Katherine Thomas-Wilson

Our bright city centre  research and UX studios are designed to be welcoming and professional. We were MRS Oppies finalists in the Best Viewing Studio category in 2018.   We work closely with our clients throughout the booking process to ensure we deliver above and beyond, taking pride in the detail and enjoy finding solutions to any challenges that researchers experience once they are in the field. We have a background in research ourselves so appreciate the kinds of things that can crop up.

We offer the following services as standard:

Free parking in our own car park after 5pm

High Definition recording to MP4 and MP3 plus DVD, all available to take away immediately or send electronically.

NEW:  Our unique Magic Marker device allows moderators to mark important points during recording, reducing the time required when editing video clips into presentations

Usability testing – we have all the kit you need to capture picture in picture interviews on mobile devices and pc with full technical support on hand at all times.

Copious free snacks, chocolate, fresh fruit, home-baking and hot drinks.

Stationery – thought through to include the usual paper, pens and flip charts to sticky dots, post it notes and pritt sticks

A range of catering options to suit all diets, budgets and tastes – from set meals to delivery service

Colour printing – A4 and A3

Superfast broadband, free wifi

Hotel recommendations within walking distance of the studio

A goody bag for the moderator at the close of the session

A free light meal for the moderator, just to keep them going

All the latest  AV equipment from LCD TVs

Friendly, fully trained staff who are always happy to help

Participants from across Greater Manchester (work through us or we can recommend field teams locally)

Incentives organised and ready for researchers when funds are sent electronically in advance (there is a small service charge) – so no need to carry lots of cash.

Three studios with lots of natural light,  viewed via one-way mirrors

Observation rooms accommodating up to 15+ observers

Streaming via FocusVision, Stream Team and Go to Meeting

Sourcing of stimulus materials as and when required

We specialise in providing:

Viewing Facilities for market research

User testing facilities for web and mobile testing

Participant recruitment from across Greater Manchester

I spent the greater part of my career working for McCann Erickson, as a Board Account Director and Planner.  Prior to that I worked in other advertising agencies.

My advertising career centred around account management and planning for internationally coordinated brands such as Esso, CocaCola and UPS.  This is where I met my business partner, who is a researcher.  She and I agreed Manchester needed a fabulous viewing facility that could compete with those that we had been to outside of the region.

The Talking Shop is the result.  We have been operating since 2004 and go from strength to strength.  We quickly added Manchester participant recruitment to our service and now have a loyal client list that includes major research agencies and government departments.