New Chairman and New Thinking for the Market Research Industry’s Independent Consultants Group

September 15 2005 (London) — The Independent Consultants Group (ICG) announced yesterday at their AGM that Tim Williams has taken over the role of Chairman, replacing Steven Bairfelt.

Williams’ main goal for his Chairmanship will be to build the offering of the ICG to appeal more to business users. “ The ICG offers buyers of market research an ideal gateway to access a pool of talented, highly-skilled and experienced independent market researchers”, says Williams. “ Our new outward-focused marketing and PR strategy will communicate how the benefits of using an independent consultant can make a bottom line difference to market research buyers, in terms of flexibility and quality services. ” Williams, a specialist in consumer goods, services a range of FMCG multinationals through his own consultancy. Williams is also a member of ESOMAR, MRS and AQR.

Williams plans to expand the professional services and training opportunities for ICG members. “ The ICG has for years been offering professional advancement workshops and networking forums to its members, which have always been very popular. We’re going to enrich our programme to ensure that our members keep up-to-date with industry innovations and hear from market leaders, many of whom are members themselves. ”

Outgoing Chairman Steven Bairfelt was in the role for over five years, having built the ICG from its infancy to over 200 members. Now focused on building his own market research company, Bairfelt stated “ Working with my colleagues at the ICG has been a terrific experience and over the years I came to appreciate the wealth of experience and expertise among ICG members. ”

In a recent survey of members, results which were presented at the AGM, the ICG found that membership represents a much wider array of expertise areas than in previous years. The survey showed that the average ICG member has been independent for nine years and, 30% of members have 30 years or more experience in the market research industry. The survey also showed that 62% of clients commission ICG members to implement a variety of niche and ad hoc market research, both qualitative and quantitative. Designing and advising on research programmes, including project management and consultancy, accounts for 24% of members’ commissioned work.

Williams also mentioned at the AGM that the ICG will be participating in the upcoming Insight Exhibition at Earl’s Court from October 25-26, 2005. ICG has secured one of the largest exhibition stands at the Insight show, spanning 52.5 sq meters. As well, two ICG members will be presenting papers at the Insight conference – Lucie Wernicke will be presenting on ethics and Peter Hutton will be speaking on brand energy.

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.