Parker Bowles firm delays launch

Tom Parker Bowles's internet company has been forced to abandon plans to launch its much-hyped credit card in time for the lucrative Christmas market.

Quintessentially - founded by Tom's 26-year-old cousin Ben Elliot - hoped its "Q" card would rival the American Express Centurion card. Its website boasts: "In early autumn we intend to launch our own credit card which you will be able to use in thousands of outlets the world over."

But the online club's members, who have paid £400 to join, are being told this will not take place until "the New Year". Ironically, one of Quintessentially's main selling points is its claim to deliver luxury goods and services promptly. Aaron Simpson, 29, a film producer and co-founder of Quintessentially, said the delay was due to a change of supplier. He said: "We changed supplier because we weren't happy with the deal terms we were being offered."

Mr Simpson denied that the delay was due to not having the minimum number of members needed to launch a credit card - usually thought to be about 1,500. Asked how many members Quintessentially had, he said: "Over 2,000."

The club employs Tom, the 26-year-old son of Camilla and Andrew Parker Bowles, to "manage stock control and forge new links with commercial partners". It billed its credit card as a "passport to the world of Quintessentially". The club offers services such as priority booking at exclusive restaurants and discounts on luxury goods and takes a commission.