Phoenix MRC offers the same high levels of service and attention to detail to all our clients. We recognise that servicing SMEs requires particular understanding of the resources available to them and their unique combinations of servicing needs. Some case studies of our SME work are shown below. We are proud to say that our principle, Dr Susan Owen is a Registered National Business Link Consultant. This means that not only has she – and the Phoenix MRC procedures – passed the annual rigours of National Business Link quality assurance procedures, but also that grants may be available through your local Business Link to support the costs of research we provide to you. Part of our service is to assist you in the pursuit of these supporting grants.
Keep reading for some examples of work we’ve done with SMEs. • Niche Market Diversification Opportunity • A niche market manufacturer grew rapidly based on its reputation for high quality and excellent service. They spotted an opportunity to capitalize on their excellent distribution network by diversifying into a new product area. – With support from a Business Link diversification grant, Phoenix MRC helped test the diversification – The work required sensitive handling. Not only did the client company need to protect its anonymity but the customer group are particularly sensitive about revealing information to third parties – Phoenix MRC carried out depth interviews amongst current customers and overcame their guardedness by winning respondents’ confidence – We found out aspects of service and product customers would want in the new offering and tested the fit of the client company’s current image with that of supplying the new product – Based on the research, the client company was able to assess how to proceed with the new diversification. • Viability Test for Revolutionary New Product • A small new product development consultancy has a revolutionary product concept developed to the early prototype stage but they needed a major sector backer to bring the product to market. – They came to Phoenix MRC to obtain demonstrably objective assessment of likely consumer response to the product – Focus groups were needed initially but with unusual requirements to enable the product to be demonstrated in situ. Phoenix MRC found a straightforward way to meet these unusual requirements – Research established clear product viability but, unexpectedly identified that the product concept yields two potentially separate product streams – Following presentation of results to a potential industry backer, funding for further development to bring the product closer to market has been agreed. • University of Gloucestershire • Universities have been urged to increase revenue outside the mainstream teaching services. The University of Gloucestershire needed to gain an understanding of the requirements of local businesses and organizations to enable it to sell the expertise of the University academics to them. – Phoenix MRC used 15 minute quantitative telephone interviews to carry out a survey amongst businesses and organizations within a radius of the University – The survey provided an understanding of current awareness and perceptions of the University amongst its potential customers – It showed what local businesses perceived as the University’s strengths and weaknesses and its capabilities – Equally important, we found the areas in which businesses felt they might have needs the University could fulfill both currently and over the next 5 years. |
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