EXPERT?VIEWS: IS THE VIRGIN BRAND ENOUGH TO DRAW CUSTOMERS TO BANK WITH BRANSON?
GRAHAM HALES MANAGING DIRECTOR, INTERBRAND
“The Virgin brand has always managed to pull customers towards it. Every time the company enters a market it always embarks on a consumer championing. People expect to get a better deal with Branson, and picture it to be a bright, fun environment, which will draw customers in.”
ANGELA KNIGHT BBA
“Competition for financial services is good for customers and the banking industry. But it’s not just about competition ?– its about innovation and looking at new ways to reach customers. New players in the market – such as Virgin – can help stimulate an already competitive market.”
IAN WOOD EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, LANDOR ASSOCIATES
“Branson’s Virgin brand has a degree of trust, so although some of the group’s moves have been opportunistic, people are very forgiving if his brands fail. In something technical like investment banking, his involvement would be a disaster, but in consumer banking he’ll be fine.”