first direct launches the Little Black Book

first direct has launched the Little Black Book, an online community site exclusively for its customers. The first site of its kind to be offered by a UK bank, it is a unique source of information and personal recommendation, where first direct customers can share their insights into and experiences of the UK's ‘hidden gems'. Whether that's a fantastic restaurant, an unusual boutique, a home-from-home B&B, an amazing plumber, or an inspirational place to visit with the kids.

All customers are now able to access the site with a unique personal log in and password, which will remain valid as long as they continue to be a first direct customer.

Mark Mullen, head of marketing at first direct said: "We're hoping to create a real buzz about our latest online initiative. We want to provide a truly useful and interactive added value service by our customers for our customers and already 17,000 have registered to use the site. They are a like minded group of people who choose to bank with us because we tend to do things a little differently.

"We want our customers to use this as a forum to share their personal recommendations of great places and great service with each other. This isn't about run of the mill day to day places or people you'd expect to find in a regular City listing or local directory. It's about those surprising hidden gems that you'd have to go back to or tell all your friends about."

Search categories range from retail therapy to the great outdoors and home improvements. Searchable by postcode, it lets customers add new entries and review past recommendations locally and across the UK. Email and RSS alerts are available, notifying them of new recommendations or posts in their area.