Walnut Unlimited and Liveminds Win 'Oppies'

This year's Market Research Society (MRS) Operations Awards saw 'human understanding' agency Walnut Unlimited walk away with the Best Data Solution award for its work with the National Trust; and Liveminds win Best Support Service for its Behavioural Recruitment solution.

Launched four years ago, the 'MRS Oppies' celebrate the work of the operations function, and the 2018 awards were announced last night at a party in Shoreditch venue Beach Blanket Babylon. Walnut Unlimited, which was shortlisted for three awards, won Best Data Solution for its work blending neuroscience and behavioural psychology for the National Trust, to understand why places mean so much to people. MD Jane Rudling commented: 'To be recognised by the MRS especially for our commitment to creating award worthy data solutions once more reaffirms our position as leaders within the research industry. We are delighted to claim our sixth award since 2014 and look forward to continuing this success in 2019'.

'Behavioural Recruitment' by Liveminds was recognised for its approach to participant recruitment, powered by live social media data on two billion people worldwide. The Oppies judges said the company has used technology to 'revolutionise participant recruitment', with technology connecting to social media ad networks to hyper-target the participants needed for each individual project in 190 countries. Co-founder Hugh Carling said he is proud that all the hard work the firm's small team has put in has been recognised by the MRS.

Other winners included Acumen Fieldwork for Best Data Collection (face-to-face); Alligator and Northstar London for Best Data Collection (online); and QRS Research for Best Data Collection (telephone). Best Training & Development was won by Epinion Research; Best Viewing Facility went to i-view London, and Operational Excellence was awarded to IRI, with Cobalt Sky receiving a Highly Commended mention.

Web site: www.mrs.org.uk .