Market researchers’ group celebrates 10 years’ success

Feb. 29, 2012 - PRLog -- Independent market researchers association, the ICG (Independent Consultants Group), is presently celebrating its 10th anniversary.

The not-for-profit group provides networking, support, training and marketing opportunities to independent market researchers in the UK and the rest of the world.  Since gaining independence from the Market Research Society on 25th February 2002, membership has grown from 120 to nearly 400 at the beginning of 2012.

“This is a great time for the ICG,” said chair of the ICG, Andrew Smith, who led the London-based celebrations at the 606 Club in Chelsea, “Right now, we have celebrations taking place the length and breadth of the UK.  In 10 years I think we have really put the growing talent that is independent MR consultancy truly on the map.”

The group has seen a lot of changes over the past 10 years.  The committee has grown from its initial 5 members to today’s 13 and a vibrant e-group forum now allows members to communicate directly with each other, something that wasn’t possible during the early days of the group.  2010 saw the launch of the ICG’s annual research-related Question Time event while in 2011 the group unveiled its new ‘connections’ brand identity and web design, based on a series of coloured dots to convey the idea of connections - between members, between members and clients, and between members and suppliers.

In terms of the next 10 years, the ICG has no plans to stand still.

During 2012, an upgraded ‘Find a Consultant’ search engine is planned for the website to make it even simpler for buyers looking for researchers with specific skills or for members looking for other members to work with.  ICG member webinars are also being rolled out, so that members as far apart as California and Moscow can connect, and a series of new educational videos is being developed to provide professional advice for businesses of all sizes who wish to undertake their own research.  

ICG Chair, Andrew Smith, also has a very clear vision for the next three years.

“With changes in our industry and the wider economy towards smaller consultancy work patterns, we will almost certainly become a 500-member organisation. The trick is for the ICG to keep close to our ethos of a supportive and connected virtual network internally, that continues to deliver huge benefits for buyers of research externally.” he said.


The ICG is hosting a presentation and networking event for ICG members on Thursday 8th March 6pm in London on the subject: ‘Doing Business Abroad: the Opportunities’.  Speaker is Dermot Shean, International Trade Advisor at UK Trade and Investment.  To find out more about this event, please go to http://theicg.co.uk/event/3000073/doing-business-abroad-t...

To become a member of the ICG, please go to the ICG website here http://theicg.co.uk/join/ or email membership@theicg.co.uk


ENDS



Notes to Editor:
For further information please contact:

Michelle Drapeau, PR Executive: Tel 01525 237599
Andrew Smith, ICG chair: Tel 01372 817979


About the ICG:
The ICG (Independent Consultants Group) is a not-for-profit association of professional, independent market researchers.  Membership presently stands at almost 400.  Benefits of membership include training, joint marketing and the opportunity to network or collaborate with other market research professionals.

Member experience spans the full range of market research requirements.  A fully searchable database allows potential purchasers of research services to source members on the basis of specific skills and experience.