Data Protection 2025 – New Rules/New Risks
2025-12-02 16:00 - 16:45 (Europe/London)
This Knowledge Share has been generously sponsored by Indeemo.

The Knowledge Share will be run by ICG member Jude Legg, and will aim to update members on what’s new in the world of data protection and offer some practical tips to maintain compliance.
Jude Legg

I have over 20 years experience working in the market research industry. I started with a brief cameo as a qual research exec, then moved into Field & Project Management then latterly into compliance. I became a self employed compliance consultant in January 2024 and I am a certified data protection professional.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jude-legg-9243064/
Register for this session here

The perfect AI partner to supercharge your research projects
2025-12-03 13:00 - 13:30
We welcome Motives.ai to this 30-min Lunch&Learn session.

Motives.ai brings the consumer to life through AI-moderated, video interviews – It is a project gamechanger in terms of speed, depth, breadth, value and client engagement, by optimizing flexibility in terms of regionality, timelines, sample size, analysis and insight on a video-based platform
In the session, the Motives team will talk you through the Motives.ai platform discuss the benefits, run through a live demo and field any questions.
More specifically….
Motives is the new way for brands to get in-depth consumer insight.
Powered by an AI qualitative researcher, you can use Motives to run entire qualitative projects or as a super-smart AI partner on the project. It can help you make projects faster, more scaleable and more affordable than traditional methods. Motives is there as your research partner for the entire research process, from brief generation and discussion guide development through to recruitment, fieldwork and in-depth, respondent-led analysis. Our expert AI works as your research partner – super fast, insightful and getting everything you need before your next meeting.
Our speakers
Sean Conley – Motives.ai founder and CEO

Founder & CEO – after spending years building and scaling AI products, and leading teams at Google, Dataiku, and Truelayer, Sean launched Motives. The Motives vision is to bring human researchers and the latest AI models together to deliver excellent qualitative insights.
John Jones

An insight specialist of over 30 years, working agency-side for Added Value Company (now Kantar), Informer Interactive Research, the Blinc Partneship and Firefish, client-side at the BBC, Levi Strauss Europe and ITV, plus creative strategy roles at St Lukes, Red Bee Media and Sky Creative. For the last 8 years, I have been running Fabric Insight and consulting for Motives. John is also an ICG member.
https://www.motives.ai/

Register for this session here

ICG Shopper/Retail/Packaging Insights Meet-Up
2025-12-05 10:00 - 12:00
We are organising a small in-person meet-up in London on the morning of 5th December for ICG members with an interest in shopper and retailer insight and packaging research. The aim is to connect specialists in this area, share experiences, explore new tools (including AR/VR eye-tracking), and spark potential collaboration across the network.
At the time of going to press the venue is still being confirmed, but if you’d like to join us or want more information, please contact Barbara (barbara@bric.amsterdam) or Dawn (dawn@posinsights.co.uk) and we’ll keep you updated.
A great opportunity for those who are coming on to the ICG Christmas Party that afternoon!

ICG Christmas Party 2025 - Open To Everyone
2025-12-05 13:00 - 17:00 | The Queens Head, Shoreditch E1 6PJ, 222 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6PJ, United Kingdom
Excited to be announcing our 2025 Christmas Party, generously sponsored by Field Sauce, The Lens, and Qualzy.
Hurry – tickets tend to sell FAST.
When? Friday 5 December, 1-5pm
Where? The Queen’s Head, 222 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6PJ
How much? £42+VAT (+Eventbrite fees)
Buy your tickets here

ICG and the MRS - Second Meeting (Online)
2025-12-08 16:00 - 17:00
Join us online for a follow up meeting with the MRS (the first one was in July).
When? Monday 8 December, 4-5pm
Where? Online – register below.
This time it’ll be the ICG’s turn to share more about us – who our members are, what their needs are and how we’d like the MRS to support us.
As before, there’ll be an opportunity to ask questions to the MRS at the end.
Register here

Basic Compliances for SMEs
2026-01-08 11:00 - 12:00
Join us for this informative webinar run by Accountant Jai Haran (husband of ICG member Aakanksha Haran).
Based on the topic areas that many of you requested, Jai will talk about business compliance requirements for

Accounting and Corporation Tax
VAT essentials
PAYE basics
Company Secretarial.

He’ll then be available for questions.
A perfect start to the year – get your company and finances operating efficiently – and compliant with the law.
Jai Haran
Jai works at RNM UK – a firm of Chartered Certified Accountants, tax and business advisers. Their key focus is identifying opportunities that give our clients a meaningful business advantage. They provide a full range of accounting and business services to enterprises and individuals helping them to achieve growth and long-term success. Between them, they have decades of knowledge and practical experience.

Register here

AI beyond chatbots and prompts
2026-01-13 16:00 - 16:45
This intermediate session is for researchers who want to move beyond basic prompting and explore the less visible capabilities of AI. We’ll look at different types of AI, what they can do, and how to use them to streamline and elevate your research practice. You’ll learn how to build your own queryable knowledge bases, analyse complex qual and quant data more efficiently, and introduce AI-driven workflows that save time on routine tasks. If you’re curious about AI capabilities and want practical, non-technical guidance, this session is for you.
Nadia Antropova
Nadia Antropova is an insights and strategy consultant working with CPG brands, retailers, and agencies on mixed-method studies. She helps consumer brands build data-driven brand, channel, category, and portfolio strategies that support commercial growth. She also supports insights leaders in navigating the technology landscape, drawing on her experience in advanced analytics, global SaaS rollouts, and machine learning initiatives.

Register for this session here

Powering Up Your Research in 2026
2026-01-14 13:00 - 13:30
How Independent Consultants Can Compete on Quality and Scale by partnering with InnovateMR+Ivy Exec

This session is designed specifically to support independent research consultants as they look ahead to 2026. We’ll explore how to strengthen your research offering by combining high-quality, verified samples with global reach and agile methodologies—without the infrastructure of a large agency. Topics include:

How independents can access hard-to-reach B2B, healthcare, and specialist audiences
What to look for in sample partners to ensure quality, verification, and credibility
Ways to scale projects globally while maintaining control and confidence in your data
How modern recruitment, profiling, and AI-driven quality checks reduce risk and rework
Practical approaches to delivering “agency-level” insight as an independent

Why members should attend
Independent consultants are under increasing pressure to deliver fast, credible, and globally relevant insights—often with limited time and resources. This session will show how the right sampling and research support can help you punch above your weight, protect your reputation, and future-proof your research offering in 2026 and beyond.
InnovateMR + Ivy Exec
Since the acquisition of Ivy Exec in January 2023, InnovateMR and Ivy Exec operate as a unified research solutions provider that bridges traditional quantitative sample access with deep qualitative expert insights. Together they offer:

End‑to‑End Research Capabilities: From broad quantitative sampling to targeted expert interviews and B2B insights. PR Newswire
Advanced Quality & Fraud Prevention Tools: Enhanced technologies like AI‑driven analytics and fraud detection to ensure data integrity. InnovateMR
Broader Market Reach: Expanded global reach across industries requiring detailed consumer and expert insights. InnovateMR

Summary:
InnovateMR is a market research technology powerhouse delivering fast, quality insights through advanced sampling and analytics, while Ivy Exec brings a large, vetted B2B expert network and career‑oriented content; together they offer integrated quantitative and qualitative research solutions for complex decision‑making needs.
OUR SPEAKERS
Mari Smith
Mari Smith- AVP, Client & Business Development, EMEA at InnovateMR + Ivy Exec
With 15 years in the market research industry, Mari Smith brings a unique blend of operational expertise and commercial acumen. Over the past four years, she has transitioned from an operational background to a commercial role, leveraging her deep industry knowledge to build and expand InnovateMR + Ivy Exec’s EU business. Mari has worked with various clients—including MR agencies, consultancies, private equity firms, end clients, and media agencies—across quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Her experience in streamlining operations, scaling business growth, and delivering client-focused solutions makes her a key driver of success at InnovateMR + Ivy Exec.
(84) Mari Suszka-Smith | LinkedIn
Monica Kaur
Monica Kaur – Client Manager, EMEA at InnovateMR + Ivy Exec
With over 15 years of experience in client and new business development within the market research industry, Monica Kaur specialises in onboarding new clients, developing client relationships, and driving revenue growth. At InnovateMR + Ivy Exec, Monica partners with agencies, consultancies and brands to provide both quantitative and qualitative solutions across fieldwork and full-service research studies.
Her specialties include consulting on quantitative and qualitative methodologies, within B2B, B2C and healthcare research, to drive organisational growth.
(84) Monica Kaur | LinkedIn
David Hickson
David Hickson – Client Director, EMEA at InnovateMR + Ivy Exec
With over 25 years of market research experience, David Hickson specializes in data integrity, panel management, and research technology. As Client Director for EMEA at InnovateMR + Ivy Exec, he partners with agencies and brands to refine their research strategies through robust sampling techniques, fraud detection measures, and AI-driven automation.
David has worked across B2B, B2C, and public sector research, developing methodologies that enhance data quality and operational efficiency. His expertise spans survey design, respondent engagement, and leveraging automation to maintain high standards and maximize value.
(84) David Hickson | LinkedIn
InnovateMR: Market Research & Consumer Insights | Survey Panels | InnovateMR
Ivy Exec: Market Research Recruitment for B2B | Ivy Exec

Register for this session here

More info about InnovateMR and Ivy Exec here.

The ICG Party in Leeds
2026-01-15 18:00 - 21:30 | The brewery tap leeds
This party has been generously sponsored by Rigour Research

Come and banish those January blues by joining our party in Leeds. We’ve hired a room, ordered some food, and promise to give you a warm welcome.
When? Thurs 15 Jan, 6pm
Where? The Brewery Tap, Leeds, New Station St, Leeds LS1 5DL
How much? Just buy your drinks! Room hire and food covered by our generous sponsor and the ICG.
For catering purposes, please register your place and get more info here

State of the (Insight) Nation - A review of 2025 and some predictions for 2026
2026-01-20 11:00 - 12:00
This webinar has been generously sponsored by Liveminds

Join our esteemed industry panellists to discuss some key themes from 2025 and help predict 2026.
Come away from the session with a better idea of what those in other areas of the industry (field, larger agencies, clients) are experiencing, as well as an idea of what your fellow independent consultants are going through as well.
A perfect start to the new year.
Our Panellists
Rebecca Cole – Panel Chair, Cobalt Sky, MRS Board Member (and Chair-Elect)

Rebecca Cole is the CEO of Cobalt Sky, an award-winning market research operations company, where she has worked since 2006. She has served on the main board of the Market Research Society (MRS) since 2020 and will be assuming the role Chair in April 2026. A highly experienced web scripter and quantum programmer, Cole is also Co-Chair of the Association for Survey Computing (ASC).
Steven Darby: Leeds Building Society
Steven is responsible for the Leeds Building Society research department, over a decade of client-side industry experience across B2B and B2C. He works with leading partners and agencies across the industry to bring the needs and voice of customer to the heart of the organisation.
Steven became Aura Director of Events and Awards in 2018, and Vice Chair in 2023 where he is responsible for delivering the Aura program of webinars, seminars, conference content and the AURA awards. As well as working at LBS and volunteering with Aura Steven has used this experience to support the MRS and has been a judge for the MRS Awards since 2019.
Sam Grey: Managing Director, i-view London
Sam has 24 years’ experience across recruitment, qual and quant fieldwork, automotive clinics, interviewing and facility operations. As Managing Director of i-view London, Sam has helped shape a multi-award-winning, inclusive viewing facility known for high-end hospitality, technical excellence and seamless delivery. Sam is a vocal advocate for the unique value of face-to-face insight in an increasingly hybrid industry.
Dr Sarah Jenkins,
Dr. Sarah Jenkins, Founder and Director of Magenta
Sarah is an award-winning insight professional with a distinguished career spanning more than 20 years. Starting in academia, moving to a think tank then the Social Research Institute of Ipsos MORI, Sarah moved into commercial research when she became Head of Qualitative in the Ipsos media team. In 2016, she founded Magenta Research, growing it into a multi-award-winning agency known for actionable client insights and storytelling. As an active member of the research community, Sarah has judged awards, served as AQR Vice Chair, and delivered MRS training. As respected conference speaker and thought leader, Sarah continues to push the boundaries of research challenging others to think differently and not always take the easy path.
Register for this session

'Positive Intelligence' by Shirzad Chamine
2026-01-28 12:00 - 12:45
A members-only event
This month’s ICG Book Group will be lead by ICG member Jeff Deighton.
‘Positive Intelligence’ by Shirzad Chamine
Online review: “Positive Intelligence (PQ) measures the percentage of time your mind is serving you as opposed to sabotaging you. While your IQ and EQ (emotional intelligence) contribute to your maximum potential, it is your PQ that determines how much of that potential you actually achieve. Shirzad Chamine reveals how to achieve one’s true potential for both professional success and personal fulfilment.”
Jeff says: “I found some of it very moving and resonant and just following some of the principles & actions at the start of my day instead of immediately jumping on the computer made me feel a happier person with a more balanced perspective I hope it helps a few others just find the odd practical technique for stopping the brain always processing, evaluating and judging. It has lots of practical techniques in there about how to live and work and deal with negativity and conflict.”

Register your place here (if you haven’t read the book, you’re still welcome to join).

The Researcher’s Toolkit: Working Smarter with Gamma AI
2026-02-03 16:00 - 16:45
This Knowledge Share has been sponsored by Indeemo.

Most people have heard about Canva but have you used Gamma yet? If not, Andrew will show you how to create research stimulus, redesign existing reports, create newsletters, webpages, social media visuals and, when you don’t have any content, even create reports from scratch!
This can all be done within Gamma. It’s easy, really quick and you will be surprised how good it looks!
By the end of the session, you will have a good idea of whether Gamma should be in your toolkit.
Andrew Smith
With 30 years of research experience, Andrew blends qualitative depth with quantitative precision to uncover the insights that drive smarter decisions, stronger customer relationships and business growth.
Andrew grew up in the media world, leading centralised insight and data teams and in 2012, he founded Insight Advantage to support both B2C & B2B businesses. Andrew is a joint author, with business owners from a diverse range of sectors, of a book entitled: “Success Secrets For Business Growth.”
In 2025, Andrew founded Padel Insights Network (PIN) bringing together players from across the market research, data and marketing sectors to play padel, network and have fun. To date, events have been held in London, Manchester and Leeds with more sessions planned throughout 2026.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/speak2andrew/
https://insightadvantage.co.uk/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/padel-insights-network-pin/

Register here

Award Finalists 2025 Submissions
2026-02-10 11:00 - 12:00
Come and hear from our 4 Award Finalists from last year about their submissions. Hear more about how they approached their work, the hurdles they overcame, what worked well and less well, and why they chose to enter the Award.
A great opportunity to learn from other consultants and ask them questions. Also an opportunity to find out more about the Award for 2026.
Our Finalists
AWARD WINNER: Wren Insight: Hannah Beech and Judith Terry
Reimagining the Students’ Union: transforming student life through a closeness-led segmentation

Wren Insight partnered with Reading Students’ Union (RSU) to revolutionise how a Students’ Union should operate in 2025 and beyond. Our ethnographic and closeness-led approaches informed and embedded a statistically rigorous and richly human segmentation, with students’ emotional needs at its heart. The research challenged outdated assumptions about student lives and directly shaped a new RSU in strategy, structure and services – including better targeted student provision and refocused commercial planning. This enabled RSU to secure increased University funding and deliver to its purpose of helping all students to live a happy and fulfilled life at University.
https://www.linkedin.com/company/reading-students-union/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-beech-9bb60752/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jude-terry-b68b6914/
Highly Commended: Open Questions: Joe Bonnell and Rachel Lewis:
XLH UK Patient Stories – How ethnographic research led to life-changing results for people living with XLH

This research was conducted by independent researchers Joe Bonnell and Rachel Lewis. It was commissioned by XLH UK, a charity that supports people living with X-Linked Hypophosphatemia (XLH), a rare genetic condition.
Our client had two research objectives:

Generate better awareness and understanding of XLH
Provide evidence to NICE / NHS England as they were appraising a game-changing new drug, Burosumab, to receive funding for use in adults with XLH on the NHS

This was a creative, sensitive and collaborative research project that combined excellence in the use of qualitative interviews and the innovative use of visual ethnography and co-production. Our work had major impacts for our charity client, XLH UK, and the people it supports. Our research contributed to a “life-changing” new drug being approved for funding on the NHS for use in adults living with XLH. Our key analytical theme, “navigating uncertainty”, became central to our client’s strategic vision, shaping the way they frame and oﬀer support, and guiding their communications. Our work also had a significant impact on our participants — feeling confident and empowered to share their personal stories publicly for the first time. This project highlights the impact that a small, specialist team of experienced, independent researchers, dedicated to working equitably and flexibly with our participants and our client, can achieve.
All outputs from the project are public domain, and you are welcome to view them here and here.
Joe Bonnell | LinkedIn Rachel Lewis | LinkedIn
Deep Blue Thinking: Nick Bonney:
Putting the Art Back into Artificial Intelligence

This submission was about harnessing the power of AI alongside rather than instead of sound qualitative research techniques. By using AI-driven sentiment analysis we were able to create structure around a large volume of customer feedback forms and open up the kind of modelling to our SME client (a regional security company) that previously would have been out of reach for a business of this size. However, we would not have got the same results if we’d simply been ‘slaves to the algorithm’ . By combining the machine learning with qualitative techniques such as call listening, spending days with engineers and customer depth interviews, we were able to develop a much more nuanced approach. Perhaps more importantly, we harnessed the power of face to face workshops to ensure we got buy into the results both from senior management and from team leaders. This has enabled the prioritisation of six key customer experience workstreams, each designed to address to a key underlying churn driver.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickbonney/
SMPL Research: Poppy Reece, Sean Marks, Maura O’Malley
Real voices informing real change for women’s safety

SMPL Research evaluated two women’s safety initiatives for MOPAC and TfL – an impact evaluation of the Women’s Night Safety Charter, and process evaluation of a safety audit programme led by members of the community trained as researchers. We used traditional research methods alongside creative digital ethnography to amplify lived experience. Our insights helped shape improvements to future safety audits and informed strategies to embed inclusive, community-led approaches to make London safer for women and gender-diverse people.
https://www.linkedin.com/company/smplresearch
Register for this webinar here

Transform historical research data into compelling new stories
2026-02-25 13:00 - 13:30
In this session hosted by QuestionPro’s Senior Account Manger Oku Egho, you’ll learn how to add multiple surveys onto their intuitive data visualisation and charting platform, Business Intelligence. If you’re struggling with limited funds, why not utilise existing survey data and create engaging new infographics, splicing data to produce narratives that will cut-through to give your customers that competitive edge.
What you’ll learn

Create interactive Data Vis to help showcase data and tell engaging stories
Build dashboards from multiple surveys in minutes not hours
Utilise smart widgets and fully customisable dashboards to build baseline reports representative of your brand
Take advantage of our exclusive 20% discount for ICG members

Our Speaker – Oku Egho
Senior Account Manager, QuestionPro
A dynamic, accomplished customer-centric Account Manager who’s spent the past 5 years at QuestionPro helping researchers, independent consultants and enterprise clients excel in understanding their markets, making better informed decisions whilst addressing complex insight projects.

Register for this session here
Online Survey Software and Tools | QuestionPro
(5) Oku Egho | LinkedIn

When the sh*t hits the fan - helping you with business continuity planning
2026-02-26 11:00
Join us for this frank, no-holds-barred, non-recorded, ICG-member only discussion.
We’ve probably all been there – or will be at some point. You experience a cyber attack, you’re suddenly diagnosed with ill-health or an accident, you go through a disaster like a flood, or a break-in or a fire…
The list goes on.
As business-owners juggling it all, all of this can be terrifying. So terrifying that it can feel insurmountable to plan for these things and know when to turn when they strike.
Now is your chance to do something pro-active. Join us to hear about what fellow ICG members have gone through – and how they came out the other side – and find out more about how the ICG can help.
This should be an enlightening session – don’t miss out. It won’t be recorded so that we can all share our experiences freely.
Special thanks to those ICG members who’ll be kicking the discussion off;
Kath Rhodes – Qual Street

Kath will be talking about how she fell foul of a phishing attack – with clients getting fake emails from her as a consequence…

Claire Salkeld – Hummingbird Insights

Claire will be be talking about how cyber attackers can try to gain access to bank accounts without you even realising, and what you can do to protect yourself.

Danny Sheahan, Delve Research

Danny will talk about his experience of receiving a cancer diagnosis while running a small research business, and what it taught him about preparedness, client relationships, and building business continuity.

Register your place here

Using AI for Discussion Guides
2026-03-03 16:00 - 16:45
This Knowledge Share will be presented by ICG member Jay Zaltzman and is sponsored by Indeemo.

A lot has been said about using AI for qualitative analysis and report-writing, but what about using AI to prepare for qualitative research? In this Knowledge Share, Jay Zaltzman will share how he used ChatGPT to help design the methodology and write a discussion guide for a sample research project. You may have heard the expression that the first focus group is “like the first pancake” – it rarely comes out quite right and you frequently end up tweaking the discussion guide afterward. AI may be able to help figure out in advance which questions might “fall flat” and how to rewrite them.
Jay Zaltzman
Jay Zaltzman is based in Palm Springs, California, USA. He is a frequent presenter at research conferences and a past president of the QRCA. He writes an email newsletter called Research Tidbits – short, digestible tidbits about the world of marketing and market research, available here: https://bureauwest.com/subscribe . And more information about Jay is available here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayzaltzman/

Register for this session here

Win More Projects With AI-Moderated Qual - And Get Paid For It
2026-03-11 13:00 - 13:30
This is a Lunch&Learn session with Tellet

In this session, Greg Burke from Tellet will show you exactly how AI-moderated qualitative research works in practice – from designing a discussion guide to analysing hundreds of in-depth conversations at once. You’ll see a live demo of the Tellet platform, hear how independent researchers and agencies are already using it to win new business, and learn how you can start including it in your own proposals.
He’ll also walk through our new referral scheme for ICG members.
About Tellet
Tellet is an AI-moderated qualitative research platform used by agencies, consultancies, and independent researchers worldwide. It lets you run hundreds of in-depth, conversational interviews simultaneously – giving you qualitative depth at quantitative scale, without needing a large team. For independents and small firms, that means you can take on bigger briefs, deliver faster, and offer something genuinely differentiated.
Greg Burke

Greg Burke is the CEO and co-founder of Tellet. Based in Amsterdam, he has spent the last three years building Tellet into a platform used by some of the world’s leading research agencies and brands, including Kantar, NielsenIQ, Vodafone, and KPMG. Greg is passionate about giving independent researchers access to the same tools the big agencies use.
The referral scheme
Tellet are introducing a referral arrangement for ICG members, valid throughout 2026. If you introduce a new client to Tellet and they go on to complete a qualifying project (minimum 100 participants), we’ll pay you a referral fee of €500 for the first project. For every subsequent qualifying project that client runs on Tellet during 2026, you’ll earn €250. There’s no ongoing commitment – just a straightforward way to earn from recommending a tool you already know works.

Register for this session here

Northern Connection
2026-03-19 16:00 - 18:00 | Adelphi (Tap Room), 1-3 Hunslet Road,, Leeds, LS10 1JQ
This event has been generously sponsored by Face Facts – Getting Research Done.

Come and join us!
When: Thurs 19 March, 4-6pm and drinks afterwards
Where: The Adelphi (Tap Room), Hunslet Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS10 1JQ.
Why: It will be fun and you know you should
The ICG is holding an event to bring researchers based in the North (and hey the Midlands are the North, right?) and we want you there to make it go with a bang!
What to expect:

Learn about the ICG and what our members can do to support research agencies and client-side businesses and other indies
Celebrate and elevate all our amazing businesses in the North – we lead the way on quality and innovation in the North, let’s pat each other on the back
Meet each other and make firmer connections, drink free beer and eat free nibbles…

Register your free place here

Bonus event: if you are unable to make the 19th or just want another opportunity to network, why not join the research community at Padel Insights Network (PIN) on 18th March?
No previous experience is required, everything is provided, so do not worry if you have not played padel before. It’s all about getting together, doing something different and having some fun.
More info and tickets here

AI State of the Nation (with a focus on Synthetic Data)
2026-03-24 12:00 - 13:30
This webinar is generously sponsored by Qualzy

Come and join us at this ICG-member only panel discussion which will cover;

The results of the second wave of the ICG-member survey about AI (including responses to the questions about Synthetic Data)
Synthetic Data – what is it and industry perspectives about it
Synthetic Data user experiences, covering qual and quant….
Discussion and next steps for us all as Indies.

With special thanks to our speakers:
Mike Brown
Mike brings the experience gained from large agency technology and data to smaller research businesses and brands. From automation, improvement of research processes and methods often now using MR specific AI tools as well as the broader industry LLMs, Mike’s company, Green Bird Consultants, can help you survive and thrive.

Karen Cooper
Karen runs Living Brands, an insight and brand consultancy. Her passion and expertise is qual and her business partner offers quant. In this session she’ll be talking about the findings she gained after replicating a human qual study with synthetic personas.

Aakanksha Haran
Aakanksha runs Smart Move Ventures, a UK data and research consultancy specialising in quant and qual methodologies, with a significant part of her business currently run via AI tools. She has run two waves of the ICG AI monitor survey, the results of which will be shared. She will also be presenting a case study on synthetic data usage in a quantitative setting for a syndicated study.

Tom Woodnutt
Tom is the founder of Feeling Mutual, a strategic qualitative research consultancy. He is co-leading the ICG AI survey initiative and will both contribute to and chair this discussion.

Register for this session here
(note the unusual start time for this webinar plus it’s slightly longer duration)

Small But Mighty - Large Scale Reporting With Lean Resources
2026-03-25 15:00 - 15:30
In this case study Lunch&Learn, ICG Member Paul Carney of ClearCut Insights shares how he used automation – transforming what is traditionally a time-intensive reporting challenge into a streamlined, repeatable process with standout results.
For smaller companies and independent market researchers who are juggling delivery, analysis and client expectations, reporting often becomes the biggest bottleneck.
In this session, you’ll discover how automation can fundamentally supercharge the way PowerPoint and Google Slides reports are created – moving from arduous, manual slide building, to faster, more consistent, insight-led outputs, generated directly from original data sources.
Automation is not just about saving hours (though you absolutely will). It is about:

Eliminating manual errors and last-minute fixes
Reusing templates easily across markets, waves and data cuts/segments
Freeing up time for interpretation, recommendations and more analysis/insights
Delivering polished, scalable outputs in a fraction of the time without needing a larger team

If reporting is eating into your time, this session is for you.
We would love to have you join us.
Speakers:
Benjamin Rietti, CEO, E-Tabs
Benjamin Rietti is the CEO of E-Tabs. His innovative approach has seen the company provide reporting services and solutions to the MR industry for over 30 years. With over two decades of industry knowledge, Benjamin is a talented entrepreneur who recognises the integral role technology plays in market research. A doting family man, he enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren and has a passion for skiing.
https://www.e-tabs.com/ linkedin.com/in/benjaminrietti
Paul Carney, Owner, ClearCut Insights
Paul has over 25 years of experience in designing, running and deploying multi-country segmentations into some of the world’s largest organisations. He has run Research International’s Marketing Science Centre, was Managing Director of Bonamy Finch, and most recently, was a board member of STRAT7, and a Partner in their Advisory team. Paul set up ClearCut in 2024 to work more closely with client teams on building and embedding strategic segmentations.
https://theicg.co.uk/member/paulclearcut-insights-com/
About E-Tabs:
E-Tabs has been providing award-winning, leading data visualization and reporting solutions to the market research industry for over 30 years. We help businesses all over the globe boost their productivity and engagement by making the process of producing their reports and visualizations quick, simple and cost effective.
E-Tabs – Global Report Automation Leaders

Register your place here

The AI Growth Engine for Small Market Research Agencies - how to use AI to better market, sell, and engage with clients
2026-04-07 16:00 - 16:45
Join ICG member Paul Griffiths for this valuable Knowledge Share. This Knowledge Share has been generously sponsored by EXPLNERS.

Paul will offer practical and immediately actionable ways to start using AI to save time and do more consistent and effective marketing, sales, and client engagement.
Specifically designed for freelancers and small market research agencies.
Paul Griffiths
Paul Griffiths is the founder of Client Advocates. He helps leaders of Market Research and Insight Agencies grow revenues through proven strategies. He also supports Heads of Insight to increase their influence and budgets by creating impactful commercial plans.
With 25 years’ experience growing research agencies and working with client-side insight teams, Paul understands the challenges of delivering great work while driving commercial value. He’s worked both agency and client side, commissioning and selling research, managing commercial relationships, and advising leaders across the UK and internationally.
If you’re looking to grow your insight agency/ micro-business or respond to changing market conditions, Paul brings practical strategies that work.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulneilgriffiths/
Website: https://clientadvocates.co.uk/
Podcast: https://apple.co/4qnK2Pv
Register for this session here

Focus groups without the friction (experience a live online focus group from both sides of the room)
2026-04-15 13:00 - 13:30
Experience a live online focus group from both sides of the room.
High Tech Development (HTD) is running a Lunch and Learn session as an online focus group within their flagship qual platform, HT Meet. HT Meet is not a meeting platform alternative. It is a qual research environment designed for insight teams who require simplicity, reliability and strong data protection.
You may join in this Lunch&Learn demo in one of two ways:

As a participant: Take part from the respondent’s view. 10 spots available. (No incentives or food, just good conversation 🙂 REGISTER AS A PARTICIPANT HERE (note we will email you the login a few days before)
As a client observer: Watch the group as clients do, interact privately through chat, submit questions to the moderator, and join a live debrief at the end. REGISTER AS AN OBSERVER HERE (note we will email you the login a few days before)

What we’ll explore:

What slows online focus groups down and how to remove that friction
How the observer backroom should feel when it’s built for research, not meetings
Managing privacy, translation and compliance without disrupting flow
What moderators really need in-session (and what they don’t)
How remote, mobile and facility research can connect in one ecosystem
Mobile UX
Breakout rooms, Lobby and Tech rooms

What sets HT Meet apart:

Purpose-built for qual: Designed for focus groups, IDIs, and client observation – not business meetings
True researcher backroom: Separate observer audio, private chat, timestamped markers and instant multilingual playback
Privacy & compliance by design: Automatic PII-redacted transcripts, GDPR/TCPA-ready workflows and IP watermarking
Global, multilingual research:Native multi-audio channels with live language switching for observers.
Zero friction:100% browser-based – no downloads, logins or IT hurdles
Unified ecosystem: Seamless integration with HT Mobile (UX & ethnography) and HT Facility (in-facility qual)
White-glove tech support: Sessions run end-to-end so moderators can focus on the conversation

About High Tech Development
High Tech Development has been building secure, purpose-built video streaming technology for qualitative research since 2015.
Our flagship platform, HighTech Suite™, supports in-person and online focus groups, IDIs, ethnography, UX studies, and global streaming, all built on a foundation of security, speed, and simplicity.
Our tools are designed specifically for Qual research workflows and offer advanced capabilities such as secure observer backrooms, real-time translation and multilingual audio channels, instant one-click participant access, blur and watermarking for IP protection, encrypted data transfer, and robust access controls.
HighTech Suite™ brings together purpose-built products that support qualitative research wherever insight is created:

HT Meet: Remote live focus groups and IDIs with instant access, secure client viewing, real-time translation, built-in research tools, and immediate recordings.
HT Mobile: Global mobile streaming and fieldwork capture that enables teams to stream from anywhere in the world to anywhere.
HT Facility: High-quality in-facility and hybrid streaming with multi-camera support, multilingual audio, and a secure observer backroom.
HT Ethno: Mobile ethnography and in-the-wild capture including video diaries, in-home sessions, picture-in-picture, online UX recording, and multi-device streaming with real-time translation.
HT Insights: AI-powered analysis with automated clip generation, summaries, and smart tagging.

Built to Wall Street-grade compliance standards (GDPR, SSAE 18, SSAE 23, TCPA), HighTech Suite™ delivers seamless streaming, multilingual collaboration, and AI-driven analysis for research teams worldwide, so teams can focus on insight, not logistics.
“When facility streaming failed in Germany, HT Mobile delivered a secure backup in minutes, streamed from a phone and saved the project” ICG memberJeff Deighton @ Insight-Engineers
Speaker: Tom Meyritz – Global Partnerships Director
Tom has been working on the commercial side of Insight for over 20 years, and has worked client side, agency side and supplier side. An enviable black book of end client contacts has helped agency partners win business with the likes of Diageo, Amazon, Coca-Cola – so if you need introducing to a new prospect that’s where Tom fits in.

Speaker: Andrei Sarbu – Founder & CEO of HighTech Development
Creator of HighTech Suite™ – the privacy-first platform for qualitative research.

Speaker: Belma Lugic – Engagement Consultant | Client Relationships, Communication & Growth
With many years of experience across client engagement, employee engagement and business development in the market research industry, Belma brings a practical, relationship-led approach that helps businesses build trust, loyalty and clear, consistent positioning.

Speaker: Vlad Climase-Catrava – Senior Client Success & Product Specialist
Vlad assists research teams and moderators with conducting seamless online and in-person studies that are both secure and engaging. He supports every aspect, from onboarding and moderator training to resolving any unforeseen issues during sessions.

REGISTER AS A PARTICIPANT HERE
REGISTER AS AN OBSERVER HERE
High Tech Development

The Human Advantage in a Digital World - How to navigate the tension between convenience and connection
2026-04-16 11:00 - 12:00
This webinar has been generously sponsored by Babble Research, Research, Meeting and Training Facility in Solihull Birmingham

In a world which is increasingly digitised, and in an industry in which digital and agentic services abound, it’s hard to remember the power that in-person, real-life, human interactions can bring at every stage of the research journey.
This webinar will act as this reminder.
We welcome representatives from two industry initiatives, ‘Power of Presence’ and ‘The Fieldwork Collaboration Group’ to talk about their work, after which we will open up the discussion for your thoughts.
Specifically, you will leave the webinar with;

A greater understanding of what these industry initiatives are doing – and how we can all benefit
An understanding of the sorts of arguments that you can present to clients who resist the human advantage
An appreciation of the power of industry collaboration (rather than competition)
A sense of hope about the future of the Insight sector.

Power of Presence
As research becomes increasingly digital and AI-supported, the industry is asking an important question: what role does human presence still play in insight? Drawing on findings from the Power of Presence (POP) industry survey, this session explores why connection remains central to understanding people. Rather than positioning technology and human interaction in opposition, POP highlights the importance of balance. In a screen-mediated world, the ability to connect, observe and engage meaningfully may be one of the most valuable and undervalued skills in modern research.
The Fieldwork Collaboration Group
The Field Collaboration Group (FCG) was formed in early 2025 by Richard Bryan, Managing Director at Qa Research and Kathy Tomlin, Managing Director at QRS Market Research. It is a collective of market and social research agencies’ across the UK that offer or use face-to-face research as a key service offering. The aim is to grow the volume of interviewers, particularly in low coverage areas across the country.
Since the Covid-19 Pandemic the volume of face-to-face interviewers and recruiters has declined significantly, with many at the time deciding to retire or find other forms of employment. Some parts of the country have a very low volume if any interviewers at all, which affects our industry’s ability to fully meet client demands for this methodology when required.
The face-to-face research method is critical to accessing parts of the population that are harder to reach via online research methods. It is able to target very specific local geographies and therefore fulfil survey quotas that other methods struggle to achieve.
The main goal of the FCG collective is to boost face-to-face interviewer numbers by 100-200 into the market and social research industry over the next couple of years.
Interest in the group is continually growing with 16 companies actively involved.
In March 2026 the FCG are running a pilot training session with prospective interviewers in Greater Manchester following a recruitment process in the region and working collectively to produce training materials.
Following the pilot agencies across the FCG will share and discuss lessons learnt and agree improvements that could be made to the process. They will then select another region in the UK to deliver a recruitment and training session, focusing on a locality that has low interviewer coverage but continued high demand for this methodology.
During the webinar Richard and Kathy will share more about the FCG and its aspirations and how others can get involved.
Our Speakers:
Cara Allan
Cara is a Director at Plus Four Market Research (and The Qualitative Lab, London SW19) with over 20 years of international qual and quant expertise. She is known for her quick grasp of complex issues and cutting through the noise to achieve clear, human-centred insight. Cara energises projects with creative thinking, combining methodologies to produce tailored approaches across sectors. She brings audience motivations to life and delivers sharp, actionable findings that inspire confident decisions and drive meaningful change. With an awareness of the need for an evidence base, Plus4 have supported the POP campaign delivering a pro bono industry survey.
Richard Bryan
Richard is Managing Director of Qa Research a full service social and market research agency operating in a range of sectors including transport, education, utilities, health and social care, agriculture, environment, and tourism. Qa offers a wide range of online and offline qual and quant research services. A key part of Qa’s offer includes face-to-face surveying, often as part of multi-mode projects or as the only method on a project. Richard worked with Kathy Tomlin as a joint founder of the Field Collaboration Group (FCG) to bring the industry together to help boost the volume of interviewers in low coverage areas of the country. Richard chairs monthly online meetings with the FCG and provides advice on strategy. He also chaired a smaller group of FCG members to focus on developing the process and materials for training new interviewers.
Sam Grey
Sam is Managing Director of i-view London and has worked in market research for over 24 years. Beginning her career in recruitment and fieldwork operations, she has supported both qualitative and quantitative research across a wide range of sectors. Sam now leads one of the UK’s most awarded viewing facilities and is the founder of the Power of Presence (POP) campaign, a collaborative initiative bringing together UK viewing facilities to champion the value of face-to-face research. Her work is grounded in the belief that insight is created through human connection, and that as research evolves, empathy, interpretation and presence remain central to its impact.
Kathy Tomlin
Kathy is Managing Director of QRS Market Research with over 30 years’ experience in the industry. As a fieldwork specialist, Kathy initially started as a telephone interviewer and mystery shopper before her career spanned into all methodologies and areas of the business. Operationally, it has been impossible to ignore the sharp decline in UK based interviewers following the Covid pandemic and its resulting impact on fieldwork coverage, quality, and cost — issues Kathy believes are critical to the long-term sustainability of face-to-face research. As a joint founder of the Field Collaboration Group (FCG), Kathy is responsible for overseeing the group’s operations and co-ordinating its first recruitment pilot in March ‘26. Boosting interviewer numbers and maintaining a quality field force is imperative for safeguarding the long-term survival and future of face-to-face interviewing in an evolving research landscape.

Register for this session here

The ICG's Annual Quiz Night
2026-04-16 18:00 - 21:30 | Anomalous Space, 36 Pentonville Road, London, N19HF, United Kingdom
We’d love you to join us! Come individually (we’ll allocate you a team), or as a team (of 5).*
Special thanks to;

Our Quiz Masters Deanne and Marc Gold, iPoint Research
Our main sponsors, Teneo Translations, Qualzy and The Qualitative Lab.
First drinks sponsor, QuestionPro.

Tickets here

SPECIAL OFFER: *COME AS A TEAM OF 5 (JUST LET US KNOW HERE) AND WE’LL GIVE YOU A FREE BOTTLE OF WINE FOR YOUR TABLE.

BOOK GROUP: Will Storr’s ‘A Story is a Deal’
2026-04-22 12:00 - 12:45
The ICG’s Book Group is designed to give members a flavour of a range of books that other members value and encourage others to read and discuss them.
Each session will be led by an ICG member who’ll talk briefly about the content of the book they’ve chosen, why they chose it, and how they interpret and feel about it.
We’ll then open the session up to others to contribute their own thoughts. You don’t have to have read the book being discussed to attend the session, but we encourage as many of you as possible to do so.

This session will be led by Judith Rose (Explners) and will be about ‘A Story is a Deal: How to use the science of story to motivate and persuade’ by Will Storr.

Register here

AI for Depth, Not Just Speed: A Platform Built by Researchers, for Researchers
2026-05-01 13:00 - 13:30
Join us for this Pitch Perfect* with Alok Jain, founder of DoReveal, and also now an ICG member.
About DoReveal

Built by researchers, for researchers, DoReveal is an AI-assisted qualitative research platform designed with a craft-first mindset. It supports researchers in developing accurate, nuanced, and in-depth insights, rather than simply accelerating output. The platform reflects real research workflows, helping teams move from raw data to clear, well-structured, and evidence-based findings.
DoReveal is used by over 100 researchers, including independent practitioners, boutique agencies, and organisations such as Snap, Amazon, and Kantar. As one customer put it:
“It makes us more thorough. It makes us better and more competent.”
What You’ll Learn
This session will provide a practical walkthrough of the DoReveal platform, illustrating how qualitative researchers can move from raw interview data through structured analysis to report-ready outputs.

From interviews to insight
How to go from interview recordings to synthesized findings and report-ready outputs.
AI that supports depth, not shortcuts
Using AI to enhance critical thinking, not bypass it—keeping the researcher in control of interpretation.
Working with research frameworks
Applying structured analysis approaches to achieve rigor, clarity, and depth in qualitative work.
Researcher-first workflows
How DoReveal aligns with how qualitative research is actually conducted, rather than forcing rigid processes.
Transparent, project-based pricing
A practical look at affordability for small teams, with simple and predictable pricing.

Alok Jain

Alok Jain is a research professional with over 30 years’ experience and the Founder and CEO of DoReveal, an AI-powered synthesis platform designed specifically for qualitative researchers.
Prior to founding DoReveal, he led research, strategy, and design initiatives at organisations including the World Bank, BNP Paribas, Carfax, Capital One, and Centene Corporation.
Alok Jain | LinkedIn
Alok Jain, Author at The ICG
DoReveal – Transforming Research with AI-Powered Insights

Register for this session here
* Pitch Perfect is the new name for our Lunch&Learn programme

AI in 2026 – What's The Wider Insight Industry Saying About It?
2026-05-05 16:30 - 17:15
This Knowledge Share is presented by ICG member Diana Hilty-Vance and is generously sponsored by Liveminds

In this Knowledge Share, Diana Hilty Vance will feedback on what she heard at the Qual360 Berlin Conference this year, which focused primarily on AI and Qual.

Specifically, she’ll talk about;

Who is doing what with AI in qualitative research?
What is AI Slop and why is it problematic?
What people really think of the tools and services available.

REGISTER HERE
KNOWLEDGE SHARES ARE FOR ICG MEMBERS ONLY

Collecting Qual in a Quant Environment
2026-05-13 13:00 - 13:30
Do you struggle to capture deep, qualitative insights within surveys that are primarily limited to quantitative, closed-ended questions?

Join Senior Account Manger Oku Egho and discover how to collect real-time video feedback in your research through QuestionPro’s VideoAI solution.
AI-driven emotion and sentiment analysis provides you with the flexibility to generate comprehensive reports and create snapshot views for instant insights.
Specifically, this session will show you how to gain;
● Authentic insights: capture ‘the why’ through tone, facial expressions, and natural language
● Unified workflow: add qualitative depth without switching tools or platforms
● Compelling Storytelling: share human stories and video clips that resonate with stakeholders more than charts alone
Register here

Getting Representation Right In Qual and Quant
2026-05-14 11:00 - 12:00
Join us for this panel discussion about the impact that getting a properly representative sample can mean for the effectiveness of your research, and how to go about persuading clients of the importance of this.
We welcome Daniel Singham (Yonder Data Solutions) and Kate Dale (This Girl Can) to share their experiences, alongside ICG member Annabelle Phillips, who’ll give her experiences from a qualitative perspective.
We will then open up for a discussion about the challenges we face in this and where to go/what you can use to help navigate this.
This will be a discussion rooted in real case studies and shared experiences.
Daniel Singham

Daniel Singham is Commercial Director at Yonder Data Solutions and a member of the MRS Main Board, with more than 20 years’ experience across commercial and operational roles in market research. He also chairs the MRS Representation in Research Committee, where he champions inclusion, representation and better reflection of diverse audiences across the industry.
Kate Dale

After starting life as a journalist, Kate evolved into a campaign and digital specialist. She’s currently leading This Girl Can – Sport England’s award-winning, disruptive campaign to get more women more active. She’s a strategic communicator with extensive experience in producing integrated behaviour change and marketing campaigns. Kate is also a confident and inspiring public speaker, experienced writer and analytical campaign and content strategist. Outside work, she’s a stand-up comedian and co-owner of The Queer Comedy Club and Milli Productions.
Annabelle Phillips
Annabelle is the founder of AP Research, specialising in getting beyond the obvious, finding the insights that make effective solutions that make the difference.
She combines social and market research approaches – using creative research solutions often with the seldom heard.
She was previously ICG committee member responsible for Diversity & Inclusion, sits on the MRS EDI Board and its Social Equity Group.

Register for this session here

Not another Gen Z brief: Exploring the Older Adult Opportunity in Asia
2026-05-19 09:00 - 10:00
Developed Asian markets share a defining reality: rapidly ageing societies. Yet most brands persist in chasing youth, overlooking those with longer lives, deeper pockets, and rising cultural influence.
To shed light on this huge opportunity, join fellow ICG members Drago Djourov and Scott Percival to hear key insights from their proprietary research — “The New Contract”.
Their qual-quant study focused on the experiences of 50+ adults in Singapore and Japan through the lens of retirement. They’re also building on the learnings via a series of expert interviews from across Asia on their podcast – Potluck.
This session will unpack the key dimensions that define the older adult experience in Asia — and reveal how brands can authentically engage this audience. With implications for any ageing market – and a challenge to help your clients see what they’ve been missing.

Scott Percival

Scott is the founder of Lore Consulting, based in Singapore. Lore focuses on learning what brands must know about people, cultures and categories to help drive decisions, inspire ideas and be part of the story. We work with selected local partners and associate researchers across Asia to deliver qualitative projects – with specialisms in brand, communications and UX research.

Drago Djourov
Drago left post-Communist Bulgaria to go to university in post-bubble Japan, make a stop in post-reunification HK, and then start an insights agency in post-LKY Singapore. Now, with a network of partners, he conducts research across Asia for London-based MNCs, Chinese startups or New York ad agencies. Most of his work is in travel, tourism and hospitality, but has experience across categories.

Potluck
Born in 2019, Potluck is the podcast that stirs up a unique flavour of people, culture and brands in Asia. As co-hosts, Drago and Scott speak with guests from across the brand, marketing and academic spheres. In 2025, we’ve rebooted the show – using it as extension of our thought leadership collaboration, beginning with The New Contract.

Register for this session here
