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Media centre /
Press releaseDO FIRST IMPRESSIONS STILL COUNT?14 February 2005Valentines Day can be an expensive time of year but the old adage that money is an aphrodisiac seems to no longer apply to today’s lovers with the number of people prepared to splash savings to impress someone halving in the last three years, according to National Savings and Investments (NS&I), the government-backed financial provider. Only one in ten Brits (11%) admitted to spending their savings to impress a date in 2005 compared with one in five (17%) in 2002. The number of people raiding savings to fund a romantic night out has halved from 8% in 2002 to 4% in 2005. Using savings to prepare for a date remains the most common vice, with 6% raiding savings to buy new clothes. However, this is down from one in ten (10%) in 2002. Men vs women Although numbers have fallen, men remain almost twice as likely (5%) to spend savings in order to impress on a first date than women (3%). Also twice as many men prove their commitment by dipping in to their savings to fund subsequent romantic nights out (5% compared to 3% of women). And surprisingly, almost as many men (5%) as women (6%) will use their savings to get new clothes before a date. Darren Richards, Managing Director at DatingDirect.com, said: “This research shows that many still feel the pressure of making a good impression but rather than splashing out, more people are finding other ways to show they care.” Five ways to impress for less
ENDS Notes to Editors 1. The National Savings and Investments survey was conducted by Taylor Nelson Sofres via OMNIMAS, 14-18th January 2005. The sample size was 2,056 adults. The survey in 2002 took place between 2nd and 6th August 2002 among 2,172 adults. Have you ever spent savings when trying to impress someone? 2005 results
Have you ever spent savings when trying to impress someone? 2002 results
2. National Savings and Investments is one of the largest savings organisations in the UK, offering a range of savings and investments products to 26 million customers. All products offer 100% capital security, because they are backed by HM Treasury. 3. Founded in January 1999, DatingDirect.com is officially the UK's largest online dating service according to Nielsen//Netratings (October 2004 figures), with over 2 million active members. DatingDirect.com provides exclusive dating services to some of the UK's most recognised and respected brands including gm.tv, Channel4.com, ITV.com, Wanadoo UK, Handbag.com, iVillage.co.uk and NewWoman.co.uk. 4. We have a number of spokespeople available for interviews via our ISDN line: 020 7602 4522. 5. NS&I is the exclusive sponsor of The Classical BRIT Awards, the UK’s premier classical music awards show, at the Royal Albert Hall on 25 May 2005. Further information on NS&I, including press releases and product information, is available on the website at www.nsandi.com. You can also contact the NS&I Media Team. Mark Brooks 020 7348 9301 mark.brooks@nsandi.com ISDN for interviews 020 7602 4522
Media team The numbers below are for media use only. Customers wishing to contact NS&I can find details here.
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