumers to make financial decisions. Full consumer product information can be found on the Prudential website.

ENDS

Notes to editors:
* Online survey conducted by Research Plus between 3-10 December 2009 among 6,073 UK adults aged 45+.
** Basic state pension for a single person: £95.25 per week x 52 weeks = £4,953 per year. Basic State Pension for a married couple: £152.30 per week.
*** Pensioner Income & Expenditure ch.11. Published 27th January 2009

Barclaycard reveals new advert

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 10:19:28 GMT

Barclaycard has launched its much anticipated sequel to its famous waterslide commercial. The new advert tells the story of an even more adventurous and innovative commute to work - on a rollercoaster. The fast and exhilarating 60 second rollercoaster ride brings to life Barclaycard's mission of making its customers' (both retailers and consumers) lives easier through contactless payment technology.

'Rollercoaster' takes forward the successful features of 'Waterslide', using a fun and engaging story of one character's journey to work to promote the ease of using a Barclaycard. The advert begins with the character standing at the lift doors of his apartment block when a rollercoaster pulls up and takes him on a wonderfully smooth and liberating journey high above the clutter and congestion of the city below, only slowing slightly when he makes a contactless payment at the bakery en route to work.

Filmed in New York and Hollywood, the rollercoaster advert has been the most technical and complicated shoot to date in Barclaycard's celebrated history of advertising. Utilising a real rollercoaster cart and 40ft of working track, the ad also features the first use of the 'Spidercam' in an advert since the camera was developed to film parts of the 'Spiderman' movies and complex CGI to help create a realistic vision of a rollercoaster weaving in and out of the city's skyscrapers.

The four week campaign launched online on YouTube and Barclaycard's Facebook page on the 22nd January with a 60 second advert and aired on television for the first time two days later. A 40 second version was introduced after the first week. The TV activity is part of a wider campaign that will include online adverts and a social media campaign set to reach more than 10 million people using the Barclaycard Facebook page as a hub for all new information about the commercial.

Following on from the success of the Waterslide iPhone game, Barclaycard will launch a Rollercoaster download game later in the year.

Contactless payment technology was pioneered by Barclaycard in the UK in 2007 with the launch of Barclaycard OnePulse. Now, all Platinum, Gold and Classic Barclaycards are issued with contactless technology and over five million are in circulation in the UK. Over 20,000 retailers now accept contactless payments throughout the UK.

Created by leading advertising agency BBH and directed by Nicolai Fuglsig, the commercial is designed to bring to life Barclaycard's vision of a world where payments are simple and stress free.

Paul Troy, Head of Advertising and Content at Barclaycard said: "The success of our waterslide advert was absolutely fantastic and we have built upon that with 'Rollercoaster' which is another great metaphor for how Barclaycard makes payment so simple for our customers. It again breaks boundaries for Barclaycard and is the most technically advanced commercial we have ever filmed."

-ends-

About Barclaycard
Barclaycard, part of Barclays Global Retail Banking division, is a leading global payment business which helps consumers, retailers and businesses to make and accept payments flexibly, and to access short-term credit when needed.

Since the launch of the One Pulse credit card in 2007, the company has been one of the pioneers of new forms of payments and is at the forefront of developing viable contactless and mobile payment schemes for today and cutting edge forms of payment for the future. It also issues charge and credit cards to corporate customers and the UK Government. Barclaycard partners with a wide range of organisations across the globe to offer their customers or members payment options and credit.

Key facts published in August 2009;
- number of UK customers: 11.9m
- number of International customers: 11.8m
- number of retailer/merchant relationships: 88,000

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