Bates to Lead New STRAT7 Data Collection Business

STRAT7 has launched a new global data collection agency called Audiences, which it says brings an existing specialism into a dedicated business unit. This both signals the group's commitment to data integrity, and frees up its Researchbods subsidiary to focus on developing a tech roadmap for its ex-plor platform.

The move comes less than a year after Researchbods opened a business unit dedicated to ensuring the integrity of respondents taking part in online quant surveys, underpinned by a framework to assess the validity of global respondents via a combination of tech tools and human intervention.

The new Audiences business will function as an in-house data collection partner serving the group's companies, as well as working for outside clients including corporates, media agencies and consultancies in the UK and overseas. Tom Bates (pictured), who headed up the Researchbods launch, has been promoted to lead Audiences as Managing Director, reporting directly to group COO Jonathan Clough, and the STRAT7 board, and is charged with building up this client base.

The new business boasts a 'managed network' of 47 million people across 70 countries, starts with a team of 55 staff and will operate from the group's Leeds and London offices, with a North American hub in New York planned for 2025. Clough comments: 'A dedicated data collection unit gives the specialism the recognition it deserves, after all high quality data is the foundation for any strategic insight. Our combined strengths in customer and social media data collection alongside analytics ensures STRAT7 occupies a unique position in the market. This efficient and holistic infrastructure makes us a 'one-stop shop' for insights, allowing clients to consolidate their spend through a single provider'.

Bates adds: 'More than ever, clients need confidence in their data. They need senior, consultative data collection experts in the room ensuring the success and integrity of every single one of their projects. We're really excited to get started with Audiences, to continue providing exceptional, bespoke service to our clients and to compete for new opportunities'.

STRAT7 has more than 400 people across twelve locations in Europe, the US and APAC, and is online at www.strat7.com .