Market research is—or should be—an important part of every company's business strategy. That's why, before moving forward with the manufacture or sale of a new product or service, it's best to consistently carry out either general or area-specific research based on the size and scope of your intended market. In fact, your European market research itself can guide you in determining the size and scope of the market you can realistically expect for your product or service—a factor critical to the development of any new or ongoing business plan.

Market research companies in Europe can help you better understand your local market. You'll find a number of European market intelligence firms, in various locations, which can help your local business quickly and easily find the crucial data you need to effectively market whatever your company is selling. Market research companies in Europe can help you determine your company's potential share of the market, in your locale or elsewhere, through your choice of either online or in-person versions of the following vehicles:

1. Focus Groups;

2. Surveys;

3. Panels;

4. Studies;

5. Interviews; and

6. Data Collection.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Check out a few individual European market research firms to get an idea of what they have to offer

By investigating several market research firms in your own region, you'll get a better idea of not only the services that market research companies in general provide, but also the specific focus of each of the local companies with which you'd likely deal. Each of these firms has valuable experience with market research in Europe.

I recommend: In Europe, market research firms include AC Nielsen BASES (with offices in numerous European countries), DeskResearch Nederland (a Dutch firm), Veraart Research (serving all European countries), Experience Solutions (a UK-based firm) and Intelace (a firm serving Poland and Eastern Europe). These European market research firms offer a number of different strategies for addressing your company's Europe-based market research needs.

Look for market research providers that do your research online for greater speed and convenience

Web-based services can prove a convenient alternative to in-person research methods, which are more time-consuming and often more costly. Many local firms provide online options along with their face-to-face services.

I recommend: UK-based Infiniti Research provides web-based B2B (business to business) research and other research services. Harte-Hanks, a European firm with offices in the UK, Germany, France, Spain and Belgium—among other locations—offers online focus groups and web surveys. Zoomerang, which has an office in the UK, offers online panels and other market research services. PMR Research, serving Poland and Eastern Europe, offers self-administered online surveys and other research options. UK-based Syclick offers Sysurvey survey design software, which enables the user to create web or e-mail based surveys.

Browse websites that provide info on various market research firms in Europe

Certain websites provide a valuable service to those seeking market research firms. By presenting often-lengthy groupings of companies located in various areas, they make your job of tracking down the right local firm that much easier.

I recommend: Reed Business Information and Ezilon provide info on numerous European market research firms, giving you a wider choice of firms from which to choose for your European market research needs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Business research firms in Europe are located in numerous areas. You'll simply need to decide whether you want online or face-to-face market research services. Check out different companies, and don't hesitate to ask questions that can help you figure out which type of market research will best address your needs, bearing in mind that many believe that online market research isn't as effective as face-to-face research.