Survey Marketing Services Passed to Next Generation

Family-run research business Survey Marketing Services (SMS), based in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK, is being handed over to the next generation, as its two founders Joy Maxwell and Judith Scrivener retire.

Maxwell and Scrivener were in their mid-40s when they set up SMS in 1985. The company has since grown from a small fieldwork agency to a full-service agency employing 20 full-time staff and more than 1,000 field workers, who cover a variety of sectors including FMCG, public sector and third sector.

Maxwell's son Nick and Scrivener's daughter Lesley Wright have now taken over the business, after working for the company for several years.

Wright comments: 'We're delighted to be taking over the reins at such a key stage in the development of the company. We pride ourselves with keeping abreast of the latest research methodologies and have ambitious plans for growth and hope to be increasing the workforce in the near future.'

Web site: www.surveymarketing.co.uk .