QGB research theResearcher
Hello and welcome to the
Spring edition of theResearcher,
the news and networking bulletin
from PFA Research.
We’ve had plenty of positive feedback
about this publication and we think it’s
a great way to keep in touch with our
valued clients, suppliers, associates
and friends.
We’ve had a busy few months with some exciting new
business wins and publishing the fascinating results from
the South West Business Pulse.
As always, we love to hear from you, and if you want to
receive this newsletter electronically, do get in touch.
Best wishes
Beate Galke, Projects Manager, PFA Research
Do you Twitter? Follow updates and thoughts from PFA Research’s managing director at www.twitter.com/robertrush
advantage is a matter of facts
Embrace social media
Businesses are missing out on cost effective marketing
through online social media, according to PFA’s South
West Business Pulse survey.
Online marketing activity can
include blogging, use of social
media websites Facebook and
Twitter, videos and podcasts to
raise the profile of a business.
Our South West Business Pulse
survey, carried out in January
2009, polled key decision makers
at 170 businesses in Cornwall,
Devon and Somerset.
We discovered that only seven per
cent of companies in the region are
making use of social networking
websites such as Facebook. While
16 per cent of business owners
read blogs on the internet only
seven per cent publish their own.
This is despite the fact that nearly
two thirds (63%) of those surveyed
saying that their website is very
In this issue
Business Pulse 09
Social Media
Twestival
important or vital to their business.
Interestingly, the survey also revealed
that 29 per cent of South West
businesses plan to increase Internet-
based marketing activities as a low
cost alternative to more traditional
methods.
Robert Rush, managing director of
PFA Research, says: “The results of
the Business Pulse reveal that social
media is still an emerging medium for
companies in the region.
“However there are lots of
opportunities for businesses to tap
into innovative ways of marketing
their products or services which are
cheap or even free.”
Turn over for more results from the
South West Business Pulse.
Business Pulse survey reveals South Designing a survey
West reaction to recession
More than one third of businesses in the South West
say they are yet to feel the effect of the recession.
We polled 170 businesses in
Cornwall, Devon and Somerset
at the end of January, after it was
announced the UK is officially in
recession.
A total of 38% of those businesses
surveyed said they have not yet
been affected by the recession.
However, between 32 and 38%
of businesses have noticed
customers are cutting back on their
PFA backs Twestival
Cornwall Twestival organiser Aren Grimshaw
PFA identifies market leader
Our recent research conducted for Cornwall College Business further demonstrated
that training gives real benefits to those businesses who engage.
The Awareness and Perceptions
Research 2009 surveyed over
100 local businesses representing
all business sizes and sectors.
Highlights of the research include
60 per cent of firms saying they
PFA Research, eCommerce House, Lower Bore Street, Bodmin, PL31 2JR
County by county -
how many businesses
say they are yet to be hit
by the credit crunch?
• Cornwall 42%
• Devon 41%
• Somerset 32%
52% of businesses have
not made changes such
as updating their business
plan, revising marketing
strategy or conducting
market research.
orders while a quarter (23-25%) example, exploring Internet-based
have noted a lack of new business. marketing, investing in staff training
and accessing funding.”
PFA’s Robert Rush said: “The
results suggest a mixed response, Do you have any suggestions for
with some businesses yet to feel topics the South West Business
the effect while others have seen Pulse could cover? You can also
a reduction in sales and new sponsor your own question for as
business leads. little as £55 plus VAT. Get in touch
by emailing swbp@pfa-research.
“We were also interested to know com or call 01208 262000.
how businesses are reacting
to news of the recession – for
PFA Research took part in a global fundraiser
instigated by social media website Twitter.com.
Cornwall Twestival was part of a network of events
across the world which stretched from Adelaide to
Honolulu, with more than 175 cities taking part to
raise $1 million for Charity:Water.
PFA Research sponsored the event, which
brought together 50 South West users of the social
networking site.
Aren Grimshaw, Cornwall Twestival organiser, said:
“In Cornwall we have seen massive support and the
event itself attracted a diverse crowd of people who
have helped raise a significant amount of money for
a worthy cause”.
were committed to continuing to
Dave Linnell, principal of Cornwall
invest in training and 13 per cent
College, said: “Business training
are more likely to invest in training, has never been so important. It
despite the economic climate. brings new skills which can make a
business more efficient, up to date
and gain the competitive edge.”
T. 01208 262000 E. newsletter@pfa-research.com
Thinking about creating your
own survey? Some pointers to
consider before you start:
1. What data do you actually
need? Think ahead about the
outputs before you start writing
questions. Will the data stand
alone or be used in conjunction
with other information?
2. Who is your target
respondent? Will the person
receiving your questionnaire
understand the question the
same way that you do?
3. How will your survey be
delivered? The approach and
language required for a self-
complete questionnaire is often
different to questions delivered by
an interviewer.
4. Tell your target respondent
why you need their help. If they
understand why they are being
asked and relate to the benefits
then you are more likely to get
the attention you require.
5. Be concise with questions –
don’t ask 3 questions when one
will do!
6. Make sure your response
options are fit for purpose. If
you’re asking a question that
demands a yes/no answer then
don’t put a 5-point scale.
7. Check the integrity of
questions. If you are asking for
a number then make sure that
if it’s left blank there can be no
confusion over whether that
means ‘no response’, ‘don’t
know’ or ‘zero’.
8. Check the accuracy and
sensibility of question routing.
Your respondent will be annoyed
if they cannot work out how to
complete your questionnaire.
9. Remember to say thank you.
If you are offering an incentive
for taking part then make sure it
is appropriate for their time and
unconditional!
10. Finally, before you go live,
read it, check it, read it out loud
then check it again! If possible,
test the questionnaire to make
sure it works and isn’t taking too
long to complete.
www.pfa-research.com