We're really pleased to have been included in Nottingham Creative Quarter's Business Showcase. The article is copied below:
Firstly, for people that don’t know much about it, what do ampersand research do? What area do you specialise in?
ampersand research is an independent market research agency based in Nottingham, jointly owned and managed by Mark Lasbury & Sarah Jones.
We have vast experience of working with businesses, large and small, across numerous sectors within the East Midlands, UK and globally. Using both qualitative and quantitative market research techniques to understand the views and behaviours of customers, we work with clients to enable them to make informed business decisions.
Where did the idea for the business come from and how long have you been around for?
We created ampersand research 18 months ago with the simple aim of providing considered research delivered with a fantastic customer experience.
Can you tell us a little bit more about your background before ampersand research? How did you get to this point?
Prior to starting the business, we had a thorough understanding of the industry having worked in research for over 15 years. Having worked together in research agencies for the majority of that time we knew that our combined skills would work well in setting up our own business.
What lessons have you learnt from your businesses journey so far? And what would be your advice to anyone starting out or looking to get into business?
At the outset we spent time developing the values of ampersand research. These were then translated into a practical set of guidelines for both clients in terms of how we would work with them and for us internally in terms of how we would operate. This has been invaluable in guiding the business and assisting in making some rather tough decisions.
Our top tip to anyone starting out is spend time identifying what is at the core of your business – what do you stand for, how will you work, what differentiates you and what is your aim. ampersand research has just been named as a finalist in the Best New Agency category by the world’s leading authority for the research, insight, marketing science and data analytics sector, which shows that this approach can work
Have you heard of the Creative Quarter in Nottingham? And if so what do you think of it?
Of course! As we are based at Antenna we walk past the head office every day! It is fantastic that new business start-ups and existing businesses in Nottingham have access to this project. Their support and advice they provide is a valuable resource and we are fortunate to have been able to take advantage of this.
What would you like to see happen in Nottingham to help the economy grow?
The economy in Nottingham is growing! You can see that from the recent influx of national high street names establishing themselves in the city. However, ensuring there is a good mix of businesses is key to the economy growing. Independent operators are crucial in providing Nottingham with a unique identity that helps set it apart from other cities. Hockley recently being named one of the top 5 High Streets in the country shows that Nottingham is making good progress.
Finally, what are your ambitions for ampersand research? Where you like the company to be in five years for example, if everything went to plan?
We would love to have offices in the centre of Nottingham. Staying within the heart of the city is definitely a priority for us – there is a definite buzz around the creative industries at the moment and remaining to be part of that is important to us. However, 5 years seems like a long way off at the moment!