BMRA Third Quarter Results

The latest quarterly results from the British Market Research Association (BMRA) in the UK suggest that the market research industry is showing signs of modest but real growth after a flat year in 2002.

Although not all members contribute data on a quarterly basis, the continuous participants include a broadly representative mix of the larger and smaller agencies, and are likely to reflect performance across the industry as a whole.

Year-to-date figures from these continuous reporters indicates 4% growth in turnover compared with the same period last year, just slightly ahead of inflation. This has been fuelled mainly by growth in domestic research, with the weakness in international research improving more slowly.

BMRA Chairman Peter Jackling comments, 'There is still a long way to go before the industry experiences the double-digit growth last achieved in 2001, but the trend for 2003 shows a steady pattern of recovery from a flat position at the end of Q1 to the 4% cumulative growth at the end of Q3. If Q4 continues this trend, the year may close even a little higher above 2002 levels'.

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