Andrew Smith Appointed ICG Chairman
15 October 2007 (London) —The Independent Consultants Group (ICG) announced at their recent AGM that Andrew Smith has taken over the role of Chairman, replacing Tim Williams who has held the position for two years. Andrew established his own consultancy (Andrew Smith Research) 3 years ago and has served on the ICG committee for most of that time.
“I am delighted to have been appointed by my colleagues on the ICG Committee. We have exciting plans to increase the stature of the ICG, so that clients realise the full potential of working with experienced consultants, and our members have an even better support network”, said Andrew.
Andrew presented the AGM with his vision for his new role as Chairman. Plans for the year ahead include the imminent re-launch of the ICG website, www.indepconsultants.co.uk, to make it more interactive for clients who need to find a consultant and to streamline membership activities online. New communication and information initiatives are also planned to enhance contact between the 300+ members.
The ICG is planning to add revenue streams, such as supplier advertising on the new website. “The new web site, including supplier advertising, should prove both a useful member resource, and provide revenues for additional marketing and administrative back up activities” commented Andrew.
Outgoing Chairman, Tim Williams of Blue Chip Research & Consultancy described how the ICG has flourished since it became independent of the MRS five years ago.
“The ICG has grown very healthily over the past two years, and now has over 300 members. Most are very experienced in their fields and are being recognised not only by their strong client base but also as important players in the market research industry. Independents have presented papers and sessions at all the major market research events this year, such as ESOMAR, MRS and Insight, and make regular contributions to industry journals as experts in their fields. It's been an exciting time for the ICG and I'm sure that Andrew and the team are well placed to take its success to the next level.”
Newly appointed committee members also include Anumita Sharma, the third eye MARKETING INTELLIGENCE.RESEARCH UK, (PR and external communications), Penny Edwards of Pentacon (Membership) and Hazel Fletcher (Finance).
The ICG will again be participating in the upcoming Insight Exhibition at Earl's Court from November 20-21, 2007, and will be holding a free market research consultancy clinic at the International Direct Marketing Fair from 29 April-1 May, 2008 in London.
About the Independent Consultants Group (ICG)
The Independent Consultants Group (ICG) is a professional organisation of over 300 independent market researchers and small consultancies, primarily based in the United Kingdom. Independent consultants and the website www.indepconsultants.co.uk offer clients and agencies an ideal gateway to access a pool of skilled and experienced independent consultants. Buyers of market research benefit from the flexibility of commissioning independent researchers as well as the high quality standards and experience of ICG members.
Information for Journalists and Editors
The ICG has a number of experts who can be contacted for interviews or opinions on a variety of market research topics such as
- Advertising
- B2B
- Children's attitudes and brands
- Consumer, including FMCG, drinks, retail
- Customer Service and relationship
- Ethnic and community-based research
- Financial
- media planning
- over 50s age groups
- pharmaceutical
- IT/telecoms and retail
Digital imagery and photos are also available.
