Plain Numbers

We are really excited to confirm that the Plain Numbers Method has been included in the latest communications toolkit from the UK Government.? ? There is so much opportunity to improve the communication between government and citizens, and we believe our unique approach to making complex information clearer, fairer and easier to understand can deliver real benefits for more people.? As a social purpose company this is a great opportunity for us to increase our impact and achieve our vision to enable clearer communication of numbers everywhere, so that people can better understand the choices they face in life.

Are your arrears letters easy to understand? ? Communicating with customers in arrears is more than just a compliance requirement - every communication is a critical touchpoint with customers, especially when they may be in vulnerable circumstances. ? Here are five tips to help you improve customer understanding in your arrears communications: ? 1?? Highlight the amount owed clearly 2?? Make sure the call to action is unambiguous 3?? Avoid overwhelming your audience with too much information? 4?? Use human, empathetic language 5?? Simplify industry jargon for better understanding These five tips come from applying the Plain Numbers Principles, which we use to supercharge customer understanding, by unlocking better ways of communicating numbers and making complex information clearer, fairer and more effective, Why does this matter? ?? Clear and empathetic communication leads to better outcomes for everyone: businesses recover debts more efficiently, and customers feel supported rather than overwhelmed meaning they are more likely to remain engaged. ? See our full Insight article to learn how to create communications more people can understand. Link in comments ??

The sun is shining and we've hit 2,000 followers this week. So it's positive vibes all round as we go into the weekend! ?? And LinkedIn isn't the only place to get our latest insights. Join our newsletter to get all the good stuff direct to your inbox. Sign-up link in the comments ?? We're really proud to be growing, and working with over 40 partners in financial services, utilities and the third sector. The Plain Numbers community of comms practitioners and champions is becoming the go-to-place for the latest thinking and best practice. Looking forward to helping more organisations to turn numbers into a comms superpower ??

Are customers really understanding their water bills? When we put it to the test, only 13% of people fully understood their water bill. But after applying the Plain Numbers Method, understanding surged to 48%! That’s a huge leap - and proves that changes to how numbers are presented can make a real difference. Clearer communication means fewer confused customers, fewer complaints, and better engagement. The numbers speak for themselves! How clear are your customer communications? Interested in our case studies - see link in comments ??

The latest FCA review into vulnerable customers arrived last week and its essential reading for any financial services firms covered by Consumer Duty. ? Whilst it's very much more of the same message from the FCA when it comes to the Consumer Duty Principles, they have highlighted that most firms can do more.? ? Improving customer understanding is essential for those striving to deliver good outcomes under the Consumer Duty. ? Areas for improvement include: ?? Inconsistent clarity ?? Lack of tailored communication ?? Limited testing and review Read our blog post for more insights. Link in comments ??

With lots of new followers here on LinkedIn, now seems like a great opportunity to re-introduce what we do to those who are new to us.? We’re a numbers-first communications partner. We help organisations unlock better ways to communicate numbers - making complex information clearer, fairer, and more effective.? Because when numbers aren’t clear, it’s harder for people to make the right decisions - about their money, their lifestyle, their future.? Through a proven methodology combined with real-world support, we help our partners make numbers work for people, not against them, and supercharge customer understanding. And it’s not just theory – research shows it works. If you'd like to hear more contact the team for a chat [email protected]

There’s been a lot of conversation lately about what types of ISAs should be available - but are we missing the bigger issue? Cash ISAs, stocks & shares ISAs, investing, standard savings accounts – there’s a lot to get your head around when it comes to savings. For many people, it’s a maze of complexity with numbers around every corner. If people don’t fully understand the benefits of different options, they can’t make the best choices for their circumstances. There’s a risk that by changing or getting rid of one of the simpler options, people may default to the next easiest choice, even if it means their savings don’t work as hard. Whatever happens to the choices on offer, we should be making sure the way savings accounts are explained are easier to understand so everyone can easily pick what’s right for them. Our partners are helping customers navigate savings products with confidence by making numbers work for them, not against them. - Clear numbers build trust. - Confusing communication leads to less informed choices or not saving at all. - Simplification is the key to better outcomes and helping people make the most of their money. Because when numbers are clear, everything else falls into place.

?? Maths Anxiety: a hidden barrier to financial confidence For many, maths isn’t just difficult—it triggers stress, panic, and avoidance. Research shows 1 in 5 people experience maths anxiety, yet most businesses don’t recognise how this impacts their customers. ?? Confusing financial information can lead to poor decision-making. ?? Many consumers struggle with bills, loans, and budgeting due to maths anxiety. ?? When customers don’t understand, they either make mistakes or disengage—leading to financial vulnerability and increased support costs for businesses. In our latest blog post, our Director of Partnerships & Services Ben Perkins, sheds light on what maths anxiety means and how it affects consumers.? https://lnkd.in/eftmFPsE

We’re delighted to announce our new partnership with Policy in Practice.? We’ll be working together to hone how they communicate numbers to make information as clear and actionable as possible.? With ￡23 billion of benefits going unclaimed, our partnership will inform and empower more people and organisations, and drive meaningful changes through Policy in Practice’s products and insights.? Read more about our partnership here:???https://lnkd.in/efh6kNsP

Exciting news - the Plain Numbers team is growing again! We have a new opening for a Partnership Manager. This role is focused on working with our partners to help organisations unlock better ways to communicate numbers – making complex information clearer, fairer, and more effective. Key aspects of the job include: ?? Providing great service to a group of customer centric partners (mainly from financial services and utilities) ?? Helping to train Plain Numbers Practitioners ??Providing our partners with feedback and support on their communications Full job description, person spec and how to apply below ?? https://lnkd.in/eZqhqK84