Mustard Research Promotes and Recruits

Manchester, UK-based Mustard Research has promoted Gareth Hodgson to the position of Director, with responsibility for its 'people and personal development' strategy. The firm has also hired Laura Holloway as Senior Research Executive, and Amy Harrod as Research Executive.

Previously known as Ci Research and acquired by its management team in 2009, the firm offers qual and quant research to clients across the financial services, retail, FMCG, leisure, education and skills, and healthcare sectors. Techniques include online research communities, social media monitoring, 'insight films' and commercial ethnography.

Hodgson initially joined the company in 2000, and worked there for two years before leaving to move client-side as a research specialist for Iceland Foods, and the Littlewoods Shop Direct Group. He re-joined the firm in 2008 as a Research Manager.

Fellow director Richard Walker comments: 'Gareth has a considered and pragmatic approach to business, which clients love. He has managed to demonstrate over the years that he truly 'gets it', in terms of the role that insight plays in identifying and then maximising commercial opportunity.'

Holloway joins from Adelphi Values where she served as an SRE, delivering qualitative and quantitative research programmes for clients, with significant involvement in the healthcare sector. Harrod joins after a spell in Australia working with Melbourne-based fashion label Anna Thomas. MD Colin Auton adds: 'Laura and Amy have made a flying start to their careers at Mustard. Their maturity combined with their energy and enthusiasm will make them considerable assets as well as valued colleagues.'

Web site: www.mustard-research.com .