In an era where data drives almost every major business decision, the ability to interpret and act on consumer insights is a crucial advantage. London, one of the world’s most competitive business environments, is home to some of the most reputable and forward-thinking market research companies.
These agencies play an essential role in helping businesses from startups to multinationals understand market trends, consumer behaviour, and industry landscapes.
This comprehensive guide showcases the top 10 market research firms in London, while also exploring their services, methodologies, industry trends, and pricing structures.
Whether you’re a local entrepreneur or a global brand expanding into the UK, this article will help you navigate the thriving London market research scene.
Why is Choosing the Right Market Research Company in London So Crucial for Business Success?
Understanding Consumer Complexity in London
London is a diverse and dynamic city with a population that spans countless cultures, languages, and socioeconomic backgrounds. This diversity creates both a rich market opportunity and a research challenge. A good market research company brings local expertise to decode this complexity and turn it into actionable strategies.
Strategic Growth Backed by Data
Successful businesses in London often attribute their growth to a data-led approach. A skilled research firm doesn’t just collect information it interprets it, contextualises it, and applies it directly to your brand goals. By choosing the right company, businesses ensure that every marketing move or product development decision is informed by real consumer insight.
What Services Do Top-rated Market Research Firms in London Typically Offer?
Qualitative Research: The “Why” Behind Consumer Choices
Many London-based agencies specialise in qualitative research methods to explore deeper emotional and behavioural drivers. This includes conducting focus groups, in-depth interviews, and ethnographic studies. These methods are particularly valuable in product development, advertising testing, and brand positioning.
Quantitative Research: Backed by Statistics
Quantitative research helps companies measure market size, test hypotheses, and identify patterns at scale. Common approaches include large-scale surveys via online, telephone, or mobile platforms. London agencies often offer this service with real-time dashboards and predictive modelling capabilities.
Brand and Advertising Performance Tracking
Agencies in London frequently support long-term brand health monitoring through custom KPIs and recurring surveys. They also offer tools for ad testing, emotional response tracking, and consumer recall studies.
Digital Experience and UX Testing
As London is a digital-first economy, firms also focus on user experience (UX) research for websites, apps, and digital campaigns. Techniques include eye-tracking, heat mapping, and usability testing all designed to refine the digital consumer journey.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Market Research Company in London?
Local Expertise with Global Standards
London’s market research companies combine deep local knowledge with international best practices. They understand regional buying habits, legislation, and media behaviour making them ideal partners for both UK-based and foreign businesses.
Access to Advanced Technology and Research Tools
Many agencies are equipped with cutting-edge tools like sentiment analysis AI, facial coding, and advanced analytics software. These tools provide faster, deeper, and more accurate insights.
Cost Efficiency and Focused Strategy
Outsourcing to a research company saves internal time and resources. It allows businesses to focus on strategy while the agency manages data collection, analysis, and reporting. Moreover, the insights gained often prevent costly missteps in marketing or product development.
Who Are the Top 10 Market Research Companies in London?
1. Ipsos MORI London – “Turning Data Into Decisions”
Ipsos MORI is a well-established authority in understanding public opinion and behavioural insights. Their London operations play a vital role in delivering socially impactful data that shapes policies and influences national decision-making.
With a strong presence in London, the company supports major clients in government, healthcare, finance, and consumer markets. Known for its high-standard methodologies, Ipsos excels in blending behavioural science and social research to guide impactful decisions. Its reputation is backed by years of trust, innovation, and research transparency.
Focus Area: Insight-Driven Innovation
Ipsos blends traditional surveys with neuroscience and social analytics to unlock real human understanding.
Ideal For: Policy Shaping & Public Trust
Best for government organisations, NGOs, and public service clients seeking social impact.
Pricing: Custom quotes only, based on project size and scope.
- Website: www.ipsos.com/en-uk
- Phone: +44 020 3059 5000
- Address: 3 Thomas More St, London E1W 1YW
Review: ★★★★☆
“Strong attention to detail and rigorous analysis ideal for complex government research.”
2. Kantar London – “Intelligence That Moves Brands”
Kantar is a powerhouse in brand, media, and consumer research, with an influential London branch that serves top FMCG, media, and tech clients.
Their proprietary platforms, such as BrandZ and Kantar Marketplace, give clients quick, reliable access to consumer data. They’re at the cutting edge of connecting consumer insight to brand performance across markets.
Special Expertise: Brand Acceleration
Offers in-depth brand health tracking, ad testing, and competitive benchmarks.
Tailored To: Multinational Brand Expansion
Ideal for large companies scaling across the UK and global markets.
Pricing: Starts at £5,000 for basic tracking projects.
- Website: www.kantar.com
- Phone: +44 (0)207 076 9000
- Address: 30 Stamford St, London SE1 9LQ
Review: ★★★★★
“Their insights changed how we positioned our brand Kantar speaks data like a second language.”
3. Mintel Group Ltd. – “Tomorrow’s Trends, Today”
Mintel is a trusted name in syndicated consumer reports and forward-thinking market forecasting. The London office delivers in-depth sector-specific intelligence across retail, beauty, food & drink, and finance.
Known for accessible, digestible reports, Mintel is widely used by marketing and R&D teams to understand market potential and consumer shifts.
Strength Zone: Trend Intelligence
Their analysts spot tomorrow’s consumer behaviours before they become mainstream.
Optimised For: Internal Strategy & Product Teams
Ideal for teams needing sector-specific consumer intelligence.
Pricing: Reports range from £1,000 to £6,000; subscriptions available.
- Website: www.mintel.com
- Phone: +44 020 7606 4533
- Address: 11 Pilgrim Street, London EC4V 6RN
- Email: info@mintel.com
Review: ★★★★☆
“Their beauty market data helped us nail our product launch timing.”
4. Savanta – “Fast. Flexible. Smart.”
Savanta offers agile and technology-enabled research solutions tailored for modern businesses. The London office covers multiple sectors, including finance, education, and B2C. With tools like BrandVue and SmartSurvey, Savanta delivers actionable insights at scale backed by both qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
Edge Area: Agile Research Delivery
Combines speed and accuracy using digital tools and automation.
Recommended For: Fast-Growth Brands
Perfect for businesses needing quick-turnaround data and reporting.
Pricing: Entry-level brand studies start at £3,000.
- Website: www.savanta.com
- Phone: +44 020 7632 3434
- Address: 60 Great Portland St, London W1W 7RT
Review: ★★★★☆
“Excellent for agile campaign testing. Fast and insightful.”
5. B2B International – “Research That Powers B2B Decisions”
B2B International is a specialist research agency dedicated to the complexities of business-to-business markets. Their London team helps industrial manufacturers, service providers, and tech firms gain clarity in B2B customer behaviour, market segmentation, and decision-making hierarchies.
Niche Focus: Professional Markets & Industries
Uncovers buying motivations in complex B2B sales environments.
Best Suited To: B2B Marketers & Product Developers
Ideal for companies navigating long B2B sales cycles.
Pricing: Custom, average projects range £10,000–£25,000.
- Website: www.b2binternational.com
- Phone: +44 (0)161 440 6000
- Address: 10 Triton St, London NW1 3BF
- Email: info@b2binternational.com
Review: ★★★★★
“In-depth B2B insights helped us reposition our SaaS product for mid-market customers.”
6. Euromonitor International – “Global Market Intelligence, Local Expertise”
Euromonitor is known for powerful global data platforms and custom research projects. Their London office supports companies in forecasting demand, benchmarking performance, and planning market entry strategies. Their strength lies in tracking macro trends and combining them with local insights.
Primary Capability: Global Sector Data
Offers syndicated data on economies, industries, and demographics.
Fits Best With: International Expansion Teams
Ideal for brands expanding into new markets or analysing cross-border trends.
Pricing: Annual subscription starts around £12,000.
- Website: www.euromonitor.com
- Phone: +44 20 7251 8024
- Address: 60–61 Britton Street, London EC1M 5UX
- Email: info@euromonitor.com
Review: ★★★★☆
“Their dashboards made it easy to compare global foodservice trends.”
7. OnePoll – “Quick Polls. Quality Results.”
OnePoll specialises in fast, reactive survey research designed to support media and public relations campaigns. Their London team focuses on delivering engaging, statistically-backed stories that resonate with audiences.
Their London-based team helps brands gather fast consumer data to support press releases, editorial content, and public campaigns. They’re praised for speed and user-friendly results formats.
Core Strength: Media-Friendly Surveys
Specialises in attention-grabbing stats for content marketing.
Great For: PR Agencies & Newsrooms
Perfect for headline-driven consumer insights.
Pricing: Projects start from £1,500
- Website: www.onepoll.com
- Phone: +44
- Address: 21 Farringdon Road, London, EC1M 3HA
- Email: hello@onepoll.com
Review: ★★★★☆
“Quick delivery and easy-to-use results. Great for media coverage.”
8. System1 Group – “Feel More. Buy More.”
System1 applies behavioural science to measure emotional reactions in advertising. Their London division works with creative agencies and large consumer brands, using facial coding, emotion scoring, and neuroscience tools to predict ad effectiveness.
Area of Brilliance: Emotion Testing in Creative
Uses brain science to evaluate advertising before it launches.
Tailored Toward: Creative Teams & Ad Agencies
Best for refining ad concepts and storytelling strategies.
Pricing: Campaign tests from £7,000+
- Website: www.system1group.com
- Phone: +44 020 7043 1000
- Address: 26 Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8BR
- Email: info@system1group.com
Review: ★★★★☆
“Helped us eliminate a weak campaign concept before launch saved budget and impact.”
9. Edelman Data & Intelligence (DxI) – “Data That Builds Trust”
As part of global PR agency Edelman, DxI London blends research with communication strategy. Their integrated team helps brands monitor reputation, respond to crises, and design data-driven narratives that resonate with the public.
Primary Edge: Reputation Analytics
Combines sentiment analysis, digital tracking, and media monitoring.
Geared For: Corporate Comms & Brand Trust
Ideal for brands navigating PR, crisis, or stakeholder engagement.
Pricing: Custom packages based on project and campaign scale.
- Website: www.edelman.com
- Phone: +44 20 3047 2000
- Address: 1 New Oxford St, London WC1A 1NU
- Email: info@edelman.com
Review: ★★★★★
“Their sentiment dashboard helped us spot a reputational issue before it exploded.”
10. Walnut Unlimited – “The Human Understanding Agency”
Walnut blends behavioural science, data analytics, and neuroscience to explore the “why” behind customer actions. Their London team works across public and private sectors, producing award-winning work in education, health, and commercial markets.
Key Specialism: Neuromarketing & Behavioural Insight
Focuses on subconscious decision-making and psychological triggers.
Ideal Users: Policy Makers & Brand Strategists
Perfect for organisations creating behaviour-change or purpose-driven messaging.
Pricing: Starts around £4,000 depending on method and audience.
- Website: www.walnutunlimited.com
- Phone: +44 (0)20 7747 6060
- Address: 7-11 Lexington St, London W1F 9AF
- Email: info@walnutunlimited.com
Review: ★★★★☆
“A fantastic mix of data and behavioural science. Helped craft more persuasive messaging.”
How Do London-based Market Research Firms Carry Out Qualitative and Quantitative Research?
The Process of Qualitative Research
Qualitative research in London often begins with defining the study’s goal such as understanding motivations for purchase or reactions to a new concept. Recruitment is typically handled by agencies who select participants that fit the ideal persona.
Then, moderators conduct interviews or focus groups either in-person or online. Advanced firms use video analysis tools and emotional response tracking to add layers to their findings.
How Quantitative Research is Conducted?
Quantitative research generally starts with survey design and sampling strategy. London agencies employ panels of thousands of respondents segmented by age, gender, income, or profession.
The data is collected digitally and processed through statistical software, offering charts, heatmaps, and predictive forecasts. Some firms also incorporate real-time dashboards for continuous insight monitoring.
What Trends Are Shaping the Future of Market Research in London?
AI-Driven Insight Generation
Machine learning algorithms are increasingly used to identify sentiment, forecast trends, and cluster consumer types. These tools reduce turnaround time and improve predictive power.
Sustainability and Ethical Consumption Studies
As London consumers become more eco-conscious, research agencies are focusing on sustainability metrics, ethical sourcing, and carbon footprint perceptions in product development.
DIY Research Platforms
Agencies are also developing platforms that allow clients to conduct basic surveys internally, while still offering expert support for analysis.
This combined approach offering both expert support and client-facing tools is particularly attractive to lean teams and growing businesses that need flexibility without compromising on insight quality.
Emotional and Neurological Testing
More firms are offering emotional testing through facial coding, biometric tracking, and neuroscience. This is particularly useful in advertising and creative testing, where subconscious reactions matter.
How Much Do Market Research Services Cost in London on Average?
Research pricing in London can vary widely depending on the project type and depth required. Below is a general guide:
| Research Type | Estimated Cost Range | Description |
| Online Surveys | £2,000 – £10,000 | Ideal for large samples and basic product/brand questions |
| Focus Groups (each) | £1,500 – £4,000 | Includes recruitment, location, moderation, and analysis |
| In-depth Interviews (IDI) | £200 – £500 per respondent | Used for senior executives or niche respondents |
| Brand Tracking Studies | £10,000 – £50,000+ annually | Ongoing reporting, benchmarks, and actionable KPIs |
| UX/Usability Testing | £3,000 – £15,000 | Includes lab testing, heat mapping, and feedback analysis |
| Market Segmentation Projects | £5,000 – £30,000 | Defines consumer types and buying personas |
Most firms provide custom quotes depending on sample size, timeframe, and objectives.
Conclusion
Market research is not just a supporting function. it’s a strategic engine powering London’s most innovative and effective businesses. Whether you’re launching a new brand, entering the UK market, or refining an existing offering, a qualified market research company in London can unlock crucial insights that shape success.
With agencies offering everything from emotional testing to real-time analytics, businesses have more tools than ever to understand the complex London market and its consumers.
FAQs About Market Research Companies in London
What sectors do London market research firms typically work with?
They commonly serve retail, finance, healthcare, tech, government, and public services.
Is qualitative research more expensive than quantitative?
Generally yes, because it involves more time, recruitment, and moderation, but it also delivers deeper insights.
Can small businesses in London afford market research services?
Yes, many agencies offer scaled-down packages, online surveys, or DIY research platforms for SMEs.
What is the average timeline for a market research project?
It can range from a few days (for quick polls) to several weeks for full reports or tracking studies.
Do these companies offer international research from London?
Yes, most have access to global panels and teams for conducting multi-country research from their London offices.
How can I verify a market research firm’s credibility?
Look for MRS (Market Research Society) membership, case studies, Google reviews, and industry awards.
Are these agencies GDPR-compliant?
Yes, reputable London market research firms adhere strictly to GDPR and ethical data collection standards.