of a Penn & Schoen Associates consumer information poll soon, according to the Hon. Sir David Gibbons, CEO of group parent Edmund Gibbons Ltd.

The Gibbons group uses the public survey research firm every five or six years to get an update on consumer preferences.

The survey results will to be used to improve services and products, said Sir David.

Sir David said it would not be prudent for competitive reasons to release details of the findings.

But the endeavour is "very helpful, we have done this over a period of years,'' he said.

Penn & Schoen, a New York firm, has been conducting surveys in Bermuda since 1977 with several of the Island's companies retaining the firm since then, according to Sir David.

The firm covered the Gibbons group in two parts, one on consumer products, with the second segment focusing on financial products, like insurance, he added.

Colonial Insurance Co. Ltd. and Gibbons Deposit Company, are among the group's companies.

The survey questions were carried out in October and November of last year, with results from the consumer segment already received and results from the financial services, primarily about insurance, expected in the next couple weeks, he said.

The firm asked a cross section of the Island's residents product and service related questions.

Six years ago, one part of that survey determined that customers would find it more convenient if Colonial Insurance were better located.

As a result, the company was relocated from Gorham Road to Reid Street, noted Sir David.

The firm conducts surveys so they are representative of the demographic profile -- in proportion to the gender and age -- of a community.