Podcasts and Consumer Futures Lab in the news
Members of the Lab frequently contribute their expertise and opinions to local, national and international media. Some recent mentions are noted below.
Podcasts by members of the Consumer Futures Lab
The power of anticipation
5th June 2025
In a podcast for Upnext, Professor Adrian Palmer discusses the importance of anticipation in marketing strategy: https://www.upnextpodcast.com/episodes/366
Consumer psychology, trust and the hidden influence of AI
17th June 2026
In a conversation for the Full Battery Media Podcast, hosted by Sean Trace, Kamila Miller discusses consumer psychology, brand trust, data-driven decision-making and how AI shapes consumer choices in ways people may not notice. A link to the episode will be added once it is live.
Recent media mentions of Consumer Futures Lab members
UK government proposals for food price caps
21st May 2026
Professor Adrian Palmer spoke on LBC news about the government’s proposed voluntary price controls on supermarkets.
Impacts on customers of the Vodaphone-Three mobile phone merger
15th April 2026
Professor Adrian Palmer explained how the Vodaphone and Three merger will impact stores, jobs, and consumer pricing for BBC Berkshire.
Impacts of inflation on consumers
9th April 2026
Professor Adrian Palmer commented on rising inflation and the steps retailers are taking to reduce impacts on consumers for BBC Radio Berkshire and BBC Radio Oxford.
Have we reached peak coffee shops?
23rd March 2026
Professor Adrian Palmer explained for MCA Insight why despite many major coffee chains currently struggling, we are unlikely to see a drop in the number of coffee shops.
Brand communication in a time of crisis
9th March 2026
Dr Melisa Mete (DME) explained for Raconteur why swift, transparent crisis communication is essential to rebuilding consumer trust.
Social care using AI interventions
9th March 2026
Dr Rodrigo Perez Vega (DME) spoke to BBC Radio Berkshire about his research with the NHS about using AI home sensors for earlier adult social care intervention.
Challenges for High Street retailing
13th February 2026
Professor Adrian Palmer highlighted the vicious cycle high street shops are facing for Head Topics (and syndicates).
Technology as a tool for fighting shoplifting
3rd November 2026
Professor Adrian Palmer was quoted by The Grocer on the use of AI to prevent store theft.
Why did a UK High Street retailer goes into administration?
23rd September 2025
Metro (republished by MSN) and The Pinnacle Gazette featured comments from Professor Adrian Palmer about why Bodycare went into administration.
ChatGPT’s new Study Mode: Personalised learning or just another shortcut?
27th August 2025
Dr Rodrigo Perez-Vega wrote an article in FE News about the evolution of AI in education following the launch of ChatGPT's new Study Mode.
What went wrong at Claire’s Accessories?
15th August 2025
Professor Adrian Palmer spoke to BBC Radio Berkshire about fashion chain Claire’s going into administration.
AI – ameliorating or fuelling the fire of overtourism?
7th August 2025
Professor Adrian Palmer wrote in The Conversation about effects of technology on overtourism and the prospects for AI induced virtual tourism to either ameliorate or worsen the situation. Also republished in Japan Today.
Reinvigoration of High Streets
10th July 2025
Professor Adrian Palmer was interviewed by BBC Radio Berkshire explaining that the prosperity of high streets closely relates to the strength of their local economies.
Should distressed companies change their brand name?
19th June 2025
The new owners of the Madejski Academy in Reading have proposed changing its name following bad Ofsted reports. Professor Adrian Palmer spoke on BBC Radio Oxford about the challenges and opportunities for companies changing their brand name when it has become tarnished.
AI and jobs cuts
16th June 2025
Dr Rodrigo Perez-Vega provided his thoughts in Personnel Today on Amazon's boss warning that AI advances will lead to job cuts. It also featured in BBC Radio Berkshire and People Management.
Cyber attacks at M&S
4th June 2025
Professor Adrian Palmer spoke on BBC Radio Oxford about recent cyber attacks at M&S, The North Face and The Co-Op.
The demise of W H Smith’s High Street stores
14th April 2025
Professor Adrian Palmer was interviewed on BBC Radio Berkshire about the closure of WH Smith’s High Street stores. It also aired on BBC Radio Oxford.
France 24 - Global cyber outage: what can be done to prevent future blackouts?
16th September 2024
Dr Rodrigo Perez-Vega shared his thoughts about the future of technology and the strategies that can be used to prevent future blackouts for companies and individuals. Also mentioned in whatfinger.com
Resurgence of nostalgic 90s crisps
16th September 2024
BBC Radio Berkshire interviewed Professor Adrian Palmer, discussing the resurgence of nostalgic 90s crisps. Republished by BBC Radio Oxford and BBC Radio Solent.
IKEA's latest strategy of selling preowned furniture
11th September 2024
Professor Adrian Palmer commented in Management Today on IKEA's latest strategy of selling preowned furniture highlighting factors needed for the initiative to succeed.