After a successful debut at Grand Designs Live in 2009, first direct is once again sponsoring, and has a stand in, the Grand Village.
The bank was recently voted the most consistently competitive mortgage lender in the first quarter of 2010. To celebrate, any customer receiving an agreement in principle for their mortgage having visited the first direct stand will be given the latest personal energy monitor for the home, the Wattson. Not only can this amazing gadget help consumers reduce their domestic electricity output by 20% in a year but it is also fast becoming a design icon with The Guardian describing it as "the closest we've come yet to an iPod of smart meters - something cool and desirable".
Also on the stand, Microsoft Surfaces will be providing visitors with an innovative way of illustrating how first direct's offset mortgages can unlock the potential in their home to help them create their own grand design.
Natalie Cowen, Head of Brand at first direct commented: "We're excited to be back at Grand Designs Live. The audience is a perfect fit for first direct and we know many of our customers are fans of the show.
"Our main focus is going to be on the benefits of offset mortgages and how they can make your money work harder. Many people still don't realise the financial rewards of offsetting any savings and credit balances in their current account, but we've found that once they've made the change they can't understand why they didn't do it before.
"In line with our own aims to reduce the bank's carbon output year on year, we're delighted to be offering Wattson energy monitors to new mortgage customers joining us during Grand Designs Live. first direct has sustainability at the heart of its operation and was the first bank to receive the Carbon Trust Standard. These great gadgets are a way of encouraging our customers to reduce their electricity use too."
This year first direct is also sponsoring the Grand Seminar Theatre which will host a number of seminars covering inspirational debates on housing, sustainability, innovation and regeneration mixed with solid practililid practical information for visitors who have their own projects in development.
On Friday May 7, first direct will be supporting and taking part in a debate titled 'Go green - save money'. Chaired by Kevin McLeod, the debate will be between Duncan Clark - strategy director of the 10:10 campaign, Michaela Wright - first direct's head of corporate and social responsibility and Richard Woods - Co founder of DIY Kyoto.