Fintech PR
Capital One UK uncovers the nation’s nasty Christmas surprises for new campaign
The nation’s unexpected Christmas surprises revealed by Capital One UK
LONDON, Dec. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — As Christmas approaches, family and friends across the nation are preparing for the big day: envisioning tasty food and happy memories spent with the closest people to them, but has something ever happened you didn’t quite expect during the festive season?
Discovering these unpredictable moments, Capital One UK surveyed 2,000 Brits to uncover unexpected surprises at Christmas time as part of its newly launched ‘No Nasty Surprises‘ campaign, which brings to life that when it comes to credit, you should always know what you’re getting upfront.
The UK’s most unexpected Christmas surprises
Key Findings
- Nearly 1 in 4 (24%) of Brits have received a Christmas present they didn’t want or like
- 41% would give an unwanted gift to charity
- 1 in 5 Brits who ate at a restaurant for Christmas said they were disappointed with their dinner
- 40% of Brits would be surprised if their guests snooped in their room at Christmas
Nearly 1 In 4 Brits have received an unexpected or surprising Christmas present
The survey revealed that 1 in 4 (24%) Brits received a Christmas present they didn’t expect last year.
The majority of Brits (41%) said they would donate a gift they didn’t like to charity. For other Brits who received a Christmas present they didn’t like or want, 34% would keep it, and nearly one-third (32%) would regift it to someone else.
Brits reveal some of their weirdest Christmas gifts
- A bin bag holder
- A bottle of water
- A paper towel
- Used egg cup
- Loo roll dispenser
- Chicken Nuggets
- Pickled herring
- Toilet paper
- Singing fish
- Two left feet slippers
- Expired body lotion
- Merch for a rival football team
Brits reveal what they would do with an unwanted gift
- Give it to charity – 41%
- Keep it – 34%
- Regift it to someone else – 32%
- Give it away – 22%
- Put it away to never be used/seen – 18%
- Sell it online – 16%
20% of Brits who ate at a restaurant for Christmas were disappointed with their dinner
Whilst eating out at Christmas can bring high expectations of good food and stress free planning, sometimes that’s not always the reality. Nearly 50% of Brits said they’d eaten out at a pub, restaurant or hotel for Christmas dinner in the past, but 1 in 5 surveyed claimed that it did not meet their expectations.
The top eight reasons why dining out on Christmas Day didn’t live up to Brits expectations
- Prefer home-cooked Christmas dinner – 60%
- Not good value for money – 57%
- The food wasn’t good quality for the cost – 53%
- Didn’t feel Christmassy – 42%
- Slow service – 29%
- Being around other people – 20%
- Small portions – 17%
- Food was cold -13%
The cost of everything and washing up ranked the least favourite aspects of Christmas Day
There’s nothing more disappointing than finishing a Christmas dinner with family or friends and seeing the mounds of washing up piling up on the sink. This ranks as one of the least favourite things about Christmas Day, with 27% of Brits agreeing. Also making it onto the list are the cost of things, the pressure on the day and that it passes too quickly.
Brits share the top ten most surprising parts about Christmas Day
- The cost of everything – 30%
- Washing up – 27%
- The pressure of the day – 22%
- Over too quickly – 21%
- Lack of relaxation – 19%
- Nonstop cooking – 17%
- Disagreements – 13%
- The weather – 13%
- Seeing family members you don’t like – 11%
- Nonstop hosting – 10%
Brits reveal their most memorable and unexpected Christmas Day moments
Aside from the common Christmas Day occurrences that may not be favourable, there can also be experiences you never saw coming.
According to Capital One UK’s survey, Brits have experienced a wide range of unexpected events on Christmas Day, from the joy of a new addition to the family to awkwardly receiving a regift from someone they had previously given it to.
According to the nation, here are some of the most unforeseen surprises that have occurred on Christmas Day:
- Turned up to my parents for Christmas dinner only to find they were not there and actually at another family member’s house instead!
- A best friend flew over from the USA and surprised me
- A power cut meant we had no power until late on Christmas evening so no Christmas dinner or lights on our tree
- A tornado hit our house on Christmas Day in 1990. We even made the front page of the newspaper!
- A last-minute trip to the vet after our dog got into the Christmas pudding
- A long-lost cousin from Germany turned up at our front door without any notice
- My car was stolen off the drive during Christmas Dinner
- Dropped the raw turkey as it was heading towards the oven
- Went into labour and welcomed our baby boy on Christmas Day
- A mirror hung above our fireplace miraculously fell off and smashed all over the floor (no one was hurt in the process)
Considering critiquing someone else’s culinary skills? 2 in 5 would be surprised if their guests did
When inviting friends or family over for Christmas, you hope that everything goes the way you expected, but the actions of other guests may come as a surprise.
When surveyed, the top things hosts wouldn’t expect their guests to do when visiting their house on Christmas Day is commenting negatively on cooking (42%) followed by snooping in other rooms (40%).
If guests are visiting friends or family members’ houses this Christmas, 35% of hosts wouldn’t expect them to use their phone at the dinner table (35%) or drink too much (34%).
Brits reveal the top 10 things they would not expect a house guest to do at Christmas
- Commenting negatively on your cooking – 42%
- Snooping in other rooms – 40%
- Use their phone at the dinner table – 35%
- Being untidy – 34%
- Drink too much – 34%
- Not offering to help clean up – 30%
- Try to enforce their Christmas traditions on you – 29%
- Bring up controversial topics at the table – 29%
- Be fussy about food or drinks – 27%
- Arriving too late – 25%
Katie King, Head of Marketing at Capital One UK, comments “As part of our ‘No Nasty Surprises’ campaign we’re uncovering the moments Brits least expect to face over the Christmas period – from a disappointing Christmas Dinner, to untidy house guests and unexpected gifts.
“Whilst we can’t promise a Christmas without any surprises, we can give certainty when applying for a Capital One credit card. Capital One UK is committed to helping our customers succeed with credit, empowering them to make good financial decisions by offering transparency upfront. Whether it’s being clear on the APR they’ll get before they apply, or providing an eligibility check for our credit cards in only 60 seconds with our Quickcheck service, these small, thoughtful actions are at the heart of how we do business.”
An evolved and fresh take on the highly successful One Good Thing Capital One UK brand platform, first launched in August 2022, the new campaign offers another humorous play on a traditionally serious subject, communicating the brand’s intention to change the world of credit for the better, one small good thing at a time.
Methodology:
This research of 2,000 UK adults was commissioned by Capital One and conducted by OnePoll between 18th November 2024 and 20th November 2024.
About Capital One UK:
Capital One UK issued its first credit card in 1996 and has since grown to become a top ten credit provider in the UK, employing more than 1,500 UK-based associates across two offices in Nottingham and London.
Capital One was founded to help its customers succeed with credit and to offer great products to customers who otherwise have limited choices. It has pioneered industry-leading tools like its QuickCheck eligibility checker and CreditWise, a free credit score monitor.
Capital One UK offers a diverse portfolio of products including its own Classic Card and Balance Transfer Card, as well as collaborating with a number of known and loved partner brands to provide credit options to their customers.
Capital One UK is a subsidiary company of Capital One Financial Corporation, a diversified financial services company established in 1994. Today, it is one of the top ten largest banks in the United States, a Fortune 100 company and founder-led by CEO Richard Fairbank.
Capital One UK’s Registered Office: Trent House, Station Street, Nottingham, NG2 3HX
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2582091/Capital_One_UK_Logo.jpg
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Fintech PR
Evolution Power Tools reveals: DIY hacks to save £400 on everyday household repairs
- Homeowners are wasting £100s on professional household repairs
- Going DIY on chair and fence fixes could save Brits up to £400
- Evolution Power Tools reveals where to pick up FREE wood & cut costs down
SHEFFIELD, England, Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Nobody likes being faced with worn, damaged or faulty objects around the house – but before Brits rush out and spend £100s on replacements or repairs, it’s worth considering the DIY approach.
DIY enthusiasts from Evolution Power Tools reveal how common household issues can easily be fixed – without needing to spend much on multiple tools and materials in the process.
“With just weeks until Christmas, we’d much rather spend our money on gifts for loved ones instead of forking out for furniture repairs.
“We always encourage homeowners to repair and not replace. What’s more, repairing furniture yourself can be a rewarding experience and doesn’t have to cost as much as you might think.
“For example, when your chair has wobbly legs, it’s tempting to buy a replacement – or pay for professional repairs.
“It might sound cost-savvy to get a repair, but getting the professionals in can cost more than you’d think.
“The average professional chair leg repair can cost up to £300.
“But by using a mitre saw, timber, screws, glue and sandpaper, you can get the job done yourself for a fraction of the price.
“If you don’t have a saw of your own, ask friends and family if you can borrow one.
“Plus, did you know you can pick up timber for free by browsing Facebook Marketplace or asking local construction sites if they have any scraps going?
“Then you can pick up screws, wood glue and sandpaper from B&Q for under £20 – saving you over £280!
“Similarly, a broken fence can feel like a nightmare – but you don’t have to call in a professional and pay in the region of £150.
“One solution is getting hold of some pallet wood – and this doesn’t have to cost a penny.
“Depending on where you live, your local IKEA may be getting rid of excess supplies – so you may find wood available to pick up for free.
“Then all you need is a hand saw or circular saw – which you may have, or could borrow – plus a hammer and nails, measuring tape and a level.
“Most people will have these supplies at home – which means you could save the best part of £150!”
Top 5 tips for picking up free wood
- Ask local businesses. If you see a supermarket worker emptying a pallet of products, ask if the wood is being thrown away. If so, you may be able to grab it for free.
- Go to your local recycling facility. Many people will dispose of excess materials, including wood, by taking it to the tip. All you have to do is ask the staff if you can take it.
- Visit IKEA. Certain branches will make their surplus materials available for free. The scheme isn’t always running, but it’s worth keeping an eye out!
- Check online marketplaces. Sites like Facebook Marketplace have a surprising amount of supplies going for free, as people just want to get rid of it.
- Construction sites. These places may be glad to have someone pick up excess materials, as it saves them having to dispose of it.
“If you’ve got multiple furniture repairs to carry out, it can be cost-efficient to buy a tool with a multi-material cutting blade.
“Featuring a Japanese Tungsten Carbide Teeth blade, these versatile tools will simplify your toolkit, while allowing you to carry out DIY projects with ease
“Our multi-material cutting tools provide clean and accurate cuts through a variety of materials, including wood, metal, plastics and even wood with nails,
“Gone are the days of homeowners needing to constantly swap blades or purchase specialist equipment. Now, you can rely on one tool to do it all, making DIY much more efficient and enjoyable.
“By investing in versatile tools or borrowing existing equipment, you can avoid unnecessary costs and breathe new life into your household items at a fraction of the price.”
About the company: Evolution Power Tools is a global leader in multi-material technology, with over 30 years in the industrial power tool market.
They are part of a growing movement which encourages homeowners to feel empowered when carrying out DIY, and as such, design tools that help to tackle a variety of tasks without the need for expertise.
Evolution Power Tools never compromise on performance, and their patented technology is no exception, it is reliable with a 3 guarantee, accurate, ergonomic, and powerful for the most precise cuts on a multitude of materials.
- Pricing information accurate at the time of submission
- Cost of smaller supplies for DIY fixes have been sourced from B&Q
- We would appreciate a link to the Evolution Power Tools website within the copy, if you decide to publish the article
- Evolution Power Tools is based in the steel city of Sheffield and has a worldwide reputation for premium and professional tools.
- Their tools have been featured on TV shows including Top Gear, DIY SOS, and Grand Designs
Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2583046/Evolution_Power_Tools.jpg
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Fintech PR
ZBD BECOMES FIRST TO RECEIVE EU MICAR LICENSE APPROVAL
– Approval positions the FinTech as a leader in crypto-asset innovation and compliance in the EU, allowing it to expand its transformative digital-native payments platform and enter new markets –
AMSTERDAM, Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — ZBD, the innovative payments company at the forefront of digital economies, today announced it has become the first company to receive approval for the new European Union (EU) crypto-asset service provider license under MiCAR (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation). This landmark achievement represents a major milestone both in crypto-asset regulation in the EU and in ZBD’s journey to build a digital-native payments platform on top of the Bitcoin Lightning Network.
The Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) has approved ZBD’s license application under MiCAR, and will issue its license when MiCAR takes effect on 30th December 2024. MiCAR is a new regulatory framework that all crypto-asset service providers in the EU must comply with. Securing a license under MiCAR allows ZBD to expand its capabilities by offering a wide range of services including crypto-asset custody, administration, transfers, and—crucially—fiat-to-crypto and crypto-to-fiat exchange. It also demonstrates a strict adherence to the highest standards of compliance and consumer protection for ZBD’s EU users.
While many companies, including the world’s largest exchanges, are struggling to navigate MiCAR’s stringent requirements, ZBD’s comprehensive and proactive approach to compliance has positioned it to lead the way in crypto-asset innovation and better serve customers across the EU. MiCAR therefore presents a unique opportunity for ZBD as it begins its expansion into the EU market after establishing a strong presence in the US.
“Being the first to have received MiCAR license approval is a major leap forward for us,” says Marca Wosoba, COO of ZBD. “We’ve built a culture where compliance is at the forefront of what we do, and we see it as an enabler for new functionality, not a blocker. MiCAR gave us an opportunity to obtain licensing across all of the EU and facilitate our expansion in the region.”
This milestone aligns with ZBD’s broader vision to build digital-native payments infrastructure for the gaming and entertainment industries. Unlike traditional FinTech companies, which typically start with a fiat-first model and then add on crypto functionality, ZBD flips the script—building on Bitcoin’s Lightning Network to enable fast, low-cost, and globally scalable payments. This flexibility allows the company to find product market-fit in the gaming space, serving use cases that are simply not possible with traditional finance, such as instant reward payouts with no minimums – gamers can earn money playing games and cash out as soon as they’ve earned even a fraction of a cent.
“Having already built a stable revenue-generating business gives us a great entry point to expand what we do and move towards our vision of building a payments company that can instantly move money in any currency,” added Wosoba. “It’s not about being a crypto or Bitcoin business, it’s about being a digital-native payments business that happens to use Bitcoin on the Lightning Network as a core technology in our internal tech stack.”
ZBD took a proactive and strategic approach in anticipation of the new regulation, submitting its MiCAR registration application at the earliest opportunity. Its strong, collaborative relationship with The Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM), which was the first in the EU to accept and process applications, was also instrumental in achieving this significant milestone.
The license under MiCAR primes ZBD to launch more complex payment products built around Bitcoin, as well as grow rapidly in the EU in 2025. It also brings ZBD one step closer to achieving its ambitious vision as a transformative digital-native payments company. Following its ethos of building crypto-first and then adding complementary fiat functionality, the company is also in the final stages of receiving an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license, which will complement the range of services ZBD can offer under MiCAR, by also granting it license to perform a wide range of fiat payments services in the EU.
About ZBD
ZBD is a leader in payments innovation, pushing the boundaries of how we move money across the internet. Within gaming, ZBD has made a name for itself by powering instant real-money rewards for partners ranging from Square Enix to 1047 Games. Beyond gaming, ZBD enables unique payments-based use cases across interactive entertainment and adjacent industries. Whether it’s streaming money alongside audio in podcasting apps like Fountain, or implementing instant revenue sharing for each ad impression for adtech innovators like Slice and AdInMo, ZBD makes money move online as seamlessly as information.
To learn more, visit https://zbd.gg/
Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2584112/ZBD.jpg
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Fintech PR
Klarpay AG has officially transitioned to Bivial AG
ZUG, Switzerland, Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Bivial AG is proud to announce the successful completion of its rebranding from Klarpay AG. This transformation represents a major milestone in the company’s journey, aligning its identity with its vision to become a global leader in comprehensive financial solutions for digital businesses.
The name ” Bivial ” encapsulates the company’s commitment to enabling seamless multidirectional financial flows, a core principle that has guided its evolution. This new identity underscores the company’s dedication to innovation and trust while expanding its capabilities.
With the rebrand complete, Bivial AG is poised to enhance its services beyond its established expertise in cross-border corporate payments. The company is actively working to broaden its portfolio with a range of financial and treasury solutions tailored to meet the needs of modern online businesses. This strategic shift underscores Bivial’s commitment to becoming a one-stop financial partner for its clients.
“The transition to Bivial reflects not just a change in name but an expansion with purpose,” said Martynas Bieliauskas, CEO of Bivial AG. “Our clients can expect the same innovative and reliable service they’ve always trusted, now complemented by a broader suite of offerings designed to support their growth in an interconnected world.”
As part of its growth strategy, Bivial is seeking to extend its regulatory footprint. Building on its existing regulatory framework under the Swiss Federal Banking Act Art 1b, the company has initiated processes to secure additional regulatory approvals in Switzerland.
Bivial’s rebrand signals a bold vision for the future of business finance. By integrating new technologies, expanding its regulatory reach, and broadening its offerings, the company is uniquely positioned to lead the way in financial services.
For more information about Bivial AG, visit www.bivial.ch.
About Bivial AG.
Bivial AG, formerly Klarpay AG, is a deposit-taking financial institution authorised and regulated by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) under the Swiss Federal Banking Act, Article 1b, offering modern Swiss accounts and cross-border payment solutions for digital businesses. Headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, Bivial AG specialises in offering online businesses access to multi-currency IBAN accounts, global payment acceptance, and digital disbursement solutions. As the first Swiss-licensed fintech company to work exclusively with e-commerce, digital entrepreneurs, and social media influencers, Bivial seeks to empower digital businesses through borderless, scalable, bespoke business accounts and payment solutions.
CONTACT: [email protected], + 41 41 552 0093
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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/klarpay-ag-has-officially-transitioned-to-bivial-ag-302335084.html
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