October 3, 2008

Do you work in a press office, or public relations? Or want to? If so, here is a superb example of precisely how not to do your job. Note the first stern line about this issue of extreme national importance:

UNDER FULL PRINT, ONLINE AND BROADCAST EMBARGO

UNTIL MONDAY 6TH OCTOBER 2008

Gnomes and green plastic ain’t fantastic!

Plastic plants top poll of Brits biggest garden no no’s
Are Brits in danger of becoming ‘Not Bothered’?

Plastic plants have topped the list of Brit’s ultimate garden no no’s. New research from Yorkshire Bank has lifted the lid on what Brit’s believe are the biggest garden sins. Almost 9 out of 10 (87%) named plastic plants as the worst ever garden feature, closely followed by the humble garden gnome (71%) and flags (69%).

Gary Lumby, Yorkshire Bank’s head of retail said: “Keeping the garden as nature intended with a little care and attention seems to be favoured by Brits.”

Yorkshire Bank’s quarterly Homebuyers Report also suggests that younger homeowners perhaps take less pride in their gardens - less than half worry about what their neighbours think of their gardens, even if they are untidy and overgrown.

Yorkshire Bank’s research found that less than half (48%) of homeowners in their 20s are concerned about what their neighbours think and do not feel they need to keep their garden well maintained. However, as Brits reach their 30s, the need to keep up with the Joneses kicks in – over half (57%) of thirtysomethings are keen not to upset their neighbours and ensure their gardens are kept neat and tidy.

The bank’s research found that this trend was reversed north of the border - with more than two thirds (69%) of Scottish homeowners in their 20s admitting to feeling pressure from neighbours to keep their garden well maintained. Those aged 60 and over, however, appear to take the Victor Meldrew approach to neighbour relations with just one in four caring what those living next door think of their gardens.

Gary Lumby said: “While our research suggests that some young homeowners may not be particularly concerned with making a good impression on their neighbours, as they get a bit older and become more settled, they are more likely to take pride in their gardens.”

Ends

Notes to Editor

Research conducted on behalf of Clydesdale Bank and sister Yorkshire Bank by Consumer Analysis Ltd. on a sample of 1,000 people during July 2008.