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Research Services

Research Services helps organisations understand their competitors, markets and emerging risks. We support clients throughout the intelligence process, from defining the questions that matter to applying the findings to strategy.

We combine rigorous online and open-source research, human-source interviewing and AI-assisted methods with proven analytical frameworks. Projects range from focused competitor enquiries to market assessments, scenario planning and war-game simulations—giving you the evidence and insight needed to make confident decisions.

Our research helps you:

  • Understand competitor plans, strategies and capabilities

  • Identify threats, opportunities and blind spots

  • Benchmark competitors, products and services

  • Evaluate potential acquisitions and partnerships

  • Understand how markets and industries are changing

See Case Examples of our Research in Action

Research & Monitoring

Typewriter with a sheet of paper reading "Research"

Custom Research

In-depth competitive and market intelligence addressing specific questions about a competitor, market or industry. (See case studies for examples)

Win/Loss Analysis

Understanding why business is won or lost, what customers value and which issues may be affecting performance.

Trade Show and Conference Intelligence

Gathering intelligence at industry events, including competitor developments, product launches, emerging trends and market sentiment.

Visitors at a busy trade show exhibition

Company Profiles

Concise or detailed profiles of competitors, customers, suppliers and potential partners, tailored to your decision-making needs.

Competitor Monitoring and Industry Tracking

Ongoing monitoring of competitor actions, strategic changes, new products, organisational developments and wider market trends.

Competitor, Product and Service Benchmarking

Comparing competitors, products or services across factors such as features, pricing, quality, customer perceptions and overall value.

Sketched page layouts and planning notes in a notebook

Strategic and Transaction Support

Due Diligence Research

Identifying potential risks through open-source research, market enquiries and interviews, providing independent evidence about prospective partners, suppliers or acquisitions.

Scenario Planning

Exploring how markets could evolve, identifying critical uncertainties and preparing for alternative future environments.

Read more about scenario planning

Scenario Planning enables organisations to look at the factors impacting their business and its environment. These are used to construct pictures or scenarios of possible and plausible futures, which are then used to prepare and plan for what could happen. Companies using the technique have reported remarkable successes: Shell, for example, predicted the 1970s oil crisis and the changes that took place prior to and immediately after the fall of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s.

helps organisations understand their competitors, markets and emerging risks. We support clients throughout the intelligence process—from defining the questions that matter to applying the findings to strategy.

We combine rigorous online and open-source research, human-source interviewing and AI-assisted methods with proven analytical frameworks. Projects range from focused competitor enquiries to market assessments, scenario planning and war-game simulations—giving you the evidence and insight needed to make confident decisions.

War Games

Facilitated exercises in which participants adopt the roles of competitors and other market players to test strategies, challenge assumptions and anticipate possible responses.

Read more about war games

War Games generally involve a number of teams, with each representing different “players” operating in the industry. Depending on the game's scope and objectives, war games typically last from one to three days with teams role-playing competitors, and sometimes key customers, regulatory bodies, or other organisations.

Because each War Game is unique, its format is determined by the specific circumstances and strategic goals involved. War Gaming requires thorough preparation, including the development of detailed information packs to ensure teams can accurately represent their assigned organisations.

advises on, designs and facilitates War Games tailored to your objectives—whether one-day or multi-day simulations.

Intelligence Capability and Protection

Game pieces grouped into segments, illustrating market and customer segmentation

Setting Up a Competitive Intelligence Function

Guidance in designing and establishing an effective competitive or marketing intelligence capability, including its structure, processes, responsibilities and organisational integration.

Counter-Intelligence Assessment

Assessing potential exposure to information leakage, social engineering and other intelligence risks, working with appropriate specialists where necessary.

What do you need to know?

Every research project starts with a business question. Tell us what you are trying to understand, and we will recommend a focused approach designed around your objectives, market and timescale.

Discuss Your Research Requirements