First Direct Founder Opens Consumer Insight Consultancy

In the UK, Leeds-based marcoms firm Intermarketing Group has joined forces with First Direct co-founder Peter Simpson, to launch a new consumer insights marketing consultancy.

Intervue, which will operate as the strategy and planning arm of the Intermarketing Group, has already recruited six senior digital, branding and media strategists, who will explore new propositions based on customer or market insights.

Simpson, who is Head of Business Strategy, explained: 'We intend to use market intelligence to inform more powerful marketing decisions and consumer propositions, that cost effectively grow businesses and profit. Intervue will focus on blending hard facts with customer insights, providing organisations with much needed clarity on how to attract and engage the right customers.'

Simpson left First Direct in 2006 to become Chairman of data management firm Data Lateral. Earlier this year, he and Intermarking MD Glenn Patterson set up Oscaruk.co.uk; a site providing concessions and savings for the over-fifties.

Patterson commented on the new venture: 'We are pleased to have Peter heading up Intervue - he is a creative thinker with an exceptional track record and has great instincts for the consumer market.'

Web sites: www.intermarketing.co.uk and www.intervue.co.uk .