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Need cost effective market research and insight? Thinking about a DIY survey tool?

10 Dec

To DIY or not to DIY.

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Here are ten questions you need to ask yourself before deciding which option to take:

  • do you do your own research;
  • do you consult with a professional research agency to do your research for you, or;
  • do you do without research / insight and proceed on gut-feel?

10. When did you last sit down and listen to what customers want?

It is widely accepted that the growth of social media and other smart technologies means that traditional processes of customer decision making have changed forever. Your customers have access to information and product/service reviews like never before. Organisations can no longer rely on the traditional means of brand building. Successful, sustainable brands are built more by what they do than what they say. Customer needs and behaviours are continually changing and evolving – faster than ever. Expectations are rising. Organisations need to listen to their customers more regularly and more intently than ever before.

9. Do you have the willing?

Do you have the desire to hear, warts and all, what your customer think? Can you commit to changing and restructuring how you think, operate, behave and communicate based on what you learn?

8. Do you have the time?

Will fresh research and insight make it to the top of your to-do-list, or will something else always take priority? Can you commit the time to doing the research yourself properly, or will compromises be made because of other commitments?

7. Can you design an interview survey with the necessary ‘flow’ and techniques to tease out the golden nuggets?

Questionnaire design is a skill that benefits from an expert’s touch like any other.

6. Can you ask the questions in a dispassionate manner?

Can a business truly deliver its own surveys without an element of bias? Can you probe for a full deep understanding (not ‘take as read’ the top-of-mind response). Will you hear what you want to hear – or stop probing once you think your suppositions have been verified?

5. Do you know how to analyse and interpret research data?

Bias can also come through in terms of how survey results are analysed and interpreted. Data can easily be misread or misinterpreted at face value. Do you have the skills to dig deep, to explore sub-groups and to interrogate data with statistical techniques?

Independent research partners never make assumptions. They never leave a stone unturned. Most can also provide useful benchmarks from similar studies within and across sectors.

4. Do you know who you should be talking to?

One of the pitfalls of companies looking to do their own research is that they will naturally target the ‘lowest hanging fruit’ – the ones they always hear from, the ones they know are more likely to say yes to a survey invitation. An independent agency will help with sample framework design (and, if necessary, sourcing of contacts) so that the research audience is aligned to the organisation’s commercial priorities. Should we be speaking to your loyal customers (retention), your occasional customers (increasing spend), or prospect/competitor customers (acquisition). Should we be targeting any specific segment, behaviour trait, market/region or demographic?

3. Will your customers be honest?

Will the customers you engage with respond differently to YOU asking the questions (versus someone who is independent)? Will they tell you what they think you want to hear?

2. Can you afford not to base your business decisions on insight?

For some, it is about keeping a step ahead. For others, it is about catching up. Whatever the context, market research should be viewed as one of a number of great tools for helping your business maximise opportunities. Though not designed to replace the instincts of the business decision maker, it can complement them.

It is often reassuring to have expert research data available to help support and guide the key decision making. Market research is about as close to an insurance policy as you can get in this day and age – and surely anything that reduces the risk of doing business is worth consideration!

1. Talk to an agency or two.

Independent market research might not be as expensive as what you might think. Online methods mean that the costs associated with reaching customer samples with targeted surveys is on the way down. You would be surprised at what can be achieved, even with a four-figure budget.

For more information and inspiration, read this case study on how start-up company Escentially Smooth recently used targeted insights to inform its launch strategy.

Or give the team at Mustard a call on +44(0)1625 628000.

www.mustard-research.com

Insights from the food & drink online research community

17 Sep

In the summer of 2012, Mustard invited 8 clients from the food and drink sector in the UK to participate in a syndicated online research community. The community ran for 12 weeks. We recruited 100 community members: 80% female, 20% male; with quotas by age; and all household grocery decision makers.

Through the 12 weeks we had:

  • 1800+ votes on polls
  • 1500+ comments on discussion threads
  • 28 member generated discussion topics

Below is a summary of some of the recurring themes:

Insight 1: Shoppers WANT technology – but with BENEFITS

In store technology is perceived as a positive, if it saves time, provides clarification of pricing / promotions and allows the shopper to align their customer experience with their personal requirements of that particular visit / mission. Solutions such as self-service check-outs often receive negative comment – perceived as an initiative to save on labour costs – in the interest of the supermarket (not the customer). They are open to using apps (e.g. product / deal finders) and accessing in-store wifi. Clear demand exists for RFID technology in store.

Insight 2: Consumers still want to TREAT themselves

Despite challenging economic conditions, treats are (and will continue to be) enjoyed by consumers (lunch at Wetherspoons, premium brands, cakes and sweet-treats). Increasingly looking for deals with which to justify the treat – a perceived increase in the breadth and volume of promotional activity is driving accessibility. There are several categories where shoppers now expect to be able to buy a discounted treat – e.g. Premium ice-cream, beer – evidence of stock-piling when preferred treat brands are on promotion.

Insight 3: Evidence of diminishing supermarket loyalty

Broader consideration sets, with community members saying they are using more grocery retailers than ever before.
More thought and consideration going into store and brand selection – resulting in reduced loyalty. Shopping is becoming increasingly strategic – including pre-shop, mid-shop and post-shop strategies. Example evidence: taking ‘risks’ on use-by dates; online price comparisons; saving vouchers / coupons; taking into consideration factors such as travel time / cost; purchasing from ‘reduced’ section; more meal-planning and attempts to reduce food wastage. Increasingly looking at own-label. More use of discounters (e.g. Aldi, Lidl).

Insight 4: A summer of in-home occasions

Challenging economic conditions combined with a summer of celebration, resulted in an increase in the number and proportion of occasions happening in the home. Celebrations were planned for European Championship football, Jubilee and Olympics. Most people were HOPING to have barbecues. But for many, they were planning to do all they can to NOT increase spending – largely planning occasions within the boundaries of their existing budgets.

Insight 5: Healthy is much more than low fat, calories and salt

There is strong evidence from our community that consumers are NOT judging the health qualities of products exclusively on factors such as fat, calories and salt. Moreover, the obvious presence of additives and perceptions of ‘over-processing’ / being ‘artificial’ is the primary unhealthy hot-spot. Beyond this, perceptions of ‘healthy’ differ widely across categories. For example, a cake can be ‘healthy’ if under 300 calories, vegetables are perceived as ‘healthier’ if fresh. Fruit drinks become ‘unhealthy’ when overloaded with sugar (compromising the well known health benefits of 5-a-day). At a micro level, produce which has travelled a shorter distance (especially from within the UK) is perceived as better (more natural, in season). Many still feel slightly aggrieved that it is relatively more expensive to have a healthy, balanced diet.

Insight 6: Shoppers want frequent, smaller, rewards

People want rewards – and although it is not expected, and it is not affecting their initial retailer selection, it IS impacting on their impulse behaviour in the casual dining / cafe / fast food sectors in particular. They do not want wallets / purses overloaded with stamp cards and will often lose ‘collectables’, but love the sense of ‘getting something for free’. Regular, smaller rewards are much more motivating than the remote chance of ‘winning big’. Some perceive bundled promotions as a form of reward – these can be capitalised upon, and made more accessible (for example, the £10 M&S bundle is seen as very ‘couples’ focused – loved by some, seen as alienating by others).

Insight 7: ‘Abnormal’ behaviour becoming ‘norm’

Our community members are finding a range of solutions to counteract the impact of rising food prices.
They are increasingly ‘growing their own’, baking bread and exploring other routes towards greater self-sufficiency.
Many say they are making concerted efforts to reduce their food waste: they are trying to ‘meal plan’ more effectively; they are trying to re-use ingredients and make the most of leftovers. There are a number of anecdotes of parents conducting ‘blind taste-tests’ with family members – to explore whether an own-brand product would stand-up as an acceptable (or preferred) substitute.

Insight 8: Commercially aware consumers

A trend we have witnessed across numerous projects recently – consumers are becoming increasingly commercially aware and ‘marketing savvy’. Throughout the 3 months members commented on F&D and retail stories which made the news. They take note of who is growing, who is diversifying, and who is declining – and draw their own hypotheses around why. For example, one member started their own discussion thread around “Why is Thornton’s struggling whilst Hotel Chocolat appear to be growing?” They love to compare and contrast products and service providers like never before, and tell people about their experiences within online forums and social media. Beyond the ‘customer experience’, they are actively seeking products with less packaging (particularly in fresh categories) and are increasingly aware and concerned of issues such as food miles.

Insight 9: Demand for more (relevant) communication

Many of our community members are happy for preferred brands, retailers – and supermarkets in particular, to contact them with timely and relevant information. Most are happy to receive email – and they will read the ones which they perceive to deliver the most ‘personal value’. For some, this is just a case of ‘spoon-feeding’ key information to make the ease the process of planning their “shopping strategy”. Consumers now accept that retailers have data to understand what they buy and when, and are happy for them to use that data – if it provides them with tailored and useful information. Primarily (and unsurprisingly) they want to hear about promotions. However, they expect it to be relevant (i.e. do not send me an offer on nappies if I don’t have a baby). As mentioned, they are motivated by bundled offers, vouchers / coupons (e.g. petrol discounts) and ‘freebies’. Beyond promotions, they are open to information and advice on ‘how to be more frugal’ – e.g. ideas for re-using leftovers.

Insight 10: Gratitude and differentiation wins

More than ever – customers want to feel valued – particularly when being rational and pragmatic in decision making. Think about how your business can say ‘thank you’ to its customers. Those businesses who innovate and differentiate will win. People still want you to do it BETTER (for them, not for you) – and, whatever you do, ensure it is aligned with your brand.

For more information on the online research communities offered by Mustard, or to request a copy of the report, please contact Jo Iaconianni on +44 (0)1625 628000 or email Jo.Iaconianni@mustard-research.com.

Top 10: Market research tips for small businesses and start-ups

24 Jul

Ahead of Ci Research’s Colin Auton appearing on the Guardian.co.uk expert panel – “How to get started with market research” – we have posted a “top 10” on the ways in which market research and consumer insight can benefit small business and start-ups.

If you fancy logging on to hear some wise words from Colin, the link to the Q&A is below – discussion is live from 1pm to 3pm on Tuesday 24th July 2012.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/small-business-network/2012/jul/20/get-started-in-market-research

10. Consultation with customers helps build stronger relationships. Your customers value being asked their opinion, and the need for brands to forge stronger relationships with their customers is more relevant than ever before.

9. Understand that you have one chance to get it right. Customers are less forgiving than ever before – getting to the heart of what drives trust and loyalty is critical

8. Test before invest. Use market research to test new product ideas, concepts and propositions before committing too much resource to their development

7. Collaborate with consumers to develop new concepts and propositions. Get the prospect customer to help you with the design process.

6. Differentiation wins. Use market research to find and monitor the unique territory which your brand / product occupies in the market place

5. Monitor satisfaction levels –and be hungry for feedback on your products and services – use market research for “warts and all” feedback and learn from mistakes

4. Understand what really drives satisfaction, trust, loyalty and advocacy. Understand not just what customers SAY is important, but find those more elusive buttons to press that will deliver beyond what customers THINK they need

3. Use technology. Online and mobile methods mean that means that quantitative and qualitative market research is as affordable as ever before

2. Use positive research findings for PR and influence. Use survey findings to prove to potential investors or retail / wholesale partners there is demand for your product / service

1. Proactive monitoring, environmental scanning and trend-spotting. Use market research to learn from competitors successes and failures – and observe what is happening in adjacent markets

Our final assertion would be D.I.T. (do it thoroughly) and not D.I.Y.

It is important that the big ‘front end’ decisions are given the necessary time, and not taken on the back of questionable samples and questionable interview techniques. Professional research is an investment and will make a significant difference. Although several “DIY” survey tools exist, our advice would be to always entrust a quality agency to provide the design, delivery and interpretation. Not only for independence and objectivity, or for the specialist skills involved, but for the years of experience of having conducted many such projects before.

Top 10 most trusted industries and sectors

7 Mar

Continuing with the ‘TRUST’ theme, we wanted to better understand which broad industries and sectors consumers thought were the most trustworthy. In February 2012 we presented panellists with a list of 20 industries / sectors and asked them to pick ONE which they thought the most trustworthy.

The list was not necessarily all-encompassing, but it does present some interesting insight. More than 7000 people voted – and here is the top 10:

1. Emergency services (31.1%)

2. Charities (14.1%)

3. Supermarkets (8.8%)

4. Universities (8.1%)

5. Banks / Building Societies (5.9%)

6. Solicitors / Lawyers (5.9%)

7. Airlines (4.3%)

8. Local tradespeople (3.2%)

9. Pharmaceuticals (3.1%)

10. Car manufacturers (2.9%)

 

It is also worth noting some of the sectors that did NOT make the top 10. With 2.8% of the vote, it is interesting to see that relatively few people say they most trust their local council – significantly lower than the likes of supermarkets and banks.

Of the 20 sectors represented most were primarily consumer facing, however, bottom of the pile (we’re afraid to say!) came the marketing companies – with 0.2% share (just 17 votes!). Utility companies (0.5%) and car dealerships (0.5%) fared only marginally better.

To request a full breakdown of the results (and to see how sectors such as estate agents, insurance companies and mobile phone networks rated), please call Jo Iaconianni at Ci Research on +44(0)1625 628000.

Top 10 most trusted trades

24 Feb

Continuing with the TRUST theme, Ci Research and marketresearchexpert.co.uk ran a poll to see who the public perceive the most trustworthy trades people to be.

Over 8,000 people voted in January and February 2012, and here is the top 10:

1. Gardeners (21%)

2. Window cleaners (14%)

3. Carpentry / Joiners (13%)

4. Electricians (12%)

5. Decorators (7%)

6. Heating specialists (6%)

7. Pest controllers (6%)

8. Plumbers (6%)

9. Builders (5%)

10. Tilers (2%)

No place for roofers, plasterers, bricklayers or scaffolders in this top 10 unfortunately!

Top 5 recurring themes from the Ci Nation online research community

20 Feb

 

Ci Research recently delivered a syndicated online community trial for clients in the financial services sector.

The community ran for 12 weeks, and gathered over 2000 contributions from 100 participants.

This was delivered through the new Ci Nation community portal, which included online discussion forums, polls and live online chat with consumers.

Here is a taster of some recurring themes from the online discussions.

1. Increasing frustration surrounding in-branch banking experience
(falling further behind other sectors in terms of standards) – long queues, overly formal, unwelcoming.

“I could go on all day with the issues I have with UK bank branches! I don’t think I have ever had a good experience in-branch. Partly to do with incompetent staff, partly to do with the stuffy nature of the branches themselves” (Male, 17-25)

2. An overriding sense that banks (and to a lesser extent other FS organisations) do not have the customers interests at heart. Perceptions of ‘pushy’ counter-staff trying to up-sell.

“I prefer to do my banking online and only go in-branch when there isn’t an alternative. If I am going in a branch I set myself up in advance for a long wait followed by the multiple questioning at the counter about my other financial products, when I usually only want to pay a cheque in.”(Female, 36-45)

3. Consumers feeling more informed than ever before – savvy and empowered to negotiate deals or preferential rates (across FS products).

“I have used Confused & Go Compare for car insurance, but have never bought through them. I use them to get a base price then call a company directly to get them to beat it. Seems to work 90% of the time. They will match it the other 10%.” (Male, 17-25)

4. That said, a thirst for further financial education was apparent. The need for this is of greater importance amongst young people (according to older consumers and the young people themselves).

“Unfortunately young people, my own children included, cannot see the importance of investing, preferring to focus on the here and now such as socials, holidays etc. I am sure there will be a time when they realise the error of this approach. I just hope that they realise sooner rather than later. Financial planning / education will help. But attitudes with regards to the ‘live today society’ need to change.” (Male ,56-65)

“I’m nearly 22 and I know next to nothing about investments apart from the basics of ISA’s. I have no pension (being that I am a student and can’t afford to pay into one) but from everything I’ve heard I’m not sure a pension plan is the best way to go. I suppose I am investing in my future with my education, but I do really need to learn more about this stuff – especially with the recent issues with pensions.” (Female, 17-25)

5. A demand for more tailored insurance products

“With insurance I sometimes feel they are trying to fit everyone in the same box. They don’t take into consideration that people are individuals. They should provide policies that are matched to people’s lifestyles.”  (Female, 26-35)

If you would like more information on the Ci Nation online community please contact Anthony Shephard or Richard Walker at Ci Research on +44(0)1625 628000 – or send us an email.

anthony.shephard@ci-research.com

richard.walker@ci-research.com

Top 10 Most Trusted Websites in the UK

16 Feb

Top 10 most trustworthy websites

Following on from our special feature on TRUST, published on How-Do.co.uk earlier this week, Ci Research would like to reveal the initial findings from a series of online polls designed to understand which are the UK’s most trusted and least trusted brands and organisations.

Where better to start than online? We were keen to know which websites (either specific brands or genres of sites) had managed to best capture the trust of the general public.

Over 7,000 people voted in this online poll during January and February 2012, and the headlines results show:

  • Google (31%) and Amazon (27%) lead the way, accounting for well over half of the public vote;
  • Such brands considered even more trustworthy than online banking websites (9%);
  • High trust ratings for websites that play heavily on recommendations and user/buyer feedback – e.g. eBay, Trip Advisor, Amazon;
  • Facebook (5%) considered the most trustworthy of the social networks – well ahead of Twitter (1.1%) and LinkedIn (0.4%).

The top 10 most trusted websites (from a given list) were as follows:

1. Google (31.0%)

2. Amazon (27.1%)

3. Online banking websites (8.7%)

4. eBay (5.9%)

5. Facebook (4.6%)

6. Trip Advisor (4.0%)

7. Moneysupermarket (3.0%)

8. Wikipedia (2.7%)

9. Yahoo (2.3%)

10. Online grocery shopping websites (1.5%)

 

Which websites do you trust the most and why? Which don’t you trust and why?

Please add a comment below.

Top 10 Market Research Projects for 2012

20 Jan

The New Year has arrived, along with a new set of challenges for clients across multiple sectors. Insight is integral to understanding what customers want, and how to deliver value for their discretionary spend. In these increasingly competitive and straitened times, here are ten insight projects that should be considered in order to give your business the edge.

1. Use research to generate ideas and solutions

More clients are using open exploratory techniques, including video observation and communities, to identify behaviours, frustrations and opportunities for innovative solutions. Such projects are essential if a business is committed to ensuring its product/service development and innovation is aligned to delivering solutions, not products.

2. Use research to test designs and concepts

Qualitative and quantitative methods can be used to refine and improve designs and concepts, giving them greater chance of success.

3. Use research to monitor your brand alignment

The value of brand alignment is becoming increasingly realised, and more businesses are using techniques such as the Brand Alignment Monitor (BAM™) to measure the extent to which they are aligned to a clear and differentiated vision – across multiple stakeholder groups (customer, prospects, influencers, staff, etc.)

4. Use research to measure customer satisfaction

Maintaining a satisfied client or customer base is a pre-requisite to building and sustaining a successful business. Beyond generating measures of satisfaction, a customer satisfaction survey can generate actionable insight around what service elements have most influencing on driving satisfaction, advocacy and loyalty.

5. Use research to understand the customer journey

Customer needs, attitudes and expectations change as time passes, and more clients understand the importance of monitoring and understand this through quantitative and qualitative research. Such consultation allows us to understand experiences and requirements at key stages of the journey, thus maximising revenue opportunities and minimising the risk of churn.

6. Use research to test your communications

Ensuring your messages are clear, easily understood and on brand.

7. Use research to understand needs and motivations

As incomes are squeezed further in 2012, businesses need to better understand the customer’s end goals and objectives – what are they looking to get from that product, service or experience?

8. Use research to measure usage, behaviour and attitudes

How exactly are customers using your products and services versus competitors? What is the wider context for their usage – what occasions exist and how are these fulfilled? How does usage and behaviour differ across different groups, locations, and through time?

9. Use research to identify priority segments

How does the customer base / wider market segment? What unique and differentiating attitudes, needs, behaviours, motivations and traits exist? Segmentation research allows businesses to understand which discreet groups deliver the greatest value, and which show the greatest opportunity for future growth.

10. Use research to generate competitor intelligence

Research can be used to engage with your business ‘prospects’ to understand their requirements, but also to understand what your competitors do differently in order to shape acquisition strategy. Insights about the competition can allow you to make decisions on all element of your own business – pricing/discounting, product, service, innovation, communication, etc.

For more information on any of these example projects, or to request case studies, please contact Colin Auton or Richard Walker at Ci Research on +44 (0)1625 628000.

Top 10 Sporting Events of 2012

11 Jan

2012 is likely to be a great year for sports fans in Great Britain. Of course there is the Olympics in July – but much more besides! With this in mind, Ci Research wanted to run a poll to see which sporting events people were most looking forward to. Respondents were presented with a list of 20 sporting events and competitions to choose from, and were asked to select one. Over 4,600 people voted, and here is the top 10.

10. Darts – world championships (2%)

With the PDC version of the world championships just completed (won by Adrian “Jackpot” Lewis) and with the BDO version well underway, it seems that darts fans just cannot wait until the next major tournament.

9. Cycling – 2012 Tour de France (4%)

Cycling fans in the UK are undoubtedly excited at the prospect of Mark Cavendish defending his Green Jersey with his new Sky teammates, including Bradley Wiggins who will be making another bid for the coveted “Maillot-Jaune”.

8. Rugby Union – The 6 Nations (4%)

With the World Cup successes and failures of Northern Hemisphere sides still fresh in the memory, many are looking forward to the start of the 2012 6 Nations. The opening round of games on the weekend of 4th February sees Scotland at home to England and Ireland at home to Wales.

7. Football – conclusion of the Premier League (4%)

With little to choose between Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at the top of the table, and with Chelsea and Arsenal pursuing, the climax of the 2011/12 season could be one of the closest yet, and may well see a new name etched onto the trophy.

6. Formula One – the 2012 season (5%)

Formula One maintains a dedicated following. Many will be looking forward to the extended coverage and dedicated channel in 2012 by Sky Sports, and to see whether Sebastien Vettel and Red Bull can continue their dominance.

5. Cricket – England’s summer against West Indies, South Africa and Australia (5%)

Having claimed ‘team of the year’ and ‘coach of the year’ in the recent BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards, many will be looking forward to see how the world’s best test team fare against the competitive South Africans.

4. Tennis – Wimbledon (8%)

Wimbledon remains a key highlight of the sporting calendar – despite the strong summer competition. Will Andy Murray claim his first major victory (if he hasn’t already in Melbourne or Paris). How will the rising stars of the British women’s game fare?

3. Football – the 2012 European Championships (8%)

The 2012 championships will be held in Poland and Ukraine, starting on 8th June. England and Republic of Ireland have qualified, and will start against France and Croatia respectively. Will either of the Italian managers be able to deliver success after 46 ‘years of hurt’. Spain will be strong favourites to defend their crown.

2. The Olympics in London (21%)

One in five of those responding said they are most looking forward to the 2012 Olympic games being held in London. From the opening ceremony on 27th July through to the closing ceremony on 12th August, Great Britain will be hoping to add to the tally of 19 Gold medals from Beijing. Given recent form, there will be high hopes in swimming, cycling, athletics, rowing and boxing in particular.

1. Other (25%)

Surprisingly, the most common response received on this poll was ‘other’. Please let us know which major sporting events and competitions were missing! Should we have listed other motorsport events? The University boat race? Maybe people are most excited about the London Marathon or the Great North Run – particularly if they are the ones competing.

Or maybe it was the default option chosen by those that would say they are not looking forward to ANY sporting events this year!

 

For the record, the full list of events – and responses – was as follows:

20. Rugby Union – Club competitions (e.g. Heineken Cup) (0.3%)

19. Rugby League – Superleague XVII (0.7%)

18.Golf – 2012 Open Championship at Royal Lytham & St Annes (0.7%)

17.Golf – 2012 Ryder Cup (in Illinois) (1.0%)

16.The Paralympics in London (1.5%)

15. Snooker – World Championships (1.5%)

14.Horse racing – the big races (Grand National, Derby, Gold Cup) (1.6%)

13. Football – Champions League (1.9%)

12. Football – FA Cup / Scottish Cup (2.1%)

11. Cricket – England’s winter against Pakistan and Sri Lanka (2.2%)

10.Darts – world championships (2.3%)

9. Cycling – 2012 Tour de France (3.5%)

8. Rugby Union – The 6 Nations (4.1%)

7. Football – conclusion of the Premier League (4.3%)

6. Formula One – the 2012 season (5.1%)

5. Cricket – England’s summer against West Indies, South Africa and Australia (5.3%)

4. Tennis – Wimbledon (7.6%)

3. Football – the 2012 European Championships (7.8%)

2. The Olympics in London (21.2%)

1. Other (25.4%)

What sporting event are you most looking forward to? Let us know in the comments below.

Top 10 News Events of 2011

23 Dec

For a final blog post of a very eventful year, the team at Ci Research wanted to know what people believed would be the most memorable news episodes and incidents of 2011.

We presented a panel of over 1,400 research respondents with a list of 20 events to choose from – here is the top 10:

 

10. The New Zealand earthquake (3.2%)

9. Anti-cuts and tuition fees protests, marches and public sector strikes (3.5%)

8. Libya and the death of Colonel Gaddafi (4.3%)

7. Death of Osama Bin Laden (5.7%)

6. Eurozone crisis (5.9%)

5. August riots (8.6%)

4. UK economic crisis (8.7%)

3. The Egyptian revolution / Arab spring (9.3%)

2. The Japan earthquake and tsunami (12.3%)

1. The Royal Wedding (25.8%)

 

What will you remember 2011 for?

Personally speaking, what sort of a year has it been for you?

Add your comments below, and vote in the poll on the right of the screen to let us know how 2011 compared with previous years from your perspective.

…and finally, have a very merry Christmas and a happy new year. See you in 2012.

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