Our Approach

We offer a full range of quantitative and qualitative methodologies for research and consultation projects, including:

• Telephone research
• Household surveys
• In-street surveys
• Postal surveys and Citizens’ Panels
• Online surveys
• Qualitative research including depth interviews and focus group programmes.

Projects often involve multiple research methodologies and the key issue is to make sure the approach taken is right for the specific purpose.

Examples of Our Work

Large-scale household surveys for social landlords. We have undertaken household surveys involving 1,000+ tenant interviews as well as numerous postal surveys. These surveys are designed to meet the requirements of the Scottish Housing Regulator for the ARC return (Annual Return on the Charter) whilst providing additional insights into the needs and priorities of tenants and residents.

Regular telephone tracking surveys, allowing for the monitoring of service satisfaction and organisational reputation. We deliver such surveys on a monthly basis for a number of Local Authorities and social landlords allowing for significant changes in perception to be identified and addressed and also providing an opportunity to test issues of topical interest).

Bespoke telephone surveys, including a mix of consumer and citizen attitudinal research and business surveys (the latter often being undertaken as part of economic impact and wider evaluation projects for Local Authorities and economic development agencies across the UK and providing statistically robust feedback at a reasonable cost).

Visitor and participant surveys at events and festivals across Scotland and the UK. We are the most experienced business in Scotland at undertaking such work, having interviewed at events of all sorts including some of the highest profile and most iconic events on the calendar such as T in The Park, Davis Cup tennis, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, the Magners Comedy Festival and literally hundreds of similar events. We are particularly experienced in gathering very large numbers of interviews within a short period of time.

Shopper surveys in town centre locations across Scotland, typically for Local Authorities and Business Improvement Districts and providing valuable insights into shoppers’ perceptions and buying behaviour.

Community consultation research. In the past, Local Authorities have commissioned us to undertake large-scale public consultations on a variety of issues such as: approaches to recycling; provision of community facilities; schools provision; and, budget priorities. We are able to deliver independent, objective consultations that are clear in scope and which use appropriate methods in line with Scotland’s National Standards for Community Engagement.

Employee surveys, typically for organisations such as Local Authorities and social landlords. We place particular emphasis on management employees being encouraged to exchange views about how continuous improvement can be achieved within organisations.

The above is, of course, only a small section of the consultation and research assignments that we have undertaken and we are always happy to discuss your specific requirements, without obligation.