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 20 2007

Toddlers cause £122 million of damage a year

Over the last year, £122 million of damage has been caused by toddlers in their parents' homes, according to a new report.

The research, by Halifax Home Insurance, showed that spilling food, drink and paint on floors and carpets was the most common cause of damage.

Martyn Foulds, senior claims manager at Halifax Home Insurance, said: "Toddlers are naturally inquisitive, full of energy and eager to explore the world around them, keeping up with them can be a full time job in itself."

He added that raising children is hard enough without "having to find additional money to replace items that small children have accidentally damaged".

Male toddlers are responsible for 20 per cent more damage than girls, according to the research.

Meanwhile, Cheshire Building Society has advised people to make sure they are adequately covered over the festive period, or risk having their Christmas spoiled.

The building society has warned people to be extra careful with their home security and look out for opportunist burglars.

© Adfero Ltd

This entry is filed under Finance trends and facts.

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