“The physically energetic/high-tempo or challenge aspects are important drivers, but secondary to the ‘softer’, emotional/spiritual experience of a landscape transformed by snow. Emphasising the latter theme is the key to maintaining and growing mainstream appeal. Offering a greater contrast of snowsports and other activities can also attract new customers to the market.”

– John Worthington, Senior Analyst

“The impact of the 2012 Olympic Games on the spectator sport market in general terms of value and profile is clearly positive, but the event is also creating a variety of challenges and opportunities for individual sports according to their calendars and character.

Growing or sustaining attendance could also become more difficult should unemployment remain high and consumer confidence remain low, while the declining presence of live sport on free-to-air TV may create a need to find new platforms through which to maintain wider awareness.”

The bicycles market had a difficult year in 2011 as a result of the squeeze on household incomes which affected discretionary leisure spending and also negativity surrounding changes to the Cycle to Work scheme, which suppressed demand from that source. Some manufacturers also had too much inventory left over from 2011, which meant that there was more discounting than usual, impacting on average prices and feeding through to market value.

However, the longer-term outlook for bicycles is positive, with demand expected to continue to grow during the next five years as the negativity surrounding the Cycle to Work scheme subsides and the UK economy begins to pick up again.

“Despite the concerns of political commentators about David Cameron’s encroaching ‘nanny state’ politics, there is reason to believe that consumers might require more guidance with regards to healthy eating.”

– Alex Beckett, Senior Food Analyst

This report looks at British lifestyles in 2011. It looks at the impact of the continued economic situation in the wake of the recession. Unemployment and uncertainty in the housing market as well as low interest rates continue to impact on consumer confidence levels but how does this play out across the FMCG markets and other services such as travel and finance? What does this mean for the next five years?

The report also looks at British lifestyles through the eyes of the consumer. In which sectors do people notice price hikes the most and how does this shape the way in which they shop in those sectors? How are shopping habits changing as consumers adjust to the rising cost of living in combination with their new or strained financial circumstances and what impact does this have on how happy they are? British Lifestyles 2011 also delves into the impact of money on happiness and the implications of this on impulse purchasing.