Case studies - how our research and insight gets results
We act as a research agency and consultancy for a wide range of clients of every kind, both in the UK and internationally. Much of our work is central to the success of our clients both in the short and long-term - in some cases over many years. It frequently involves talking to a wide variety of stakeholders and using a range of approaches and techniques.
Our projects are geared towards successful, actionable outcomes, whether these are developing new strategies or introducing new products, improving working practices and cost-effectiveness, increasing overall profitability, or simply canvassing and reporting on the views of stakeholders locally, nationally or internationally.
And all, without exception, have at their heart our unique insight, expertise and desire to get to the heart of the matter - and to deliver the results our clients are looking for.
Just click on the listings below find out more.
Rewarding strategic insights over 15 years - leading international printer manufacturer
Client
A leading global manufacturer and distributor of inkjet and laser printers
Outcome
Fast strategic and tactical responses to changing market conditions, thanks to our actionable, long-term insights. The company has consistently achieved excellent results over the 15 years they've worked with us.
Method
A large-scale market sizing project which provides backbone contributing to our client's business at all management levels, from long-term predictions through to specific promotional campaigns.
Areas covered include market size and share and customer purchase behaviour by brand and market. The study comprises over 50,000 interviews a year across over 20 countries among both business and home consumers using online, telephone, postal and face to face interviewing.
Driving increased market share across Europe - consumer technology company
Client
A major international consumer technology company
Outcome
For over five years, our research and insights have helped drive increased market share in five key product categories across Europe.
Method
We provide our client's product and trade marketing teams with comprehensive market overviews, including key metrics and recommendations. This includes robust conversion rate analysis tracking key trends in purchasing behaviour. In 2010 alone, we gathered the views of over 18,000 people across 11 European countries.
Segmentation leads to better service and results - international courier company
Client
An international courier company
Outcome
Increased sales and profitability plus better service, following our identification of market segments and their respective needs.
Method
Our multi-phased study involved a wide-range of qual and quant techniques and successfully established an effective customer segmentation which has been adopted across the client's entire EMEA region.
A structured face-to-face survey formed the core of the study. Through this we identified key customer requirements on a range of service areas and levels. We were then able to segment customers according to their needs, attitudes and motivations.
We also developed innovative staff training tools such as internal workshops, customer videos and a segment locator tool that enables staff to allocate accounts to the right segments by asking just a few key questions.
Real-time monitoring delivers improved targeting - global cough medicine provider
Client
A global provider of cough medicine
Outcome
Our research into the development and treatment of different types of cough enabled our client to develop new products and target customers more effectively.
Method
We brought the customer to life through real-time monitoring of cough development and treatment from start to finish. This helped identify candidates for further research.
Participants were able to post real-time updates about their cough via our online portal e-luminate, including thoughts and images, and also performing specific tasks. Particularly revealing was the language they used to describe symptoms and treatment. We followed this up with in-home interviews to contextualise the diary results and test new product concepts.
Successfully developing profitable new accessories strategy - mobile phone provider
Client
A leading provider of mobile phones
Outcome
Successful development and marketing of phone accessories greatly increased profitability and customer loyalty.
Method
Our client wanted to develop new accessory concepts and to introduce a long-term development strategy.
Research participants kept a phone and accessory usage diary exploring current and potential future use. In focus groups, we tested current products and new concepts. In addition, live audio tests gauged reactions to different audio experiences. We then used interviews to gain detailed understanding of buying behaviours.
Insightful research on a vital national issue - UK Department for Work and Pensions
Client
UK Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
Outcome
Pension reform is a politically sensitive and financially vital area of government policy - our input has helped ensure it proceeds smoothly and that all stakeholders are heard.
Method
Since 2004, we have conducted more than a dozen studies to support the DWP in the development and implementation of the 2012 Pension Reforms.
We have researched the views of a full range of stakeholders, including employers, employees, the government and the pensions industry in both the UK and overseas, addressing a broad range of issues and employing a full range of methodologies.
Next gen tech features tested globally
Situation
A leading technology manufacturer was looking to introduce a new generation netbook so needed to gauge appeal of the new portable computing device, and to understand customers' key expectations with regards to product functionality and usage applications.
Outcome
We provided our client with a deep understanding of product's appeal and potential, with clear recommendations for optimal functionality and design that would make the product an attractive and unique proposition in a crowded and competitive market place.
Solution
Our solution was a programme of focus groups with frequent users of internet on-the-go, who were either current or potential netbooks and smartphone users. The groups were preceded by a desk research and retailer interviews and followed by a quantitative web-based survey. The study was conducted in the US, UK and Germany.
Refinery framework steers development of printers into niche market
Situation
A leading global consumer technology company was looking to launch a printer into the niche schools market so needed to grasp the critical product features required and the purchasing dynamics within the market.
Outcome
Product features tailored for education market, with innovation focused on consumers' needs and framed around decisions makers' imperatives. Informed commercial discipline was introduced product design brief at an early stage. Understanding of the commercial operating environment ensured that comms messages were appropriate to the key decision makers.
Solution
Key players in the decision process were identified via survey, then participated in online diaries exploring actual usage in the schools environment, followed by a focus group discussions between users, buyers and product/marketing managers to clarify feature requirements. Follow up depth interviews with key commercial stakeholders within the organisation ensured all stakeholders gained a full 360° understanding of market.
