The number of people being targeted in identity theft crime in the UK has risen by almost a third, criminals are using internet forums to buy and sell data which they then use to open bank accounts, obtain credit cards and commit fraud in other people's names. The Fraud prevention agency Cifas said the number of victims rose by 31% to 32,058 in the first three months of 2015, compared to the same period in 2014. Identity theft occurs when criminals abuse the personal data or identity details of an innocent victim to impersonate them or to create a fake identity, in order to buy products or services.

A new ecommerce business aims to restore historic food links between London and the surrounding farmers.

Farmdrop.co.uk delivers food grown largely within the M25 to London homes. More than 35 suppliers including independent farmers such as Calabaza, a farm inside the M25 and seven miles in a straight line from Trafalgar Square, social enterprises, bakery Bread Ahead, Purton House Organics and coffee supplier Old Spike Roastery, deliver food into London hubs four days a week before it is then shipped to homes and other collection points using electric vans.
Around 75 per cent of produce is sourced from within the M25, and between 70 per cent and 75 per cent of the retail price goes back to the suppliers. A new Clapham North farm, Growing Underground, will also supply Farmdrop when it starts trading this summer.

Ben Patten, who runs Farmdrop.co.uk, said, “Historically Londoners benefitted for easy access to fresh produce – and ironically we’ve lost that due to ‘progress’. Markets have been priced out of the City’s central areas, with the exception of one or two places, and that means that most of us are reliant on the supermarket food chain. This also means that we’re very short of genuinely fresh produce in London.”

The crowd-funded business aims to expand around the UK, with active plans to launch in two more cities in the next 18 months. Suppliers will be local to the target cities.
Patten added, “What we’re doing is redefining freshness – and taking the idea back to its local roots. Central London’s historic markets were any amazing source of local fresh produce and we’re using new technology and logistics to bring our nutritional history back to life.”

A new Transport app has been launched by GoEuro the app is free to download on Android and iOS and offers UK users the best options for travel on train, coach and air by comparing prices from over 160 rail and coach companies and a global selection of airlines. It covers 3,800 locations and destination around the country and can be used to book tickets in eighth countries. A great little app for travel information and booking travel arrangements.

Provision of delivery information and the quality of the returns process are the two key areas where online shoppers expect a better experience, according to a new report.

The seventh annual IMRG UK Consumer Home Delivery Review 2015, supported by Blackbay, is a survey of 1,300 adult consumers to understand their online fulfilment perceptions and expectations. The survey for this review was compiled byeDigitalResearch.

Overall, satisfaction with online delivery remains consistent at 82 per cent and concerns about delivery are showing a steady downward trend. However, perceptions move with the development of the solutions provided and there are areas where customers want to see improvements – most notably:

• Pre-purchase delivery information – allowing them to make the right delivery choice and avoid having to abandon their basket because the right options are not available or additional delivery costs are too high
• In-transit delivery information – 85 per cent really value this as it allows them to anticipate when the order will arrive and defer or divert to a time or place more convenient
• Returns – overall satisfaction with this area fell back to 61 per cent from 68 per cent in 2014. This is a particular issue given that 78 per cent said the quality of the returns service is an important factor when deciding who to shop with

Click & collect is a now a recognised delivery option for 98 per cent of respondents, with over 60 per cent having used it to receive an online order – either from the retailer’s own store or through a 3rd party parcel store or locker network.

Andrew Starkey, head of e-logistics at IMRG said, “While overall satisfaction with online fulfilment has remained consistent over the past few years, the delivery experience has become a key differentiator for customers – with 70 per cent confirming that a good delivery experience will help keep them loyal to a particular retailer. It is therefore important for industry to keep innovating to keep pace with evolving customer demands – click and collect is a good example of how customers will adopt new solutions if they greatly aid convenience, with 60 per cent now saying they have made use of the option.”

LAST CHANCE FOR EARLY BIRD TICKETS TO INTERACT LONDON

On 20 - 21October 2015, Interact London will be descending on the beautiful settings of The British Museum for two days of cutting edge talks from some of the leading thinkers in the UX, IA and Design world. Among the names confirmed so far are the great minds of Anjan Chatterjee, Todd Wilkens, and Steve Portigal. All of the confirmed speakers can be seen here and they will be unveiling lots more in the coming weeks so make sure you keep an eye on Interact London’s twitter for regular updates.

This is your last chance to grab your Early Bird tickets, with the offer available until Thursday 30^th April with two day passes available for just £300* + the usual fees and VAT. Grab yours today, here >>

Ticket cost covers refreshments including pastries on arrival, teas and coffees throughout the day and buffet lunch.
If you have any questions, are interested in speaking at Interact London or would like to discuss sponsorship opportunities, please contact interactconf@nomensa.com or call 0117 929 7333