Blauw Celebrates London Office Launch

Netherlands-based Blauw Research yesterday held a party in the firm's private members club in The Strand, officially opening its central London office.

London MD Jonathan Wheeler and Director Henk Scholte explained that the move to the UK in February is already supporting the firm's ambition to become a significant player in the European market research industry. The London base conducts UK research on behalf of Dutch clients and also manages projects for UK and international clients.

Wheeler was previously MD of Kent-based Westcombe Business Research. He is known in the industry for his work as a council member with the BMRA (British Market Research Association, which has now merged with the Market Research Society - MRS) where he held specific responsibility for marketing and Internet development. He is also a founder member of market research networking group, The Research Club which has been active in London since July 2004.

Prior to joining Blauw, Scholte worked in a business development role with BRG Consult; an international strategic market research consultancy specialising in the building industry. He is a native of Rotterdam and graduated from its Erasmus Univesity.

Wheeler said the new office was born from client demand for the firm to have an international presence, adding: 'As our industry enters the new era of 'Research 2.0' there is an increasing demand for quality suppliers of research solutions. Blauw's focus on quality and innovation is at the core of its philosophy.'

Headquartered in Rotterdam, Blauw conducts both customer and employee satisfaction research. The firm has around 90 employees and a turnover of EUR 9 million and is online at www.blauw.com.