A market research firm working for organisations at home and abroad is marking a magnificent seven years in business.
Ask Marketing Ltd, based at the Media Centre in Huddersfield, has carried out a wide range of projects – from a consumer survey into who eats the most lobster to hosting product tasting panels for cakes, health drinks, beverages and chocolate.
Other work has included mapping the social and economic impact of cultural festivals and carrying out employee satisfaction surveys.
Ask founder Susan Kenyon said the company was celebrating the completion of more than 190 projects for over 100 clients – and the firm’s resilience in the face of tough trading conditions.
And she emphasised the importance of market research for firms now hoping to take advantage of the slowly improving economic climate.
She said: “Investment in market research as the first stage in the marketing planning process can generate real long-term value in the years to come – while those that do not invest in market research may fall at the first hurdle.
“Not being able to identify and profile customers prevents businesses and organisations from being able to develop market-aligned products and services.
“Not being aware of competitor activity results in poorly positioned products and services and ineffective use of marketing budgets.”
She said basic market research could help develop new customers, products and services, help to retain existing customers and give firms an insight into how their brands are perceived.
Said Susan: “Our clients value the customer and market insight that market research can generate, which is then used to direct their marketing strategy and the allocation of their marketing budget.
“As an established, experienced research agency, Ask has invested in new technologies to enable us to deliver a more cost-effective market research service to suit most budgets.”
Ask Marketing has completed research organisations including Kirklees and Calderdale councils, Total Food Service, ProperMaid, Kirklees College and the Textile Centre of Excellence as well as ASDA, Marks & Spencer and Herbert Brown.
Ask is a partner of the Market Research Society and features in the Research Buyers Guide as well as being research partner with both Huddersfield Town and Kirklees College. It has employed 15 graduates and is providing work experience and internships for Huddersfield University and Kirklees College students.
