A Third of Brits Insist They Will Continue to Live Socially

LONDON, June 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Now that the coalition government has unveiled the toughest economic cutbacks for a generation including a hike in Capital Gains Tax and a VAT rise to 20%, Brits have been given no choice but to start counting their pennies.  However, research conducted by new UK website LivingSocial reveals that almost a third (31.7%) of Brits insist they will not reduce the amount of money they are currently spending on socialising, in spite of the difficult economic climate. LivingSocial, which goes live in the UK today, negotiates exceptional deals at the hottest restaurants, bars, leisure and entertainment spots in the cities across the countries where it operates.

The report also found that whilst almost one in three consumers has no plans to reduce their social budgets, cost is still a significant factor for 67.7% of the UK population when choosing what to do and where to go.  Despite living in a country with the huge variety of activities, bars and restaurants on offer, a fifth of Brits (20.1%) claim to be bored of doing the same things when socialising in their towns and a further 12.4% complained of having nothing to do.

When asked what free thing they would introduce to their town for a day, Brits voted with their stomachs with 24.7% suggesting a free meal at a restaurant and 25.4% choosing free travel around town.

"LivingSocial provides its members with the lowdown on the best things to do and places to go in their city," explained Peter Briffett, UK Managing Director, LivingSocial.  "At the same time we negotiate one great deal every day, up to 90% off, at the venues and activities our members would like to experience.  We are really excited to be extending this concept, which has been so successful in the US, with our UK launch.  And we look forward to injecting new life into the UK social scene by introducing people to new things to do and enjoy in their city."

LivingSocial has secured some phenomenal deals for its launch week including 50% off at two of Marco Pierre White's award winning central London restaurants, a delicious bakery and a fun 'fitness' experience.

LivingSocial negotiates with merchants on behalf of its members to secure one amazing daily deal every day.  The deal is available to purchase for 24 hours, there are no minimum number of participants required to activate a deal.  Members who introduce three friends to purchase a deal get the deal for free.  

About LivingSocial

LivingSocial is the social commerce leader behind LivingSocial Deals, a group buying program that invites people and their friends to save up to 90 percent each day at their favorite restaurants, spas, sporting events, hotels and other local attractions in major cities.  LivingSocial has an extensive user base of more than 85 million, and is headquartered in Washington, D.C. To sign up for Deals in your city, or to find out more information about LivingSocial, visit www.livingsocial.com. You can also follow LivingSocial on Twitter at www.twitter.com/livingsocial.

* The LivingSocial Poll of 1867 adult consumers in the UK, including 527 Londoners was conducted by independent research firm Opinion Matters in June 2010.

SOURCE LivingSocial