David Crosbie

We all know them: people who we instinctively feel we can turn to for advice on a particular topic, or in some cases pretty much any topic. We trust them, we value their advice and we’re likely to act on their recommendations. In a world where consumers are more able to filter out advertising …

As we look towards 2018, the one thing we can be certain about the year ahead is that there is going to be a lot of uncertainty. Britain’s departure from the European Union, what it will look like and the impact it could have on the country’s economy will hang over many consumers. What is …

You may be forgiven for thinking that high street travel agencies are a bit of an anachronism in today’s world. After all, who would go to a retail outlet filled with paper brochures while a uniformed member of staff tapped your details into their computer, when it’s possible to book a package …

Since the referendum on June 23rd and the decision of the British people to leave the European Union, brands and marketers have been contemplating what it means for them, and how, if at all, they should adapt their strategy and communications to appeal to the residents of a Disunited Kingdom. …

2014 is fast approaching, and the turn of the year is often a time to reflect on what we’ve achieved in life and what we still aspire to. Data from Roper Reports Worldwide show that the aspirations of consumers around the world have changed in recent years, and brands and companies would do …

Shoppers in the US are accustomed to the Holiday shopping period beginning on Black Friday, often accompanied by chaotic scenes as bargain-hunters jostle to grab the best deals. It came as a shock to many Brits to see similar events unfolding in the UK this year, but in fact it’s something GfK …

This week’s GDP growth figures from China confirmed a trend towards cooling growth in the world’s second biggest economy. While this was in line with expectations and Chinese government targets, many commentators identify the challenge for China to be bringing about a rebalancing of the economy …

It’s always interesting to explore new countries – but especially when you have access to brand new consumer insight data from GfK Roper Reports® Worldwide. In 2013, for the first time, this detailed attitudinal and behavioural survey is covering Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam, offering a …

The growth of technology has been viewed in numerous lights over the years. Writer Aldous Huxley once said that, “technological progress has merely provided us with more efficient means for going backwards.” The GfK Roper Reports Worldwide survey of attitudes and behaviours show that this is …

Another near-certainty for 2013 is that the impact of higher food prices will be felt by consumers around the globe. Just in time for the New Year, a US Department of Agriculture (USDA) economist predicted that prices in the US would rise 3-4% during the year, partly due to the drought …

One thing that is certain in 2013 is that China will continue to be an area of intense interest and importance for many of us. Next month, Chinese will celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Snake, which is associated with grace, intelligence and material gain. The last of these will no doubt …

I want to tell you that reading this blog could well be an unsatisfying experience for you. Not (just) because it’s written by me, but for the simple fact that you will be reading it on some kind of screen – PC, tablet, smartphone, etc. Because there’s definite evidence that in an increasingly …