64% of Greater Manchester residents are satisfied with life and over a third (36%) highly optimistic for the future 

Despite the recession and recent bad weather, over half (59%) the people in Greater Manchester are satisfied with their love life according to a new survey revealed today by first direct. 

The 'Love Life' survey found that almost two thirds of people in Greater Manchester are satisfied in life (35% very satisfied) and 36 per cent are highly optimistic for the future.  Furthermore, the North West as a whole is the fifth most satisfied region in the UK. 

Natalie Cowen, head of brand at first direct, said:  "As a bank that has customer satisfaction at its heart, we wanted to understand the level of satisfaction and happiness across the UK.  We surveyed more than 4,400 people and we're delighted that the people of Greater Manchester are loving life and looking forward to the future". 

Out of all the areas polled (London, Leeds, Birmingham, Newcastle and Liverpool), Greater Manchester has one of the highest satisfaction levels with their love life (59%).  However, there are life aspects that don't feature quite as favourably.  Following on from these options, Manchester people are amongst those least highly satisfied with their overall health (28%, including physical and mental) and unfortunately a fifth are completely dissatisfied with their physical appearance (20%). 

It seems Greater Manchester itself is one of the main reasons why people in the area are satisfied.  Collectively, over half (58%) of people are happy with their home and local neighbourhood and the quality and quantity of their leisure time (58%). 

When asked which of life's essentials Greater Manchester residents were most satisfied with their supermarket (30%), their internet service provider (28%) and their bank (27%) were the top three selections. The local council (4%), water supplier (4%) and mortgage provider (3%) were the least frequently chosen and no Manchester resident said they were satisfied with the national government (0%). 18 per cent of people said they weren't satisfied with any everyday services on the list. 

Whilst Greater Manchester and North West residents are generally a happy bunch there are still improvements people would like to make. When asked what would make them love life the most if they could achieve it, improving their overall health (30% Greater Manchester, 29% North West physical and mental) was the top ranking aspiration. However, collectively financial goals, such as obtaining a healthy level of savings (26% North West, 25% Greater Manchester), paying off the mortgage (17% North West, 13% Greater Manchester), and clearing debts (29% North West, 25% Greater Manchester), were the things people would like to achieve.  

Interestingly, people were far less concerned with making more elaborate improvements. For example, nobody in Greater Manchester and just two per cent of people in the North West felt cosmetic surgery would help them love life more and only four per cent (Greater Manchester) would like to move abroad. 

Natalie continues: "The survey clearly demonstrates how important personal finance and financial security is to people today and there is no doubt it has a significant role to play in helping people feel happier and more content with life." 

-Ends- 

For further information or interviews with first direct, please contact Charlotte Brophy (c.brophy@brahm.com) on 0113 220 0538. 

Note to editors: 

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc.  Total sample size was 4423 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 12th - 15th January 2010.  The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+). 

Completely / highly satisfied refers to those selecting 8 to 10 on a 10 point scale where 10 is completely satisfied and 1 is completely dissatisfied, whilst satisfied refers to those selecting 6 to 10.  Completely / highly dissatisfied refers to those selecting 1-3 on the scale 

Further regional rankings available on request.  

Regional and city statistics:

Overall satisfaction ranking by region:

East of England                        74%

Yorks                                        72%

West Midlands                         71%

North East                                71%

East Midlands                          70%

North West                               67%

South East                               67%

Wales                                      65%

London                                    64%

South West                              64%

Scotland                                  68%

Overall satisfaction ranking by city: 

Leeds                                       76%

Merseyside                              66%     

(including Liverpool)

Greater Manchester                 64%

London                                    64%

Tyne & Wear

(including Newcastle)              61%

Birmingham                             57%