January has long owned the cultural spotlight as the season of resolutions and resets. But our latest research reveals a quiet shift that brands shouldn’t underestimate. September, long linked to the return to school, is emerging as a second New Year on the UK calendar—a fresh start that extends far beyond students and parents.

In fact, for many, September feels more like the real start of the year. After summer holidays and looser routines, people return with sharpened focus, renewed organisation and clear intention. At The Harris Poll UK, a Stagwell Company, we’ve found that consumers treat the end of summer as more than a calendar page turn—it’s a mindset shift. Customers are re-engaging. They're motivated. And they're looking for brands that support them through this transition.

The UK public isn’t turning its back on the news—it’s taking back control of it. Our latest research shows that while almost half of people (46%) say they check the news less often than before, this shift reflects intention, not indifference.

People are looking for balance, clarity, and content that supports their wellbeing. Far from switching off, they’re tuning in—on their own terms.

As we approached the midpoint of 2025, we asked consumers to take a moment to reflect on the goals they set at the start of the year. For many, this reflection comes with mixed feelings. 

Our research reveals that 50% of UK consumers are not on track with their 2025 goals, with women significantly more likely than men to feel they’re falling behind. The most common obstacles credited with getting in the way of progress are a familiar trio.

Customer expectations have changed when it comes to home deliveries, and smart brands are delivering more to cater for the increasingly complex logistics in their customers lives. 

Half of UK consumers say that real-time, accurate delivery updates are more important to them now than before the pandemic, and perhaps surprisingly this is significantly higher amongst those with a hybrid working arrangement. Maru have undertaken research to better understand what’s driving this change, and to identify the make-or-break experiences within this crucial touchpoint.