Companies Spending More on Incentives and Gifts Reveals Leighmans.com Survey

LANCASHIRE, ENGLAND, September 13, 2012 (Press-News.org) The latest research carried out by Leighmans.com, a leading UK-based provider of corporate gifts and incentives, has shone a light on company spending habits. The poll has shown that 75 percent of UK companies now spend more money than ever on gifts and incentives for partners, customers and staff - despite the continuing economic crisis.

Leighmans.com surveyed more than 1,000 respondents and found that 60% of companies now spend more than before on incentives and gifts. From this 60%, a further 40% admitted to having upped their spending on incentives by over 20%.

Leighmans.com found that personalised gifts have become increasingly popular with UK companies, with the survey revealing 45% of companies choose customised gifts over standard, traditional ones. On the back of the research Leighmans.com admitted that it has seen an increase in demand for items like its corporate printing and gifts ranges as well as personalised pens using recycled materials.

Dr Ashley Weinberg, senior lecturer in psychology at the University of Salford, said: "In sales 'we buy from people we like' and so, at a very basic level, some potential consumers may well feel a little emotional boost from an organisation offering them something without charge."

"Even for those who decline the offer of a gift or hospitality, there is some perception that the organisation who offered it is one that we're likely to be more open to in future."

"In this case, we have created our own unwritten understanding - or psychological contract - that raises our expectations of the organisation and means we may be more positively disposed to them."

Leighmans.com offers its customers a huge choice of the latest items and incentives, with goods like eco friendly pens proving increasingly popular. The latest poll found that companies invested more in incentives in 2012 than throughout 2011.

Leighmans.com founder, Darren Leigh, commented: "Far from the pre-conceived notion that marketing and entertainment are the first things to be cut when the going gets tough, it actually appears businesses are investing more into the development and maintenance of relationships through entertainment and effective promotions."

"Building business relationships is vital. It can be done through meetings and entertaining and also through carefully selected gifts to existing or potential new business leads. It's appreciated because it not only represents a financial investment, but also shows empathy and the fact you have invested time into trying to get into the other person's head to give them something they want. That helps to create and build relationships, which are vital for ongoing business."

Speaking of human behaviour, Dr Weinberg said: "Perhaps somewhere in between feeling really positive and just as negative, is the vague notion that we might feel indebted, as this organisation has already given us something which is of value. It is not quite an obligation, but it can certainly affect that psychological contract when we come to deciding where to buy from."

Leighmans.com is based in Bury and offers its customers a massive range of high-quality, promotional gifts. The company's customer base includes leading blue-chip companies such as Deutsche Bank.

For further information, please visit www.leighmans.com.

Media contact:
Lucy Wray or Ellie O'Connell at Peppermint PR
T: 0161 941 4252
E: lucy@peppermintpr.com or ellie@peppermintpr.com

Notes to editors:
- Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Leighmans.com was established by Darren Leigh, a serial entrepreneur with over 17 years of experience in business.
- Leighmans has worked with a range of clients, from major blue-chip companies including Deutsche Bank, to household names.
- Product lines include wireless laptop mice, 3D paperweights, clothing, speakers, headphones, portable chargers and many more.