According to new research out today, one in ten Brits say that Scrooge is the character they relate most to when it comes to their personal finances.
A further 10 per cent believe the recession has been ‘life changing’ and has ‘completely transformed the way they think about money’.
The top five money-saving measures that Brits have been making since the start of the economic downturn are:
Thankfully the new-found British obsession with saving money rather than spending it is where the parallel ends. Brits haven’t become miserly and miserable, in fact just the opposite. These tough times may be bringing out the best in us all according to the new research from npower.
From growing fruit and vegetables, baking bread and cakes, and cooking from scratch, to cycling and walking more, it seems that Brits are becoming more resourceful, less wasteful and heading in the right direction to be more energy efficient. In fact, just over one in ten (12%) of the 2,000 adults who took part in the npower survey said they most relate to the Wombles – making good use of things other people throw away.
Recession breeds inventiveness
However, some admitted to going to more extreme lengths to save money. Inventive ideas such as using wallpaper samples and tester paints to decorate a room, growing a beard in order to save buying razors, throwing frock-swapping parties and training the cat to use the loo to save on kitty litter were just a few of the many mad measures that Brits admitted to taking during the economic downturn.
In an indication that the recession is breeding this type of inspired inventiveness, the survey revealed that the character the majority of Brits most associate themselves with is Wallace of ‘Wallace and Gromit’ fame. The wacky inventor, who is currently starring in npower’s loft insulation TV commercial, was chosen by thirty-six per cent of respondents because like him they always have great ideas and intentions but their plans often go awry.
For those who prefer ‘A Close Shave’ to growing a beard and anyone who doesn’t want to be seen in ‘The Wrong Trousers’, there are plenty of other ways to save money during the credit crunch.
Sensible money saving measures
Kevin Peake, npower marketing director, said: “We are amazed by the lengths Brits are going to in order to save a few pennies when they could save up to £1501 every year on your heating bills through one very simple measure - 270mm of insulation in their loft. Seventy-five per cent of British homes currently don’t have enough. 2
"Wallace and Gromit are a family favourite and we’re hoping their enthusiastic and humorous approach to energy efficiency in our TV ads will help people see how simple it is to make small changes and a big difference to their energy bills."
"Although loft insulation may not be an obvious priority while the weather’s warm, now is an ideal time to tick it off your to-do list as you’ll be setting yourself up to save energy and money in the winter months. And even if you think you have loft insulation, make sure you have enough: 270mm is the recommended depth."
1EnergySavingTrust.org.uk July 2009. If you currently have no insulation and you install the recommended 270mm depth you could save around £150 a year on your heating bills and around 800kg of CO 2 per year.
2Publications.parliament.uk May 2009
Supporting the campaign message are two market-leading offers for loft insulation. For the DIY market, npower has teamed up with insulation manufacturer Rockwool and national builders merchant Build Center to offer 2 for1 on rolls of insulation with free home delivery thrown in. For those who don't fancy having a go themselves, npower will provide and install loft insulation from only £149.
To view Wallace and Gromit in action and for further information about the npower insulation offers, visit npower.com/insulation.
For more information, please contact
Nick McHugh: 07795 354 628 / Nicholas.McHugh@npower.com
