First Direct founder Peter Simpson in consumer insight start-up

by Noelle McElhatton, marketingdirectmag.co.uk 26-Nov-09, 07:20

LONDON - Peter Simpson, a founder of pioneering direct-to-consumer bank First Direct and a former commercial director of HSBC, is launching a consumer insight and planning consultancy with Leeds-based agency Intermarketing.

The consultancy is called Intervue and will operate as the new strategy and planning division of the Intermarketing Group.

Simpson is head of business strategy of the unit, working alongside six digital, branding and media strategists.

"Too many organisations get bogged down in channels and products and are losing sight of what the customer wants," he said.

"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 and became chairman of multi-channel and data management business Data Lateral. He is also commercial director of Destiny Legal Services and Avertis.

Earlier this year, Simpson collaborated with Intermarketing managing director Glenn Patterson in setting up Oscaruk.co.uk, a consumer site offering savings deals to the over-fifties.