BIG Returns to the Fold as an MRS Network

In the UK, business-to-business insights forum The Business Intelligence Group (BIG) is to be reintegrated as a network of the Market Research Society (MRS), a status it held in the 1990s before moving to independent operation.

BIG aims to promote best practice in business-to-business (B2B) insights across the research sector, and to provide services and networking opportunities for those working in B2B markets. Back within the MRS, it will continue with this role while 'supporting the development of talent more widely, engaging a greater number of young researchers in this area of the profession and improving practices across the sector'. Following the move a new, dedicated B2B research training programme will be added to the MRS professional development portfolio.

The MRS says that practitioners increasingly blend their offering of B2B and business-to-consumer (B2C) research, with almost 200 companies in its directory now conducting at least some B2B. BIG's new status will give MRS members free access to its specialist B2B resources and events.

Stephen Bairfelt, whose former roles include Chairman of ICG and MRS Main Board member, will chair the new network, and a full committee, including support from the MRS executive staff, will be formed in the lead-up to an official launch next month. Bairfelt comments: 'Independently of each other, MRS and BIG do fantastic work supporting practitioners and beating the drum for our sector. However, together we're much stronger than the sum of our parts. As more and more practitioners undertake at least some of their work in the B2B field, the new MRS network will play an important role in ensuring best practice and ultimately delivering quality insights for clients across the board'. MRS Chief Executive Jane Frost says B2B research is 'a hugely innovative and vibrant part of the research and insights sector'.

BIG - then an acronym for Business Interest Group - was one of several 'IGs' within the MRS in the 1990s, until a decision was taken to scrap the system. It chose to become independent rather than being more closely integrated within the Society, changing its name shortly afterwards to Business Intelligence Group but continuing to be known mostly by its initials - brand equity and all that. At the time, Nick Thomas was its Vice President, a title he agreed to take on 'provided there wasn't any work involved' - but MrWeb did design its first web site. There's a much better one now at www.thebusinessintelligence.group .

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