Market Research Agency


Acumen is a market research agency with a difference: we provide bespoke, often innovative solutions, using cutting edge techniques to help clients across all sectors gain the insights that will drive their project forward.

Our modern approach to market research services does not come at the expense of high standards, we have rigorous quality controls in place, dedicated data analysts and specialist teams for every aspect of market research.

By entrusting Acumen as your research agency you gain access to opinion from every type of demographic, both in the United Kingdom and globally.

We are multiple award winners and nominees across numerous industry awards, including for innovation, and best data collection – both in person and also remotely. We stand out amongst market research agencies in the UK and further afield. Talk to us and discover how we manage to be different yet deliver.

Market Research Agency Services

We provide qualitative and quantitative fieldwork with specialist, experienced teams for both.

We also have a separate team dedicated to healthcare fieldwork and recruitment, bringing bespoke knowledge and approaches to this area.

International fieldwork is also available, helping organisations, businesses and campaigns benefit from global insights, or delve deeper into a specific country or region.

Quantitative Fieldwork

Our award-winning dedicated quantitative research team have experience of working with clients on a huge range of projects, tailoring a compelling offer from the earliest conversation.

A dedicated project manager is assigned for every client and we strive to work as an informative and productive extension of your team.

Quantitative services include, but are not limited to:

  • Online/CATI
  • On street
  • In Store
  • Exit Interviews
  • Hall Tests/Taste Tests
  • Product Placement/i-HUT’s
  • Mystery Shopping
  • User Testing

However, we appreciate that clients may not know which method would be most appropriate; namely, how a research agency like us gets the data and insights they need within budget.

We work with clients to listen to their research and marketing aims and come up with the best plan for how to approach quant research.

Embedded within the quant team are data analysts, enabling us to deliver the market findings you need when you need them and in the format of your choosing.

Qualitative Fieldwork 

Our reputation for innovation and finding new ways to approach qualitative fieldwork make us stand apart in this area.

Access to a database of 100,000 UK participants is offered, while we can also draw from outside this pool as required – for instance for global marketing campaigns. The quality of participants is vetted by an in-house recruitment team.

A huge range of research methods can be offered, with a selection including:

  • Focus Groups
  • Interviews and IDI’s
  • Workshops
  • In-home research
  • Online Communities
  • Accompanied Shops
  • Customer and Stakeholder Events
  • Recruitment from Client Lists

Every aspect of our work is geared towards finding you in-depth quality marketing insights from the relevant demographics.

To achieve this service, we hold detailed conversations and use our expertise to fully understand the brief.

From this, we create all documentation, including screening questions and supporting paperwork.

Our network of more than 700 recruiters is then used as we find the participants you require.

These participants will be verified through Acumonitor and pre-checks carried out to ensure they meet criteria to ensure top market research.

The logistical side can also be factored in; for instance venues sourced and, where appropriate, our employees on hand to assist on the day.

Healthcare Research Agency

Standard approaches won’t work for highly specialist healthcare research.

That is why we operate a specialist team with huge experience in this field.

We have a database of both healthcare professionals and healthcare users and these provide us with the full scope of disease areas and professional specialisms required for any healthcare research.

A further advantage of our services as a market research company is our link to community partnerships and organisations, this further expanding our reach and ability to gain the insights you require. 

We also have multiple global networks.

  • We are confident across all methodologies – for healthcare, this would include the following (though this is not an exhaustive list)
  • focus groups and interviews
  • In-home interviews
  • In-work interviews
  • Usability studies
  • Health economics and outcomes research
  • Participant diaries
  • Fieldwork research with healthcare users, patients and carers (this for a wide range of conditions)
  • Fieldwork research service with healthcare professionals – all industries and all levels of seniority

Agency Case Studies

We have several detailed case studies on site, covering both quantitative and qualitative research as well as healthcare and also work that utilised our international network of participants on clients’ behalf.

In one instance looking at consumer research, we worked with a global footwear brand who wanted to understand more about the purchase process buyers go through when looking for new shoes and also the differences between  markets including the UK, US, China and France.

A separate case study looks at issues that lead to relationship breakdown, a piece of work that had to acquire important, honest information in a sensitive manner. We were able to select the perfect candidates from our database of over 100,000, finding willing, engaged parties who shared their experiences.

The resulting research played a part in helping understanding of why families break up and so can help shape how future support services can help those going through difficulties.

Please take the time to browse case studies to get a sense for our service and the approach we bring to every undertaking, regardless of the topic or sector. Also do this for other market research firms to see how Acumen compares. We are happy to be judged on our merits and work.

Meet Our Agency Team

We want you to get a sense of us so you can see whether we are a good fit for your research requirements.

On our Teams page, you can filter by the different disciplines to see individuals in roles as diverse as data analyst and marketing manager. There is then a mini-biography and direct links to call or email each member of staff.

By all means, contact a relevant member of our team for an obligation-free conversation about your planned project and research.

Contact Us

Whether you require further information, would benefit from an obligation-free quote, or simply want to discuss how to approach strategy and your market research requirements, please do get in touch.

Call us on 0161 234 9940 or use our Contact Form.