Newcastle Pioneers New ‘Life-Splicing’ Trend to Get Stuff Done

Newcastle Pioneers New ‘Life-Splicing’ Trend to Get Stuff Done

• -Virgin Trains’ research reveals that 48% of people in Newcastle are juggling more life-tasks in less time than ever
• -Locals pioneer new life-splicing trend to get ahead by grabbing pockets of time on the go Almost two thirds (59%) say that life-splicing enables them to get stuff done at a time and place that fits their busy lifestyle

New research from Virgin Trains has found that over two thirds (66%) of Geordies are leading a new lifestyle trend: life-splicing. The new trend sees them using small pockets of time throughout the day, little and often, to take control of their busy lives and get things ticked off their personal admin list quicker.

With ‘always on’ modern life meaning people in Newcastle are busier than ever, nearly half (49%) of locals claim they have less time for their personal tasks than they did just two years ago. As a result, over half (51%) of Geordies admit to creating a separate personal ‘life-admin’ list, in a bid to take control of their lives.

Regularly named as a social and friendly city, Geordies are increasingly looking to streamline the mundane aspects of everyday life so they can invest their precious time in the experiences and people they truly value. In Virgin Trains’ poll of 1,000 Geordies, a third claimed they now use their time travelling and on the go to power through personal admin.

Virgin Trains has teamed up with Newcastle-based trend forecasting agency, Trend Bible, to delve into this new lifestyle, which has made 61 per cent of people in Newcastle feel more productive and organised.

Commenting on the trend, Jo Feeley, Founder of Trend Bible, commented: “We’re seeing a real shift in how people are interchanging work and leisure activities throughout the day. Whereas we used to do things over longer, set periods of time – busier lives have meant people have had to get used to being more productive on-the-go.

“Technology affords us the opportunity to do things where and when we want to do them, driving this trend for life-splicing and inspiring people to find a balance that suits them. Whether it’s booking a doctor’s appointment or sending a few quick emails on the way to visit a friend outside of the city, this shift to life admin on the move means that when people arrive at their destination, they can get moving and make the most of their day.”

Becky Hendy, a Retail Manager from Stockton on Tees, uses her time on-the-go to run a successful lifestyle blog, Milk Bubble Tea. Speaking of the new trend, she commented: “From brainstorming new blog ideas to filtering through my latest photography snaps, I’m constantly moving between life admin tasks on the go. I’ve definitely noticed a rise of life-splicing in Newcastle. As a busy cosmopolitan city, we all want to make the most of our free time and get stuff done quicker.”

The top five items that life-splicing Geordies’ prioritise on their life admin lists, as identified by Virgin Trains, are:

• 1.Catching up on personal emails (60%)
• 2.Paying Bills (50%)
• 3.Food Shopping (41%)
• 4.Making Phonecalls (37%)
• 5.Booking appointments such as the hairdressers and the dentist (35%)

Suzanne Donnelly, Virgin Trains’ Commercial Director for east coast services, commented: “With more going on in Newcastle than ever, from food festivals to new cafes and music venues, it’s clear life-splicing is proving the solution for Geordies to make the most of their time.

“We’ve definitely spotted a rise in our customers using their journeys with us to get stuff done –a trip to London is only three hours and we’re seeing people make the most of their time whether it’s doing some writing, catching up on emails, making important phone calls, or catching up on their favourite box sets on Beam, our onboard entertainment service.”

As a relaxing alternative to travelling by car and plane, Virgin Trains’ journeys take just three hours from the centre of London to the heart of Newcastle. Virgin Trains offers the perfect essentials for life-splicing on the go and getting stuff done. Benefits include power sockets, great food, extra legroom, and free Wi-Fi in First Class and, when you book direct, in Standard Class too.

To find out more about journeys between Newcastle and London, as well as other destinations on Virgin Trains’ east coast network, visit www.virgintrainseastcoast.com.