Research & Surveys
Through research we seek understanding of complex social and economic issues. Whatever the initiative, initial research is fundamental because it ensures you proceed from an informed position.
Sound analysis, and an independent viewpoint, go to the very heart of the services that we provide to our clients. Research is both educational and informative. It provides the rationale for intervention and the confidence to proceed. Sometimes its results are the impetus for re-evaluation of an original hypothesis.
At ECOTEC our approach to research is to suggest the best mixture of tools and techniques to suit the demands of each particular piece of work. We take into account the amount and depth of analysis that our clients require as well as other factors such as previous relevant research, budget and time-constraints.
We have experience in a huge range of research techniques. However, we believe that research is an evolving field so we keep up-to-date with new developments and are always open to trying something new.
Our research services include:
- base-line studies
- economic analysis
- bench-marking
- understanding target groups
- mapping provision of services
- supply and demand analysis
- community research
- website evaluation
- citizen's panels
- surveys
- focus groups and depth interviews
- case study research
ECOTEC Survey is our full-service market-research agency. Established in 2000, we offer a range of research services for both consumer and business research, including:
- Door-to-door interviewing
- Street or 'location' interviews
- Telephone interviewing
- Postal and self-completion surveys
- Hall tests
- Mystery shopping
- Customer panels
- Focus Groups
- In-depth interviews
- On-line surveys
You can use our services directly or as a sub-contractor to your projects. We have a total 'fieldforce' of 600 trained survey workers, including interviewers from black and minority ethnic groups, also providing additional language capabilities.
Our specialist topic areas include: housing; regeneration and renewal; transport; employment, skills and training; leisure and entertainment; service provision and satisfaction surveys; local government reorganisation, communication and corporate priorities; baseline and evaluation studies.
For more information on our Research & Survey work in your policy or practice area, visit our themes pages or contact Karl Held.
Service Portfolio: Evaluating the development of national planning policy in Wales
Working on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government, ECOTEC carried out an evaluation of the processes used to develop national land use planning policy, including minerals policy, in Wales. The study focused on how policy is developed and presented. The evaluation involved a mixture of desk based work and extensive consultations with organisations from all sectors of the planning community, and wider, across Wales. The input from these organisations has been extremely valuable by bringing differing perspectives and experiences from the wider planning community. ECOTEC were also pleased to work with an esteemed panel of experts - Patsy Healy, Cliff Hague, and Christabel Myers - who advised on practice in other areas to inform the recommendations.
A key finding of the evaluation was that the framework used in Wales is effective and there should be no wholesale change. A number of recommendations where the process can be enhanced have been made. The evaluation findings and recommendations are now being considered by the Welsh Assembly Government, with a view to amending the process. The findings are also being shared with the other national planning administrations of the UK.
chris.ralph@ecotec.com
+44 121 616 3600
Other projects in this Portfolio
