Pen manufacturer BIC launches #JustWrite Day

BIC Launches #JustWrite Day to Get Britain Writing

LONDON, 2-11-2015 — /EuropaWire/ — On Thursday 29th October pen manufacturer, BIC, is launching #JustWrite Day, an annual day to both reinvigorate Britain’s enthusiasm for writing and reintroduce the simple pleasure of putting pen to paper. The launch comes on the back of company research that has highlighted the tumbling interest in writing amongst teenagers, sparking concerns for the future of handwriting across Great Britain.

BIC’s research, which formed the basis of a panel debate amongst industry experts on the future of handwriting, revealed that half (50%) of 13-19 year olds in the UK have never written a thank you letter, 83% have not written a love letter and a quarter (26%) have never even written a birthday or Christmas card.

Yet despite penmanship increasingly falling out of favour with Millennials, most of those polled appreciate the intangible benefits a written note or letter can bring, believing handwritten communications are more personal and heartfelt. Over half (58%) say receiving a handwritten letter would mean much more to them than an electronic equivalent, and two thirds (64%) confess that any relative receiving a handwritten note from them would probably be delighted, as they’d consider it more thoughtful.

In an era of texts and instant messaging, there are increasing numbers of scientific studies that prove writing by hand helps an individual read, process information, to comprehend, learn a language or remember information better than typing or reading from a screen. In short, it can often be better to write rather than type in a digital age, which is why BIC is on a mission to get Britain writing.

The inaugural #JustWrite Day will take place on October 29th 2015 and will be marked by a series of activities in Leeds, Manchester and London. From inviting the citizens of Leeds to hand write a message to a cherished recipient, to Mancunians rewarding BIC buskers with a message of appreciation instead of coins and Londoners being reminded to ‘use it or lose it’ as a giant pen is carried through the capital’s streets, each activity has been designed to get Britain celebrating and appreciating the act of writing by hand.

Jonathan Skyrme, General Manager at BIC UK & ROI, said: “Handwriting is a skill we’ve been using day in day out for over six thousand years. Alongside reading and maths, writing is one of the three key skills that everyone needs to help them cope in the adult world. Not only does the ability to write legibly increase engagement with the school curriculum, it also helps to unlock a career path and the potential for people to choose their own futures. When you consider that handwriting, not typing, is a skill that is fundamental to our individual development, we felt compelled to take action by actively encouraging youngsters to put pen to paper. This is why we’ve created #JustWrite Day. It will act as a fun and engaging annual focal point on which to remind everyone of the importance and joy that writing can play in all of our lives.”

-ENDS-

*Research conducted amongst 1,100 13-19 year olds across the UK and ROI by Mortar London on behalf of BIC UK & ROI in August 2015.

Notes to Editors
For further information on BIC and its products, high res imagery or interviews please contact Helen, Hannah or James on 020 8741 5900 or BIC@lucre.co.uk

Available interviewees Jonathan Skyrme, General Manager at BIC UK & ROI

About BIC
BIC is a world leader in stationery, lighters, shavers and promotional products. For more than 60 years, BIC has honored the tradition of providing high-quality, affordable products to consumers everywhere. Through this unwavering dedication, BIC has become one of the most recognized brands in the world. BIC products are sold in more than 160 countries around the world. In 2014, BIC recorded Net Sales of 1,979.1 million euros. The Company is listed on “Euronext Paris” and is part of the SBF120 and CAC Mid 60 indexes. BIC is also part of the following SRI indexes: Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index (CDLI), FTSE4Good Europe, Euronext Vigeo Europe 120, Ethibel Sustainability Excellence Europe, STOXX ESG Leaders and Gaia Index. For more information, please visit BIC corporate web site: www.bicworld.com