About MRS

Research, insight and analytics stand at the heart of all well-informed commercial, social and political decisions. Insight into what makes a product, business initiative or government policy work is often the hidden – yet defining – factor between success and failure. It is our sector that provides the deeper intelligence needed for our world today.

Here is a definition of market and social research from the MRS Code of Conduct.

"Research is the collection, use, or analysis of information about individuals or organisations intended to establish facts, acquire knowledge or reach conclusions. It uses techniques of the applied social, behavioural and data sciences, statistical principles and theory, to generate insights and support decision-making by providers of goods and services, governments, non-profit organisations and the general public."

What we do

The Market Research Society (MRS) is the UK professional body for research, insight and analytics. We recognise 5,000 individual members and over 500 accredited Company Partners in over 50 countries who are committed to delivering outstanding insight. As the regulator, we promote the highest professional standards throughout the sector via the MRS Code of Conduct.

MRS supports the sector with specialist training and qualifications, professional membership, company accreditation, cutting-edge conferences, glittering awards and advice on best practice.

• Professional development – Through qualifications, CPD, mentoring, skills mapping and specialist training, we upskill individuals and organisations within the sector.
• Thought leadership – We publish the award-winning Impact magazine, provide 40 e-books and free webinars, as well as the scholarly International Journal of Market Research (IJMR). We also run the research sector's own think tank MRS Delphi Group which publishes white papers on burning issues such as privacy, data integration and prediction.
• Awards – MRS hosts the sector’s key awards including the Excellence Awards, the Operations Awards and MRS Awards for outstanding individuals and organisations.
• Events – Our comprehensive events programme including specialist conferences, the Annual Conference, Speaker Evenings, regional and specialist events plus a Roadshow.

The changing sector

Our sector is growing and changing. 73,000 professionals now work in research and insight with the UK sector worth £4.8 billion, an increase of £2 billion since 2012. Analytics alone has grown 350% in four years. A new set of skills are increasing required to work within insight including storytelling, commercial acumen and agile thinking. These were the findings of a joint MRS/PwC report 'The Business of Evidence 2016'.

What MRS does for the sector

MRS consults with business and government leaders to ensure that research stays at the forefront of commercial and political agendas. We work on your behalf to ensure the sector stays relevant and recognised.

• The MRS Code of Conduct – Adherences to the MRS Code, as a regulator practitioner or supplier, is a pre-requisite for many key commercial tenders and government rosters.
• Procurement best practice – We consult with business and government on best practice procurement for research.
• Regulatory exemptions – We liaise with telephone regulators and suppliers to ensure that Company Partners are clearly differentiated from other telephone activities, such as direct marketing, and exempt from regulatory requirements.
• Market insight – We provide the MRS League Tables, MRS Annual Survey and the MRS Quarterly Trends Analysis to reveal the key market and industry trends.
• Freephone verification service – We provide a Freephone service where everyone can check the validity of research suppliers through our online register or via 0800 9759596.

What else we provide

MRS also provides a host of support services and initiatives to ensure professionals and organisations stay connected, relevant and able to generate business.

• Research Jobfinder – the specialist jobs board for the insight sector, Research Jobfinder features over 700 positions.
• Research Live – the definitive daily news site for the sector also featuring in-depth articles from Impact magazine.
• Research Buyers Guide (RBG) – Used by client researchers and procurement professionals, RBG is the only source of accredited research suppliers in the UK and Ireland.
• Fair Data – Fair Data is a recognised data compliance mark that enables consumers to make educated choices about their personal data.
• Research for Small Businesses– Tips and case studies for how SMEs can use research to grow their business.