UK MR Industry Turning Corner

The UK market research industry all but halted the decline in its revenues in 2010, according to research carried out by the MRS (Market Research Society). Following a fall of 4.7% the previous year, revenues eased off just 0.2% in 2010 to £2.06 billion.

Revenue hit a high of £2.164 billion in 2008, but dropped to an estimated £2.076 billion in 2009. While 2010 domestic revenues fell 2.2%, the figure was a slight improvement on the 3.0% drop recorded in 2009; and revenues resulting from international research projects bounced back with a 4.3% rise in, following a decline of 8.3% the previous year.

The MRS research also highlights an upturn in recruitment by UK companies, with headcount up 4.7%, in 2010, following the 5.9% cut in staff in 2009.

MRS Director General David Barr (pictured) says that the 'reasonably encouraging figures' for market research globally are offset by the figures for the UK market, but stresses that this must be taken in the context of relatively flat UK GDP throughout 2010.

Barr adds: 'Looking to the immediate future we remain cautious as the effects of cuts in UK public sector research will become even more evident over the next few months. Although 2010 has given some cause for optimism, 2011 will remain challenging.'

Yesterday, DRNO published highlights from Jack Honomichl's 38th annual report, which shows that income from the purchase of marketing, advertising and public opinion research services in the US was up 4.7% from 2009 to 2010.

Additionally during 2010, the US market research sector saw an 8.7% increase in full-time employees, following the c11.1% staff cuts made during 2008 and 2009.

Web site: www.mrs.org.uk .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.