ICG Shopper/Retail/Packaging Insights Meet-Up
2025-12-05 10:00 - 12:00 (Europe/London)
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
James Endersby – Panel Chair, Opinium and Chair of the MRS
James Endersby (FMRS), is CEO of insights agency Opinium, based in New York, London, Amsterdam and Cape Town, Founder of Significant Insights and the Global 30 Under 30, and Chair of the MRS.

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

ICG Member Virtual Speed Networking
2026-01-21 13:00 - 14:30
We are excited to bring you another ICG Member Speed Networking session, hosted by the virtual conferencing/meeting platform, Events.com.
This is your opportunity to meet others in small groups/one to one, for short periods of time.
We’d encourage you all to treat this as a fun way to get to know others, rather than being a direct sales pitch.
Register your place here
(Note – there are a number of ways to register. If you click on ‘magic link’ with your email address, it’ll send a link to your inbox from which you can register. Alternatively, you can register using the other platforms they list there).

'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

The ICG's Annual Quiz Night
2026-02-05 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 6).
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

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
