The Research Chamber helps businesses make better decisions and unlock growth by understanding markets, customers and competitors.
We are research experts - so you don't have to be. We help businesses make better decisions and unlock growth.
Research is something we've got decades of experience doing. In the last five years we’ve helped around 50 companies gain a competitive advantage by understanding their customers, markets and competitors.
We understand business. Rooted in Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh Chambers of Commerce, we’re directly connected to thousands of Scottish businesses. We know and understand what drives business better than any external agency can. We know what’s important to you and how to help you get there.
From SMEs serving niche regional markets to multinational corporations in the global energy sector, we provide tailored, cost-effective solutions to help you understand the problem you face and the right questions to ask. You don’t have to be a Chamber member, we’re here for everyone.
Our independent team are all registered with the Market Research Society. The Research Chamber uses the Insight Wheel, a transparent, five-stage process that ensures every project drives action.
Some research companies are limited in how they work with external organisations. As part of the Chamber network, not only is the Research Chamber already connected to a wide range of partner agencies and happy to connect with others, it means we can also offer the full scope of services, from fieldwork, customer research and staff engagement surveys to market or sector insights, economic impact studies and much more.
Our methodology
Research doesn't need to be daunting. We use a simple, transparent, five stage process that ensures every project drives action.
Step 1 – Agree the brief by identifying what you want to achieve
Step 2 - Clarify the evidence and data sources. Who do you want to talk to, about what and what are the best ways of reaching them?
Step 3 - Analysing the data from the sources, laying out the facts, the conclusions and recommendations
Step 4 - Telling the story from the analysis. Who needs to know, how and when?
Step 5: Taking the action you want to drive within your business
See what we can do for you
Customer research
Identify, measure and track the key drivers that influence your customers' behaviour.
Customer relationship, customer service and customer loyalty research can all make a big difference to your bottom line and we help companies to measure and track key performance measures.
In addition, we help to identify and understand the key drivers that influence satisfaction.
We deliver research that helps you understand how your customers view your business, including:
- Brand and product awareness
- Share of wallet
- Strategic market segmentations
- Usage and attitude surveys
- Buying behaviour
- Supplier relationships
- Tracking performance and service standards
- Customer gap analysis
In particular, we help businesses to:
- Work out product/service use, attitudes and behaviours
- Identify fundamental needs and motivations and establish how well the product/service offer is aligned
- Investigate the decision-making process – the triggers, drivers and barriers across multiple stakeholder groups
- Focus targeting by providing commercially strategic and value-led customer and market segmentation models
- Provide insightful, practical recommendations on how to maximise sales and maintain client retention among key priority segments
Our research has been used to inform growth strategies and understand growth prospects. Importantly it is also used to understand where key relationships need to be maintained to retain market share.
"We have commissioned the Research Chamber twice and have been delighted with the service and output. Most importantly the research has provided real insight which we have used at a practical level to make improvements to our business and influence stakeholders." - Aberdeen Football Club
Staff engagement
Discover how to increase efficiency and improve business results by motivating your workforce.
There is a proven link between employee satisfaction, engagement and customer satisfaction with supported and motivated employees providing a better service to your customers, increased efficiency and improved business results.
Employee engagement studies explore factors that motivate employees to go the extra mile and give them a vested interest in their organisation’s success.
Whereas employee satisfaction looks at drivers like pay and job security, employee engagement looks into professional development, personal accomplishment, the work/life balance and ability to influence the company’s direction.
Our staff engagement surveys will provide you with both detailed analysis and high-level information which managers can use to help create an engaged workforce and will provide an understanding of:
- Employee needs
- Actions supporting improved engagement
- Actions supporting employee retention
- Developing and encouraging engagement to achieve high levels of customer service
We can provide as much support as you need following your survey, whether delivering feedback presentations to employee groups, facilitating action planning workshops, or helping managers to tackle the key issues identified in their areas.
By using the research, you can benefit from improved productivity and performance.
Find out more about the Research Chamber's staff satisfaction & engagement survey.
Understand the finer details with our downloadable booklet
The staff survey process was very good. Excellent customer service. I absolutely loved how easy it was to view the survey results. Can't wait to use the Research Chamber again next year for our staff survey. - Mairi Martin, Director of HR, Learning and Development, Cornerstone
Economic impact analysis
Insight can help to inform your priorities, develop your case to investors and measure how well your initiatives perform.
Our team has a proven track record in undertaking robust assessments of the socio-economic impacts of organisations, projects, events and assets including visitor attractions, commercial or residential developments and other investments.
We offer a comprehensive and flexible package of economic analysis and research support across a range of service areas:
- Appraising and evaluating cultural, tourism, sports and leisure projects
- Strategic and business planning
- Community development projects
- Area regeneration plans and projects
- Initiatives to develop business competitiveness
- Project and programme evaluation
- Economic impact of business sectors, standalone interventions or business activities
Sector research
Perspective is everything. You don't do business in a vacuum.
You’re competing in a multifaceted environment incorporating technology, supply chains, skilled workers, accounting standards, competitors, and a diverse range of regulators.
Our industry-focused sector reports are designed to anticipate and address your business needs.
Want to find out what we can do for you?
Our friendly team are just a click away - start the conversation and see how we can help your company take the next step.
