EQ Group PLC
07 October 2004



BUCKINGHAM RESEARCH STUDY HIGHLIGHTS PROBLEMS
FOR GUIDE DOG OWNERS

Buckingham Research, an eq group plc company, recently carried out a study for
The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association's high profile Open Your Doors
campaign. The research highlighted that nearly half of guide dog owners have
been refused access to a service such as a pub, shop, restaurant, hotel or bank
in the last five years.

More than half the businesses interviewed harboured concerns about admitting
Guide Dogs, with restaurants proving to be the worst offenders. Birmingham was
the least accommodating to Guide Dogs, where 1 in 10 businesses admitted to
refusing them unrestricted access, effectively breaking the law. Glasgow
businesses were the most Guide Dog friendly, with 98% admitting Guide Dogs at
all times.

400 businesses and 100 guide dog owners were interviewed in September 2004. The
questionnaire was skilfully constructed to address this potentially sensitive
issue, encouraging businesses to be candid about their policies. Statistically
robust results supported by a deep understanding of key issues, were achieved in
just under a month

Tom Pey, Guide Dogs' Director of Policy, said "The research carried out by
Buckingham Research formed a central role in the promotion of our Open Your
Doors campaign. The campaign aims to help businesses offer a first class service
to guide dog owners."

For further information

Keeley Clarke, eq group plc - 07967 816 525
Margaret Drye, Buckingham Research Associates - 01628 528220

Notes

The Open Your Doors campaign coincides with new rights for disabled people under
the Disability Discrimination Act, which from 1st October 2004 will require
service providers to make 'reasonable adjustments' to their premises. They will
need to ensure that there are no physical barriers stopping or making it
unreasonably difficult for guide dog owners, and other blind and partially
sighted customers, to use their services.


                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END
NRAZGMGGGNKGDZM