Chewing the fat, shooting the breeze, having a natter - call it what you like, talking to people is darn important and everyone should do it as often as they can (except in libraries). We talk to our members as much as possible, through our blog and discussion board and by getting people to email contactus@zopa.com if anything's on their mind.

Having an expensive water feature in your glass-fronted, white marble lobby may make you feel good in the morning, but chances are it doesn't help the people who actually use your company. That's why the Zopa head office is pretty low-key, and the closest thing we have to a water feature is a tap.

Dec 16 2007

Brits urged to “protect their homes over Christmas”

Brits should ensure that they have adequate home insurance over the festive period, according to Bradford and Bingley.

The bank has warned that more than 76,000 homes throughout the UK are burgled around Christmas time and it is vital that home insurance covers recently purchased gifts.

Dave Foyle, head of general insurance at Bradford and Bingley, said: "With so much money and effort invested in the Christmas period, people should make sure that they don't overlook the necessity of protecting their home and its contents from unwanted visitors."

He added that by making sure they have adequate home insurance cover in place, Brits can enjoy the festive season knowing that their possessions are safe if the worst happens.

Meanwhile, shops are hoping for a last-minute rush to boost Christmas trading.

Footfall figures show that the number of shoppers across the UK on Saturday dropped by 5.9 per cent compared to the same day last year.

© Adfero Ltd

This entry is filed under Personal finance - stories of the day.

« Brits lend family and friends billions’

People should clear Christmas debts “as quickly as possible” »