Nationwide is to lead an expanded group that will see major brands helping the UK recover and rebuild in the wake of Brexit and Covid-19.

It comes as the Swindon-based building society launches new research alongside Ipsos MORI that sets out the scale of this challenge and points towards a brighter future.

The UK Consumer Insight Panel will meet quarterly and builds on previous collaborative work Nationwide did in bringing together organisations to identify issues resulting from the UK leaving the EU back in 2016. 

But with the group agreeing there is an even greater need to respond to the rapidly changing issues and pressures faced by consumers, it will be extended to include other sectors.

In addition to Nationwide, the enhanced panel will include Asda, Citizens Advice, Fairer Finance, Ipsos MORI, Kingfisher, Money Saving Expert, Resolution Foundation and Which?.

Relevant reports from the panel will be published in a bid to spark national debate, provide insight and share knowledge. The first meeting will take place in February.

In partnership with Ipsos MORI, Nationwide has defined four areas in which the nation needs to be supported in order to rebuild with confidence – home, work, community and financial wellbeing.

Nationwide has commissioned Ipsos MORI to explore these themes this year, with reports being published throughout 2021. 

The insight will help Nationwide determine how it can use its position as a member-owned organisation to support the nation and help guide the direction of the panel.

The building society launched a report that provides an overview of these four areas, exploring the challenges the UK faces today and how it might look tomorrow. 

The report establishes what people are looking for in their homes of the future.

This ranges from more space to becoming greener, a vastly-changed workplace opening up opportunity, an increased need for financial and mental wellbeing, a desire for a greater sense of community, and a lack of financial resilience across households and businesses.

CEO Joe Garner said: “The pandemic is very much a human crisis. While the near-term outlook has recently darkened, we cannot wait until the pandemic has fully passed before considering how we can rebuild for the future. 

“There is a chance for a regeneration of society that builds on what we have learned in 2020 - from the way we have supported one another to the way we work. We believe we can show that it’s possible for communities and businesses to support one another to deliver real change.

“We are joining some of the UK’s biggest brands and consumer groups in building a comprehensive picture of where we are today and where we can get to tomorrow. 

“As a building society founded on the principle of cooperation, we believe that this is a time when it is important that we act together. 

“We call on leaders across business, government and civil society to join us for the mutual benefit of our communities at a time they most need us. We believe that lasting change can only ever be created through consensus and collaboration.”

“We are joining some of the UK’s biggest brands and consumer groups in building a comprehensive picture of where we are today and where we can get to tomorrow.

"As a building society founded on the principle of cooperation, we believe that this is a time when it is important that we act together.

"We call on leaders across business, government and civil society to join us for the mutual benefit of our communities at a time they most need us. We believe that lasting change can only ever be created through consensus and collaboration.”