Pfa Research Newsletter Spring 09

research

QGB

theResearcher

advantage is a matter of facts

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

In this issue Business Pulse 09 Social Media Twestival

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

important or vital to their business. Interestingly, the survey also revealed that 29 per cent of South West businesses plan to increase Internetbased 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.

Do you Twitter? Follow updates and thoughts from PFA Research’s managing director at www.twitter.com/robertrush

Business Pulse survey reveals South West reaction to recession 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.

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.

orders while a quarter (23-25%) have noted a lack of new business.

A total of 38% of those businesses surveyed said they have not yet been affected by the recession.

PFA’s Robert Rush said: “The results suggest a mixed response, with some businesses yet to feel the effect while others have seen a reduction in sales and new business leads.

However, between 32 and 38% of businesses have noticed customers are cutting back on their

“We were also interested to know how businesses are reacting to news of the recession – for

PFA backs Twestival

example, exploring Internet-based marketing, investing in staff training and accessing funding.” Do you have any suggestions for topics the South West Business Pulse could cover? You can also sponsor your own question for as little as £55 plus VAT. Get in touch by emailing swbp@pfa-research. com or call 01208 262000.

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.

Cornwall Twestival organiser Aren Grimshaw

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”.

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

were committed to continuing to invest in training and 13 per cent are more likely to invest in training, despite the economic climate.

PFA Research, eCommerce House, Lower Bore Street, Bodmin, PL31 2JR

Dave Linnell, principal of Cornwall College, said: “Business training has never been so important. It brings new skills which can make a business more efficient, up to date and gain the competitive edge.” T. 01208 262000

Designing a survey 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 selfcomplete 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.

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