Google has revealed 'facebook' was the most searched-for term in the UK in 2013.
Every year, Google releases a list of the most googled terms, with YouTube and Google coming second and third.
They also looked at questions and found "what is facebook?" was the most popular, with "what is love?" second.
Reality star Kim Kardashian was the most searched for celebrity with One Direction, Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber and Kate Middleton also in the top ten.
Google also unveiled its "top trending" search terms for the UK in 2013. These are the entries that have seen the largest increase in traffic compared with 2012.
Gareth Bale was the top trending football star, while the Grand National and Wimbledon were the top events, beating Eurovision and the Oscars.
There was a battle of the superheroes in top 10 most searched-for movies. Man of Steel beat Iron Man 3 in to top place. Despicable Me 2 was the only animated movie in the list.
Monday 23 December 2013
Tuesday 10 December 2013
John Lewis Bear and the Hare advert spoof
Following on from the past two hugely successful christmas advert campaigns by John Lewis, this year seems to have continued in the same style with The Bear and the Hare.
One firm, Steam Traction World have produced their own 'spoof' version and at a reported fraction of the £1m bill it cost John Lewis to produce their advert (plus a further £7m to air it!)
Bear and the Hare - the Spoof is proving (almost!) equally appealing. Take a look and let us know what you think!
Or head on over the Steam Traction World's Facebook page and leave a comment there.
Wednesday 27 November 2013
Rugby Website Design
Our dynamic and stylish websites have transformed the web presence of many businesses including a number in Rugby. We offer our services by the quality of our portfolio of websites we have designed and developed. We have no restrictions on the number of pages you can have - and we do not limit your creativity or yours!
We offer a fixed price from the outset for your bespoke website. We also host websites and offer SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) so your website will be found in Google and other main search engines.
We don't blind you with science or techno-babble, we'll tell you what can be achieved without compromise, to suit your budget. For examples of our latest websites see HERE. If we can help you with your website design in Rugby, talk to us - or email us for a FREE no-obligation consultation. We specialise in developing your existing company presentational profile and from scratch, we can initiate your new business appearance to ensure the best possible start.
Rugby Website Design
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We offer a fixed price from the outset for your bespoke website. We also host websites and offer SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) so your website will be found in Google and other main search engines.
We don't blind you with science or techno-babble, we'll tell you what can be achieved without compromise, to suit your budget. For examples of our latest websites see HERE. If we can help you with your website design in Rugby, talk to us - or email us for a FREE no-obligation consultation. We specialise in developing your existing company presentational profile and from scratch, we can initiate your new business appearance to ensure the best possible start.
Rugby Website Design
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Rugby Website Design
As a creative design agency in Rugby, we have the experience, expertise and skills to create high-impact initiatives, using a variety of media, to promote your business. We are a small friendly team of professionals all passionate about what we do - that is to create and implement good design, giving you a strong presence on the web, on social media and in local newspapers and magazines.
Websites: We believe in giving your business a kick start on the web with a site that works for you with strong search engine optimisation always in mind. Designing and producing beautiful websites is what we’re really passionate about. Your business is great and we’ll make sure your website amplifies that. We take care of everything including hosting, email, domains, content creation… the list goes on
Rugby Website Design
New Driveway Daventry
New Driveways Daventry
P Smith Paving are a well established, well known firm of pavers and landscapers offering new driveways and much more in Daventry.
At P Smith Paving, we aim to provide quality new driveways for Daventry homeowners as well as patios and landscaping services alongside excellent workmanship and customer service. We are based in Daventry and provide our new driveways in Daventry also.
We can also supply new driveways in the areas surrounding Daventry if needed to. For quality new driveways in Daventry, look no further than P Smith Paving, call us on: 01327 704 182 P.Smith paving and landscaping are willing to work with you to create the garden or driveway of your dreams, even if this means completing the job in separate stages to meet your budget, anything is possible! We are here to help and cover all your needs.
We would welcome the opportunity to meet and discuss any garden/driveway/path or patio project with our total, no obligation quotation service.
P Smith Paving specialise in the following areas:
New Driveway Daventry
Paving In Daventry
Landscaping Daventry
Block Paving Daventry
Drainage Daventry
If you are looking for new driveways in Daventry, or have any questions please feel free to contact P Smith Paving via telephone – 01327 704 182
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P Smith Paving are a well established, well known firm of pavers and landscapers offering new driveways and much more in Daventry.
At P Smith Paving, we aim to provide quality new driveways for Daventry homeowners as well as patios and landscaping services alongside excellent workmanship and customer service. We are based in Daventry and provide our new driveways in Daventry also.
We can also supply new driveways in the areas surrounding Daventry if needed to. For quality new driveways in Daventry, look no further than P Smith Paving, call us on: 01327 704 182 P.Smith paving and landscaping are willing to work with you to create the garden or driveway of your dreams, even if this means completing the job in separate stages to meet your budget, anything is possible! We are here to help and cover all your needs.
We would welcome the opportunity to meet and discuss any garden/driveway/path or patio project with our total, no obligation quotation service.
P Smith Paving specialise in the following areas:
New Driveway Daventry
Paving In Daventry
Landscaping Daventry
Block Paving Daventry
Drainage Daventry
If you are looking for new driveways in Daventry, or have any questions please feel free to contact P Smith Paving via telephone – 01327 704 182
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Autosport International Show
Featuring every level of motor racing - from karting to Formula 1 - the show truly brings together the world of motorsport under one roof.
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Wednesday 23 October 2013
NPC and Spectra create new bottles for Kipa hair care range
Kipa Professional Hair Care produce a range of products including sprays, waxes, pastes and creams for both stockists and salons. The new packs, 250ml and 150ml tubular designs from Spectra's large range of standards, were created for Kipa's Head Shot styling and finishing spray and One Shot maximum hold hairspray.
The new concept was produced by Nick Price Creatives, introducing a new K roundel to promote the Kipa brands in a new and updated method. Two bottles. shown here, are the first part of a major re-branding of the Kipa product brand with jars, packaging and further bottled products to follow.
Spectra's polymer colouring expertise was also called on, with the latest packs being colour matched to existing Kipa products.
Alex Beveridge, Field Sales Representative at Spectra explained, "Often Spectra are asked to create new containers for customers who already boast an established range. As a result, we always try to ensure we propose the most appropriate container for the task. However, it's also imperative that any new pack we produce sits harmoniously with their other products. Brand consistency is paramount for customers and luckily our expert colour matching team can replicate pretty much any desired result".
John Malone from Excel (GS), the contract filler who represent Kipa commented, "Working with Spectra is always a professional experience. Their team have a real eye for detail and they always go that extra mile - they consistently exceed expectations. The new containers they have produced for Kipa compliment their existing lines perfectly".
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The new concept was produced by Nick Price Creatives, introducing a new K roundel to promote the Kipa brands in a new and updated method. Two bottles. shown here, are the first part of a major re-branding of the Kipa product brand with jars, packaging and further bottled products to follow.
Spectra's polymer colouring expertise was also called on, with the latest packs being colour matched to existing Kipa products.
Alex Beveridge, Field Sales Representative at Spectra explained, "Often Spectra are asked to create new containers for customers who already boast an established range. As a result, we always try to ensure we propose the most appropriate container for the task. However, it's also imperative that any new pack we produce sits harmoniously with their other products. Brand consistency is paramount for customers and luckily our expert colour matching team can replicate pretty much any desired result".
John Malone from Excel (GS), the contract filler who represent Kipa commented, "Working with Spectra is always a professional experience. Their team have a real eye for detail and they always go that extra mile - they consistently exceed expectations. The new containers they have produced for Kipa compliment their existing lines perfectly".
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Thursday 23 May 2013
New Look Flickr
Yahoo has redesigned its Flickr photo-sharing service, offering users up to 1TB of storage without a fee.
The revamp also allows users to host longer video clips and
higher-resolution photos, and a new app has been launched for Android
devices.The news came hours after the company confirmed it was taking over blogging platform Tumblr.
It puts Flickr back on the agenda making it relevant to both hobbyist and professional photographers alike, but it also reignites the whole storage capacity war that started with Gmail and that we are now seeing with cloud file sharing services.
Google offers users a total of 15GB of free storage across its core cloud services. Facebook does not impose such a limit but downgrades the quality of high-resolution photos.
Mr Green added that several industry watchers had been caught by surprise by the announcement as they had believed Yahoo might fold Flickr's technology into Tumblr rather than continue to run the two platforms as separate services.
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UK first quarter growth unchanged
The UK's economy grew at 0.3% in the first three months of the year, official figures have confirmed.
The figure from the Office for National Statistics is unchanged from the initial estimate it gave in April.
It confirms the UK avoided falling into a triple-dip recession, and suggests signs of recovery in the economy. On Wednesday the International Monetary Fund (IMF) urged the government to do more to stimulate growth as well as continuing austerity measures.
It confirms the UK avoided falling into a triple-dip recession, and suggests signs of recovery in the economy. On Wednesday the International Monetary Fund (IMF) urged the government to do more to stimulate growth as well as continuing austerity measures.
Monday 13 May 2013
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Wednesday 3 April 2013
Stone Chip Protection
It's so frustrating isn't it? A stone hitting your car. It can happen at any speed, to any car and there is nothing you can do about it - until now.
You can protect your car from the damage caused by stone chips by covering the paintwork and, often, the lights of your car by our special invisibly clear film.
The film itself was developed during the first Gulf War by the US military to protect the helicopter rotor blades from stone damage. This film is super strong and will resist stones and road debris from damaging your vehicle. The film is called Ventureshield, it is the world's market leading paint protection film and it is backed by 3M and a comprehensice 5 year warranty. We are authorised 3M Ventureshield installers.
You can choose which particular parts to protect; bumpers, bonnets or the whole car!
The fitting process relies on specialist highly trained staff and is often undertaken at our premises in the Midlands, however we are often asked to visit garages to perform the fitting. We can also arrange your vehicle to be collected via secure, covered transport and returned to you once the process is complete.
Each vehicle has its very own pre-cut template, from the year 2000 - so there is no cutting on your car. The template is then pre-cut via a plotter at our premises.
We know your pride and joy is exactly that and, as such, we treat an Allegro with the same care as an Aston. It is attention to detail that makes us one of the highest rated Ventureshield dealers in the country.
Stone chips on your car can now be history, with stone chip protection film fitted by BodyguardUK.
You can protect your car from the damage caused by stone chips by covering the paintwork and, often, the lights of your car by our special invisibly clear film.
The film itself was developed during the first Gulf War by the US military to protect the helicopter rotor blades from stone damage. This film is super strong and will resist stones and road debris from damaging your vehicle. The film is called Ventureshield, it is the world's market leading paint protection film and it is backed by 3M and a comprehensice 5 year warranty. We are authorised 3M Ventureshield installers.
You can choose which particular parts to protect; bumpers, bonnets or the whole car!
The fitting process relies on specialist highly trained staff and is often undertaken at our premises in the Midlands, however we are often asked to visit garages to perform the fitting. We can also arrange your vehicle to be collected via secure, covered transport and returned to you once the process is complete.
Each vehicle has its very own pre-cut template, from the year 2000 - so there is no cutting on your car. The template is then pre-cut via a plotter at our premises.
We know your pride and joy is exactly that and, as such, we treat an Allegro with the same care as an Aston. It is attention to detail that makes us one of the highest rated Ventureshield dealers in the country.
Stone chips on your car can now be history, with stone chip protection film fitted by BodyguardUK.
Wednesday 20 March 2013
Sonic A1 Album Launch
In anticipation of the forthcoming album a sneaky peak (and listen) of one of the proposed tracks Sonic A1 Spies Video
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Thursday 31 January 2013
Facebook sees sharp drop in profits
Facebook has reported a sharp drop in profits, partly due to increased spending on research and development.
Revenue was up 40% at $1.6bn, largely due to a big jump in advertising revenue, a quarter of which came from mobile platforms.
Shares in Facebook fell by almost 6% in after-hours trading in New York.
The shares launched on the Nasdaq stock exchange in May at $38, and had halved in value by September.
They have since recovered to stand at $31 at the close of trading on Wednesday. The drop in after-hours trading suggests the shares will fall back again when full trading resumes on Thursday.
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Tuesday 29 January 2013
Biggest full HD smartphone
A South Korean firm has unveiled the biggest smartphone to date with a
screen capable of showing 1080p high-definition video at full
resolution.
China's Huawei recently unveiled a 6.1in handset, but it was only a 720p display.
They add to the so-called "phablet" category, as manufacturers test how big customers are willing to go.
When Samsung helped pioneered the format with its 5.3in Galaxy Note in 2011, many analysts suggested its size was too large to find favour.
Dell had previously released a 5in phone - the Streak 5 - but had ended up discontinuing the line to focus on a larger 7in tablet.
But the Note proved a success for the South Korean firm, leading Samsung to announce a larger successor last August.
In recent months other firms, including Sony, LG, HTC and ZTE, have unveiled smartphones with 5in and larger screens. More super-sized handsets are expected to be announced at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona which begins on 25 February.
China's Huawei recently unveiled a 6.1in handset, but it was only a 720p display.
They add to the so-called "phablet" category, as manufacturers test how big customers are willing to go.
When Samsung helped pioneered the format with its 5.3in Galaxy Note in 2011, many analysts suggested its size was too large to find favour.
Dell had previously released a 5in phone - the Streak 5 - but had ended up discontinuing the line to focus on a larger 7in tablet.
But the Note proved a success for the South Korean firm, leading Samsung to announce a larger successor last August.
In recent months other firms, including Sony, LG, HTC and ZTE, have unveiled smartphones with 5in and larger screens. More super-sized handsets are expected to be announced at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona which begins on 25 February.
Monday 28 January 2013
Sony Wipeout veterans create studio
A group of video games developers from Sony's defunct Liverpool operation have created a studio in the city.
About 100 people lost their jobs when Sony closed what was one of the UK's oldest games developers last August.
The unit was responsible for the Wipeout racing series, but dated back to 1984, when it was called Psygnosis.
Toyota reclaims number one title
Japanese carmaker Toyota has regained its slot as the world's biggest vehicle maker, capping a year of a dramatic turnaround in its fortunes.
Toyota said it sold 9.75 million vehicles in 2012, a jump of more than 22% from a year earlier. General Motors, which was the biggest vehicle maker in 2011, sold 9.29 million vehicles in 2012.
Toyota's sales in 2011 were hit by natural disasters in Japan and Thailand which hurt production at its factories.
Toyota said it sold 9.75 million vehicles in 2012, a jump of more than 22% from a year earlier. General Motors, which was the biggest vehicle maker in 2011, sold 9.29 million vehicles in 2012.
Toyota's sales in 2011 were hit by natural disasters in Japan and Thailand which hurt production at its factories.
Friday 25 January 2013
UK GDP - I didn't think getting a job would be this hard
"I never thought I'd walk out of college into a job, but I didn't think it would be this hard."
Thirty-seven-year old Sean Stroud's frustration with the job market in Swindon is a human echo of the UK's bumpy "recovery".Like a thousand other skilled assembly line workers, Sean left Honda's huge car factory in Swindon in 2009 when the company was "reshaping" its workforce.
Sean went on to retrain, doing a BTech in Information Technology. IT, he reasoned, was full of jobs.
But 18 months on, Sean is still looking. And now another 1,000 Honda workers will be joining him in the job centre.
Two weeks ago, the Japanese car firm announced its first ever compulsory redundancies in the UK. Some 800 staff, another 300 agency workers, and at least 350 people working for companies that supply Honda will be out of work by 1 May.
That is a total of nearly 1,500 people looking for work. There are only 3,861 people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance in the whole town, according to the latest figures, so this is a substantial increase.
"The Honda decision was a disaster," remarks Emma Faramarzi, who chairs the Federation of Small Businesses in the town.
"Not only for the direct workers, but for every small firm that supplies catering or IT or delivery services. They'll all feel the chill."
The factory is such a big employer in Swindon that its decisions ripple across the town. Amanda Franks, who runs a recruitment agency, felt the impact immediately.
She said, "The instant Honda announced their news was the instant jobs went on hold. What it does is it removes confidence across the board.
So can Swindon recover from a shock like this?
The town's fortunes echo the whole country's economy. Swindon's average wage is £26,300. Average wages across the UK are £26,900. House prices here hover around £175,000, the national average.
Ian Larrard, director of a business group called The Swindon Initiative, is hopeful.
UK GDP
The UK economy shrank by 0.3% in the last three months of 2012, further fuelling fears that the economy could re-enter recession.
The economy had grown by 0.9% in the previous quarter, boosted by the London 2012 Olympic Games.
For the whole year, growth was flat.
The ONS said that the "bumpy economy" was on a "sluggish trend".
Manufacturing fell by 1.5% in the fourth quarter, the services sector was flat, but construction output rose by 0.3%.
The economy had grown by 0.9% in the previous quarter, boosted by the London 2012 Olympic Games.
For the whole year, growth was flat.
The ONS said that the "bumpy economy" was on a "sluggish trend".
Manufacturing fell by 1.5% in the fourth quarter, the services sector was flat, but construction output rose by 0.3%.
Wednesday 23 January 2013
British people must "have their say" on Europe
David Cameron has said the British people must "have their say" on Europe as he pledged an in/out referendum if the Conservatives win the election.
The prime minister said he wanted to renegotiate the UK's relationship with the EU, before asking people to vote.
The British people would face a "very simple choice" either to accept the result of the talks, or to leave the EU altogether, he said. Labour's Ed Miliband said PM was "weak" and being driven by "party interest".
The prime minister said he wanted to renegotiate the UK's relationship with the EU, before asking people to vote.
The British people would face a "very simple choice" either to accept the result of the talks, or to leave the EU altogether, he said. Labour's Ed Miliband said PM was "weak" and being driven by "party interest".
Tuesday 15 January 2013
HMV in administration
Trevor Moore said management had begun working with administrators Deloitte.
"We remain convinced we can find a successful business outcome," he told journalists. "The intention is to continue to trade the stores."
HMV revealed late on Monday that it intended to appoint an administrator. The firm has struggled against online competition.
Mr Moore said the board would do whatever they could to support staff.
"I would like to personally pay tribute to the 4,500 people who work for HMV. Clearly this is a very worrying time for them and their families."
HMV Chief Exec Trevor Moore was also CE at Jessops. And senior manager at Esporta (sold to Virgin), Threshers (went under 2009), Coffee Republic (went into admin in 2009)... if this man ever comes anywhere near your business, I'd start looking for a new job if I were you!
Founded in 1921, it has been one of the most recognisable brands on the High Street, with its iconic dog and gramophone trademark.
But many analysts say its demise has been inevitable over the past 20 years as it failed to embrace the shift towards online sales and digital downloads.
"We remain convinced we can find a successful business outcome," he told journalists. "The intention is to continue to trade the stores."
HMV revealed late on Monday that it intended to appoint an administrator. The firm has struggled against online competition.
Mr Moore said the board would do whatever they could to support staff.
"I would like to personally pay tribute to the 4,500 people who work for HMV. Clearly this is a very worrying time for them and their families."
HMV Chief Exec Trevor Moore was also CE at Jessops. And senior manager at Esporta (sold to Virgin), Threshers (went under 2009), Coffee Republic (went into admin in 2009)... if this man ever comes anywhere near your business, I'd start looking for a new job if I were you!
Founded in 1921, it has been one of the most recognisable brands on the High Street, with its iconic dog and gramophone trademark.
But many analysts say its demise has been inevitable over the past 20 years as it failed to embrace the shift towards online sales and digital downloads.
Monday 14 January 2013
Man builds 'F1' car in his shed
Very few individuals will ever get to drive anything as special as a Formula 1 car, but one enterprising Brit is doing his best to make that dream come true by building one himself. Kevin Thomas, from Brighton, is slowly but surely putting together his own Formula 1-inspired racer in his shed near Brighton, from bits he's begged, borrowed or blagged.
A keen F1 fan, Kevin first got the idea for building his own racer when he saw an F1 car in a Renault showroom. He then sought out an F1 tub, or shell, which incorporates the driver's survival cell and cockpit, on eBay. Unsurprisingly, the item received zero bids, so Kevin contacted the seller and made him an offer, which landed him bits from a Reynard BAR 01 and a BAR 003.
That left Kevin with the unenviable task of finding the myriad other parts he'd need to complete his car. “It quickly became clear that it was very difficult, or even impossible, to get the right parts," he said "I have to use what I can get.” He therefore joined a community of F1 parts collectors, trawled eBay and over time came up with the beast you see in these pictures.
Getting the various parts to fit his Frankenstein car was only part of the mission. A greater challenge for Kevin has been the acquisition of new skills to put them all together, most notably learning to work with carbon fibre in order to get the sidepods from a Williams-BMW F1 car to fit the engine cover from a BAR.
His car, while far from perfect, is coming along fantastically, but it's missing one crucial element: the 600hp V10 engine that powered the BAR his vehicle is inspired by. Barring a miracle, he'll have to settle for something a little less bonkers. “I’ll probably go for a Formula Renault 3.5-liter engine,” Thomas says. “That will be plenty fast enough to scare the living daylights out of me.”
Wednesday 9 January 2013
Tesco effect - How big firms quietly own little brands
There's been negative coverage over a new "family" coffee chain that is actually backed by Tesco. Why do people become vexed?
With its exposed brickwork, muted lighting and expensive decor, Harris and Hoole is the epitome of a modern, upmarket coffee shop of the kind that has colonised the UK's High Streets in recent years. The one sound you won't hear amid the tinkle of ceramic cups and relaxed chat, is a tannoy announcement saying "clean-up in aisle seven".
Yet Harris and Hoole would not be expanding quite as rapidly as it is without the financial backing of supermarket giant Tesco. The multinational retailer owns a 49% stake of the firm. Not that you would know this from a visit to one of its 10 outlets or the company's website, where Tesco barely merits a mention.
The Guardian reported on the supermarket's stake last year and this week Mail Online featured it prominently, although many readers left comments in support of Tesco and the chain.
There's been some ill feeling on social media. One alienated customer tweeted: "Appalled to discover seemingly independent #Harris+Hoole coffee shop @N8CrouchEnd 49% owned by #Tesco. Never go again". Another questioned Tesco's record on paying tax and tweeted: "#Harris + Hoole will be added to my boycott list."
It is not hard to see why Tesco would want to get into coffee shops - they are among the few growth areas in a bleak retail landscape.
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With its exposed brickwork, muted lighting and expensive decor, Harris and Hoole is the epitome of a modern, upmarket coffee shop of the kind that has colonised the UK's High Streets in recent years. The one sound you won't hear amid the tinkle of ceramic cups and relaxed chat, is a tannoy announcement saying "clean-up in aisle seven".
Yet Harris and Hoole would not be expanding quite as rapidly as it is without the financial backing of supermarket giant Tesco. The multinational retailer owns a 49% stake of the firm. Not that you would know this from a visit to one of its 10 outlets or the company's website, where Tesco barely merits a mention.
The Guardian reported on the supermarket's stake last year and this week Mail Online featured it prominently, although many readers left comments in support of Tesco and the chain.
There's been some ill feeling on social media. One alienated customer tweeted: "Appalled to discover seemingly independent #Harris+Hoole coffee shop @N8CrouchEnd 49% owned by #Tesco. Never go again". Another questioned Tesco's record on paying tax and tweeted: "#Harris + Hoole will be added to my boycott list."
It is not hard to see why Tesco would want to get into coffee shops - they are among the few growth areas in a bleak retail landscape.
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Tuesday 8 January 2013
UK car sales reach four year high
Hidden amongst the doom and gloom of sales and decline was this little exposed boon.
UK new car registrations rose 5.3% in 2012 to 2.04 million - the highest level since 2008, according to the SMMT car industry body.
Ford's Fiesta and Focus, and Vauxhall's Corsa and Astra were the four best-selling models. The Volkswagen Golf came fifth, with the Nissan Qashqai in sixth place.
2012's growth rate was the fastest in 11 years, bolstered by a 106,346 or a 12.9% rise in demand from private individuals, who bought about 929,000 of the 2,044,609 units sold.
The overall rise in registrations was the second annual increase since the start of the downturn in 2008, though the market remained 14.9% below its pre-recession peak in 2007, when 2.4 million cars were sold.
In December, 123,557 cars were registered, 3.7% more than in December 2011.
UK new car registrations rose 5.3% in 2012 to 2.04 million - the highest level since 2008, according to the SMMT car industry body.
Ford's Fiesta and Focus, and Vauxhall's Corsa and Astra were the four best-selling models. The Volkswagen Golf came fifth, with the Nissan Qashqai in sixth place.
2012's growth rate was the fastest in 11 years, bolstered by a 106,346 or a 12.9% rise in demand from private individuals, who bought about 929,000 of the 2,044,609 units sold.
The overall rise in registrations was the second annual increase since the start of the downturn in 2008, though the market remained 14.9% below its pre-recession peak in 2007, when 2.4 million cars were sold.
In December, 123,557 cars were registered, 3.7% more than in December 2011.
Advertising works - Christmas TV Ad results
Following on from the Christmas TV advertising campaigns for 2012, the trading results from the festive period are out.
The brilliant John Lewis TV ad (we loved it) captured both the imagination and heart-strings resulting in a bumper festive sales jump. The advert worked. Sales in the five weeks to the end of December rose by 13%, with both stores and online doing well.
Conversely Morrisons TV advert - we said it was awful, the day it was aired, resulted in Christmas sales being "disappointing" which is industry speak for 'We really messed Up". Like-for-like sales, which exclude new store openings, fell 2.5% compared with the same time last year.
Tesco's Christmas figures will be out on Thursday while Sainsbury's will update the markets on Wednesday. Neither TV campaign grabbed our attention.
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The brilliant John Lewis TV ad (we loved it) captured both the imagination and heart-strings resulting in a bumper festive sales jump. The advert worked. Sales in the five weeks to the end of December rose by 13%, with both stores and online doing well.
Conversely Morrisons TV advert - we said it was awful, the day it was aired, resulted in Christmas sales being "disappointing" which is industry speak for 'We really messed Up". Like-for-like sales, which exclude new store openings, fell 2.5% compared with the same time last year.
Tesco's Christmas figures will be out on Thursday while Sainsbury's will update the markets on Wednesday. Neither TV campaign grabbed our attention.
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