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: Lesbian, gay & bisexual communities experiences of learning
This innovative project involved local lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) communities in community-based research to assess the learning opportunities for LGB people in Derbyshire. Through the European Social Fund project, over 130 LGB individuals were interviewed during the primary research including depth interviews and focus groups. The project explored the learning opportunities and support services open to and/or accessed by LGB individuals. The community research methodology involved members of the community as researchers, providing them with training and support. Our project culminated in a high profile dissemination event where the community researchers presented their findings, and the two reports (an evaluation report and a research report) helped inform the LSC's action plan for diversity and equality.
sajda.khan@ecotec.com
+44 121 616 3600
Other projects in this Portfolio