M&S Money Reveals Children Choose Caring Careers Over X Factor Stardom

LONDON, November 19, 2010 - M&S Money has revealed that children of ages 8 - 13 years old are more
likely to want to serve and protect than see their name up in lights when it
comes to future career aspirations, according to new research.

Indeed, research on almost 1,700 children reveals a selection of career
choices that are dominated by caring and service professions such as vet,
teacher, police officer, medicine and joining the army.

However, while the majority of children see themselves in service
orientated professions, fame and fortune does still appeal to some, with 14%
of boys aspiring to be a footballer and 7% of girls wanting to be an actress
or dancer.

More creative careers also appealed to many youngsters with 5% of boys
looking to design computer games, 3% of girls wanting to be an artist and 3%
of girls planning to emulate J.K. Rowling by becoming an author.

However, future dreams don't come cheap with the average cost of training
for one of the top ten careers reaching GBP24,686 for boys or GBP31,049 for
girls. The most expensive career to pursue is becoming a pilot (GBP105,000)
or choosing to act (GBP78,828).

Colin Kersley, chief executive of M&S Money, commented: "Even though this
age group loves the X Factor, they have their sights set on more realistic
and serious career choices. Analysis of the training costs shows the
financial implications are also serious and highlights the need to start
saving early to help fund children's dreams or aspirations.

"Although children may change their minds on chosen career paths as they
grow older and mature, the results uncovered by this survey prove for
interesting reading and an intriguing insight into the minds of 8 to 13 year
olds."

About M&S Money:

M&S Money (the trading name of Marks & Spencer Financial Services) was
founded in 1985 as the financial services division of Marks and Spencer Group
plc, making 2010 the company's 25th anniversary.

The company is a top-ten credit card provider and the second-largest
travel money retailer in the UK. M&S Money also offers a range of insurance
cover, including insurance for cars (
money.marksandspencer.com/insurance/car-insurance/overview/), home and
contents insurance (
money.marksandspencer.com/insurance/home-insurance/overview/) and
family pet insurance (
money.marksandspencer.com/insurance/pet-insurance/overview/) as well
as loans, a personal credit card (
money.marksandspencer.com/cards/credit-card/overview/) and savings and
investment products.

Notes to Editors:

Methodology:

YouGov Research among almost 1,700 8-18s was undertaken between 17th and
22nd September 2010.

The number of children interested in each career is based on ONS figures
of 2,176,208 boys and 2,075,440 girls aged between 8 and 13 in the UK.

    PR Contact:

    Simon Coughlin
    Media Relations Manager
    M&S Money
    8 Canada Square
    Canary Wharf
    London
    E14 5HQ
    +44(0)20-7992-1574

    money.marksandspencer.com

PR Contact: Simon Coughlin, Media Relations Manager, M&S Money, 8 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5HQ, +44(0)20-7992-1574