UK MR Industry Growth 'Strong but Slowing'

The UK's top 100 individual market research agencies reported 'strong but slowing' growth of 2.8% in 2016, according to the latest League Tables from the MRS (Market Research Society).

The report reveals the fastest-growing research agencies and businesses based on UK turnover and international work, managed and invoiced from the UK. It also features highlights from the MRS Industry Survey 2017, originally published last June, and based on the Society's annual survey of full-service MRS Company Partners.

While the top 100 individual agencies generated just over £3 billion in turnover during 2015, the top ten on the list accounted for 50.8% of total turnover. Around two-thirds (67) of the top 100 agencies recorded growth, which the report says has been driven mainly by investment in data analytics, advisory services and market intelligence (including syndicated reports), which now account for 40% of the market.

The report says the UK maintains its status as the world's biggest spender per capita on research, at £61 a head. This compares with the USA at £45, Germany £27 and France £25. MRS CEO Jane Frost (pictured) comments: 'The majority of companies that responded to the MRS Industry Survey 2017 are optimistic that their revenues will grow year on year, and the story of steadily expanding investment in qualitative research remains a positive one. However, growth for the top 100 individual agencies has slowed, demonstrating that the path to higher turnover is seldom smooth'.

Web site: www.mrs.org.uk .