Markets
Food:
Akadine has been instrumental in raising industry awareness of Food
Handling and Safety requirements in food research. We contributed
to the design and development of "Safety in Food and Drink
Product Testing" - a best Practice Reference Manual sponsored
by the BMRA and SCI.
All our researchers and field executives hold
the Foundation Certificate in Food Hygiene and all food hall tests
and group discussions are carried out to the highest standards.
We take our responsibilities to the consumer and client seriously.
Retail:
We have considerable experience in retail; not only fashion, home
wares, electrical, toys and groceries, but also betting shops, car
showrooms and restaurants, pubs and service stations.
Whichever market we're in we know the value
of researching in context. On-site, in-home, in-store, wherever
the product or service is experienced is the place to research.
The insight gained from observed as well as reported behaviour in
the context of the environment and the staff interaction allows
a true understanding of consumer behaviour.
Personal Products and Services:
The methods and techniques associated with researching consumer
goods easily transfer to more personal services; what is needed
to make this research successful is an empathetic understanding
of how people feel and to provide them with the means to express
themselves. Research on weight loss, medical products and the needs
of consumers of health care services all require a sensitive but
no-nonsense approach.
Automotive:
Our expertise in the automotive market has covered a wide range
of projects and research areas: car clinics to refine and develop
design of whole models, seating, specification levels; qualitative
to develop and evaluate advertising; discussion groups with the
independent motor trade to refine parts supply and associated services
- all for major players in the commercial and consumer market.
Children:
Researching the Under 12s is always a rewarding experience; they
understand and can articulate just as well as adults - they just
need the right environment. Research must be task orientated and
stimulus material must be visual, tactile and varied. Projects have
included the development of catalogues, advertising of food products,
new food product development and the understanding and effect of
advertising in general.
Third Age:
Third Agers are keen and active respondents and very conscientious
in their contribution. Ageing minds are full of valuable experience
and have a vital perspective on a different set of needs and wants;
ageing bodies need time and patience to enable these experiences
and opinions to be given. Research in this market has varied from
Funeral Services to Car purchase and advertising and Financial Services.
New Product Development:
A major area for Akadine. We have worked on a very wide range of
new product and service development; from early stages looking for
gaps in the market and establishing the needs and wants of consumers
through to concept development and ultimate product testing. Occasionally,
our work is on existing products which need to be revisited to maximise
benefits, restructure the approach to market and give life to an
ailing product.
Advertising:
For most of our clients we have researched all aspects of advertising:
TV commercials, posters/press, direct mail, etc. We use qualitative
and quantitative methods to suit the need. For one of our major
clients we have devised a comprehensive advertising development
programme which involves various qualitative stages followed by
a series of Ad Clinics to refine advertising scenarios among a wider
sample.
Business to Business:
Insights can be gained from research at various levels in the value
chain. Treating your business partners as consumers who have needs
and wants leads to a better understanding of the reciprocal relationship.
Projects with staff who provide customer services or who are involved
with incentive schemes can identify weaknesses and often uncover
hidden agendas which prevent the practical fulfilment of company
objectives. Projects with the contributing players in a complex
distribution chain can identify areas for improvement of customer
services both on an operational and communication front. Direct
contact with client and service provider via an independent researcher
often leads to unexpected responses.
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