England Marketing has opened a custom-built Research Hub at its headquarters in Warboys, Cambridgeshire.
The 100 sq m space, which the research agency describes as a first of its kind in the east of England, features technology including 360º cameras, video and live streaming as well as a HACCP-standard kitchen, meeting space, viewing gallery, sensory tasting and individual tasting booths.
England Marketing says the Research Hub will be an asset to companies seeking a space to gather insight into new product development, packaging research and product reformulations, as well as a contemporary corporate meeting space for local companies.
“Retailers are increasingly keen for suppliers to deliver robust evidential research before launching new products, as well as keeping on top of consumer insight for their existing product ranges,” said managing director Jan England.
“The Hub will not only allow us to deliver traditional research techniques for our clients but also take an even more layered approach by offering high-tech sensory-led activities including biometric testing, which isn’t yet widely available across the sector but allows true insight into subjective human testing panels.”
The facility was opened in July with match-funded investment by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development as part of its Europe Investing in Rural Areas support.
