As we approach the end of 2020, Mark and I have taken a moment to review the year and thought we would share our reflections of the past 12 months in the wonderful world of ampersand research!
2020 got off to a cracking start and, looking back, we recall a couple of months where in person high fives and fist bumps were a common occurrence at & HQ!
We were bathing in the glory of being Highly Commended for our submission for the AQR Qualitative Excellence Award 2019.
We were delivering fantastic presentations including one to a university on a large-scale brand awareness and perceptions study across multiple stakeholder audiences.
We were receiving record numbers of enquiries and briefs.
We were on a high!
Then everything changed. The world turned upside down, inside out and round & round, and we mean EVERYTHING changed.
The goals and plans we had in place for ampersand research were put on hold and our definition of what success looked like for the business completely redefined.
To be honest it has been a hard and challenging year and admit the prospect of writing this end of year blog didn’t fill us with the usual joy we get from sharing our highlights of the year! It was tempting just to write off the year - put 2020 in our rear-view mirror and move on. However, upon reflection, we recognise that we have an awful lot to be thankful for, including…
&...being able to do what we love most – research!
We were fortunate to have projects commissioned over the past 12 months and it never ceases to amaze us the breadth and range of projects we get to work on. From optical solutions to air purifiers to carbon offsetting products we have provided insights into some fascinating sectors. On reflection, working on projects was such an important way of maintaining a sense of normality and focus, especially during the early period of lockdown.
&…imparting our knowledge and experience of research!
As ambassadors of market research, 2020 saw us continuing to champion the sector. Over the past 12 months we have mentored local students, provided free advice to start-ups and advised small businesses on how to conduct research internally. We also stepped completely out of our comfort zone and delivered an online seminar to a group of 6th Form students!
&…maintaining a connection with the market research industry and wider business community
We have always been active when it came to attending events and we are so grateful to all the organisations, companies, associations and individuals who have enabled us to say connected over the past 12 months. Not only have you provided learning opportunities, but you have also been the facilitator of new friendships, allowed us to catch up with old acquaintances, giving us new learnings & skills, and kept us up to date with industry.
&…seeing more of our close families!
This year saw us spending a lot more time with our families as we balanced working from home with home schooling and family commitments. Whilst this was challenging at times, it is a period of time we are very thankful for and look back on fondly (thanks also go to Joe Wicks and Maddie Moate!)
Before we sign off, we would like to thank all of our clients, suppliers, partners, friends and family for your continued support this year.
So, goodbye 2020. You have certainly been a challenging year and one we will never forget…and hello 2021!
Sarah & Mark
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