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Consumer confidence, Smart homes, Market research

A survey reveals plunging consumer confidence in the wake of the Brexit vote. Plus, why big tech companies want consumers to buy a smart thermostat.

Consumer research specialist GfK says its seen the biggest plunge in consumer confidence for 21 years. The company, which publishes monthly data on how we feel about spending, says it hasn't seen a drop like it for more than two decades.

How a head injury could increase your propensity to commit crime. Researchers at Leeds Prison say 47% of prisoners had suffered a head injury before committing the crime for which they were incarcerated.

Why do tech companies want you to buy a smart thermostat to control your heating online? Some see it as an entry point for consumers to buy more internet-connected devices for their home. They believe that in the future we'll want to connect up everything from our front door to our kettle and control them all via a mobile app. But do we really want to and what are the down-sides to a connected home?

The market research industry in the UK is 70: What has it done to improve consumers' lives? Liz Nelson OBE, the co founder of market research company TNS gives us her insights.

Producer: Kevin Mousley
Presenter: Peter White.

Available now

45 minutes

Last on

Fri 8 Jul 2016 12:15
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4

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Chapters

  • Consumer Confidence

    The results of a survey into consumer confidence after the Brexit vote.

    Duration: 05:43

  • Head Injuries

    Could a brain injury increase the chances of the victim committing a crime?

    Duration: 06:52

  • Smart Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔs

    Why a new thermostat could be the first step to the home of the future.

    Duration: 08:14

  • L Plate Kids

    What parents should know about helping their kids to learn to drive.

    Duration: 05:05

  • Market Research

    It is 70 years old but what has market research ever done for us?

    Duration: 06:51

  • Spanish Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔs

    The Spanish Supreme Court tells banks to repay investors deposits on homes sold off plan.

    Duration: 04:52

Broadcast

  • Fri 8 Jul 2016 12:15
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4

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