Consumers today are more connected than ever before. Social media and other digital communications innovations mean friends and family, brands and the wider world are constantly available. Anytime, anywhere. And yet, the strength of these connections feels weaker for many as the depth of remote conversations and connections are questioned. As the next stage of AI innovations promise another stepchange in who (or what) people interact with, and how, now is the time for brands to take stock of what belonging, connection and communication mean in today’s environment. 

Join Mintel’s Associate Principal for Consumer Insights, Rich Shepherd, to understand these key themes, the influence they have on consumer behaviour, and how brands across categories can respond.  

Join this webinar to learn: 

  • What British consumers talk about, how and to whom, and what the cultural conversation means for brands trying to connect with customers. 
  • How consumers prefer to stay in touch in the digital age, both with friends/family and businesses and what the risks are if brands miss the mark. 
  • How consumers feel about AI innovation and the expected impact this will have on human connection, trust and brand relationships. 
  • How brands can respond to help combat a rise in loneliness and build stronger, more meaningful connections with their customers. 
Meet the Presenters
Rich Shepherd Headshot
Richard Shepherd
Associate Principal
Rich Shepherd is Mintel’s Associate Principal for consumer insights in the UK. Having first joined Mintel in 2013, Rich has led research teams specialising in consumer lifestyles, media and financial services. He provides cross-category insights on UK consumer lifestyles and conducts social and economic research across EMEA. Recent research topics include consumers’ approaches towards health management, family life, and belonging and community, as well as ongoing work analysing financial wellbeing, socioeconomic sentiment and the impacts of macro factors including politics, the cost of living, and conflict in the Middle East.
  • EMEA
July 16th, 2026
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, GMT time
Webinar

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