Populus steps up consumer research push with new senior appointment

Populus Announces Strong Financial Results

Strip Energy Firms of Power To Set Prices

As the Government outlines plans to simplify energy tariffs, new research by Populus suggests the proposals are unlikely to go far enough for consumers.

More Parents Than Ever Favour Independent Education

A new poll conducted on behalf of the ISC shows that more parents than ever want to pull their children out of state schools to give them private education

The UK's favourite Beatles song

A survey carried out for BBC Local Radio has found that Hey Jude is UK music fans’ favourite Beatles track - beating other singles from the Fab Four to the top of the chart when it comes to best-loved Beatles tunes of all time.

AA Streetwatch - Local road and path defects

AA Streetwatch 5 is a 30 minute survey on foot which will take place at any time during daylight hours from 6 October to 21 October 2012. Walk a route of your choice in your local area and report back to the AA on the amount of road and path defects that you see. You can download instructions and a sheet to record your results from this page. Your results can then be entered using the results link on your email from the AA or the one on your instructions and report form.

The spiral of silence reawakens

The 'spiral of silence' and the Labour lead

Liberal Democrats and the Voters

View the presentation prepared by Rick Nye Populus Director, for the Liberal Democrats fringe meeting in conjunction with The Times.

Influencing the influencers

Populus surveyed 2,064 adults on which media outlets they place the most trust in and on ethics and morals when publishing stories.

Power, principles and the press

After what has been a year of incredible public scrutiny of the UK's media, our research among senior business people, MP's, NGO executives and other opinion formers has shown that traditional print media lag behind broadcast media in terms of trust. We talk a lot in our industry about trust - it's the holy grail for most businesses and something that we strive for in communications. Media face an ongoing ethical dilemma when judging what is 'in the public interest' versus what is ' interesting to the public' and the debate continues around privacy versus free speech. Clearly, the reputation of the UK's media and our trust in it has been damaged in recent times - but of one thing we can be certain - that the media will continue to generate its own headlines for months to come.

Grandparents take on key childcare role during summer holidays

More than half of grandparents plan to look after their grandchildren during school holidays and will be entertaining them at home while others are planning to go to the beach or to museums

Young drivers face accident risk

The survey, of more than 14,000 drivers who have had a car crash, formed the basis of the Young Drivers At Risk report from the AA Charitable Trust and the Make Roads Safe campaign, which was launched by former motor racing champion Nigel Mansell.

Public attitudes towards public sector strikes

Nearly half of people unsympathetic to a doctor's strike

Popularity of the monarchy

76% think that The Queen is doing a good job, while the public welcome the idea of Prince William as King.

Wine is consumer's favourite tipple

A Populus poll for WSTA surveyed 2,007 British adults and found that wine is the consumer's favourite tipple, with 38% of the public drinking wine on a weekly basis.

Public calls for greater say on executive pay

Shareholders should be able to force top executives to accept lower pay deals and repay bonuses following poor performance, according to new research by Populus.

Populus in new senior hire

The senior team at Populus has been further boosted by the arrival of Chris Wilkins from Bell Pottinger Public Advocacy. Chris will work closely with Director Rick Nye to develop the political, social and corporate reputation side of the business providing senior counsel on communications and brand/reputation management.

AA Street Watch-The Big Litter Pick

The Big Litter Pick is a 30 minute to one hour survey on foot which will take place during daylight hours from May 12-27th 2012. Walk a route of your choice in your local area and report back to us on the amount of litter that you see, and the number of other instances where the environment you are in has been spoiled by other people. AA staff will be doing this and also picking up the litter that they see. We would be delighted if you were to collect as well as survey the litter and report back to us on problems that you find and also your ideas on possible solutions.

Britons call on companies to report their carbon emissions

77% of the British public want to see companies with 250 or more employees report their carbon emissions.

Britain and the survival of the European project

67% of people support Britain staying in the EU. Policy Network President, Peter Mandelson, will give the annual University of Oxford Hands lecture on 'Britain and the survival of the European project' and will set out why Britain’s future role in Europe will require a fundamental reassessment if the Eurozone is salvaged and survives. Key findings on British attitudes towards European integration and global interdependence is also discussed.

Parties 'are not motorist-friendly'

42% of drivers did not think any of the main political parties were motorist-friendly according to a Populus/AA poll.

Boris Johnson on course to retain the keys to City Hall

A recent Populus poll gives Mr Johnson a commanding lead over Ken Livingstone in both the first and second rounds of voting. It also suggests the result hinges on the Mayor’s ability to get people living in outer boroughs to go out and vote.

Two thirds of MPs want in-house PA teams on register

Two thirds of MPs think in-house public affairs teams should be included on register of public affairs.

Two thirds of the public support gay marriage

Coverage in Attitude magazine of Populus's poll on equal rights for gay couples.

Public back private sector in education but not profit

Insight PA/Populus research shows strong support for free school and academies

The Times/Populus poll summary February

A summary of the issues and trends highlighted by Populus's latest survey of voting intention.

The costs of education

18% of parents "partly hope" their child doesn't get into university because of the costs they would face.

Events

Populus hosts regular events with leading figures from across the political and business worlds. Click the link above to see our most recent schedule, or email us for more information at events@populus.co.uk.

Uncertainty about the future

Article in The Hindu newspaper draws on Populus's research for portrait of Britain going into 2012

Public Service provision

Guardian blog entry by Populus's Laurence Stellings on the latest attitudes to the provision of public services.

Many motorists unprepared for winter

Research conducted on behalf of the British Red Cross shows less than 40% of drivers feel they are prepared for adverse weather conditions.

Driving Music

Populus conducted research into the music drivers listen to and their driving habits.

Public Service Reform

Populus's Public Services event with Insight PA, Nick Boles MP and Pat McFadden MP attending.

Senior hire signals business advance for Populus

Populus, the growing research and strategy agency, has bolstered its capabilities and widened its offering with the appointment of two new Directors. Gary Muncaster and Chris Menzies both join from ICM.

The Times/Populus poll summary November

A summary of the issues and trends highlighted by Populus's latest survey of voting intention.

The Times/Populus poll summary October

A summary of the issues and trends highlighted by Populus's latest survey of voting intention.

University courses 'not worth £9,000 a year'

Populus finds that many students felt they had better teaching in secondary than in higher education.

SMBs skeptical of IT as a path to growth

Research in Canada shows only 18% of SMBs consider IT a priority

Safety fears over young drivers racing their sat navs

Estimated time seen as a challenge to beat.

International business survey shows revenue growth despite fall in global confidence

Research carried out by Populus for the Sage group shows many businesses are optimistic about the next six months.

Populus poll reveals lack of confidence in pensions

"Politicians have to boost confidence in pensions, or people will simply opt-out," says NAPF chief

Ed Miliband still struggling to connect

After a year as leader of the Labour Party, 63% of people cannot imagine Miliband as Prime Minister.

Britons still back nuclear

Populus Research for the British Science Association shows no loss of faith after Fukushima.

Councils learn to listen

Populus research shows residents believe councils are increasingly taking account of their views, as local authorities continue to launch cuts consultation programmes.

Mind calls for increase in mental health support

Populus research for mental health charity Mind shows a good workplace environment is crucial for avoiding stress and depression.

The Trust Deficit

A new report by Populus shows the important and complex role of trust in business.

New research shows that over half of opinion formers never use Twitter

Trust in newspapers is higher than for any other form of media

Nick Sparrow joins Populus

Nick Sparrow, "really thrilled to be joining the excellent team at Populus"