UK Research Turnaround in Progress

The UK's research industry returned to growth in 2013 after four years of contraction, according to results from the annual survey of agencies by the Market Research Society (MRS).

62 off the Society's Company Partners took part in the survey, with a combined turnover in excess of £1 billion. A majority of respondents (57%) believe the industry will expand over the coming twelve months.

Total turnover growth for the year 2013 was 1.1%, but international research, with turnover up 15.8%, fared much better than domestic. 'Internet-based spend' climbed another 4% and now represents 44% of the total for quantitative research; while spend on face-to-face interviewing declined by 2.6 points to 14.4%.

CEO Jane Frost says the industry contributes 'at least £3bn to the UK economy' and notes that the improved sentiment over the past 12 months is 'reflected in the re-investment in full-time employees experienced during this period, as organisations adapt to take on more work.'

Web site: www.mrs.org.uk .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.