Know the market before you commit to it.

Kestrel Research is an independent research consultancy in Norfolk. We study markets, customers and technology for businesses, investors and public bodies, then tell you plainly what the evidence shows and what we would do next.

Fees
Fixed and agreed upfront
Length
2 to 8 weeks for most projects
Confidentiality
NDA signed as standard

What clients ask us to find out

Most projects start with one question that a decision depends on. These are the four kinds we take on.

  • Is there room for us in this market?

    Market research

    We size the market, map who already serves it and how, and test where a new entrant could realistically win share. Useful before a launch, an acquisition or a move into a new region.

    • Market sizing and forecasts
    • Competitor mapping
    • Segmentation and pricing
    • Market entry assessment
  • Why do customers choose us, or leave?

    Customer insight

    We talk to your customers and to the ones you lost, then back the interviews with a survey large enough to trust. You learn what they value, what frustrates them and what they would pay more for.

    • In-depth interviews
    • Quantitative surveys
    • Customer journey mapping
    • Concept and proposition tests
  • Is this technology ready, and who is ahead?

    Technology analysis

    We review a technology and the companies building it, separate working products from announcements, and judge how quickly adoption is likely to come. Often used in investment and procurement decisions.

    • Landscape reviews
    • Commercial due diligence
    • Vendor comparisons
    • Adoption roadmaps
  • What happens to demand if things change?

    Data and modelling

    We gather the data, build a forecast you can inspect line by line, and run the scenarios you are worried about. The model is yours to keep and update.

    • Demand forecasting
    • Scenario and sensitivity analysis
    • Data sourcing
    • Dashboards

How a project runs

You see interim findings as we go, so nothing in the final report comes as a surprise.

  1. 2 to 3 days

    Scoping call

    We agree the decision you face and the questions behind it, then send a written fixed-fee proposal.

  2. Week 1

    Research design

    We choose the methods, from desk research and interviews to surveys and data analysis, and agree the plan with you.

  3. Weeks 2 to 6

    Fieldwork and analysis

    We gather and test the evidence and share interim findings at the points we agreed.

  4. Final week

    Findings

    You receive the report and a presentation for your team, with recommendations you can act on.

What you receive

Every figure in our reports carries a source, and every finding states how confident we are in it.

Written report
The full findings, method and sources, usually 20 to 40 pages.
Executive summary
Two pages for the people who will not read the rest.
Presentation
A session with your team to walk through the findings and take questions.
Data and models
The spreadsheets and models behind the numbers, where the project has them.
Market study: sample sector14

3.2 Where demand is concentrated

Buyers are concentrated in three regions, which together account for 58% of spend.1 The South East leads, driven by firms with more than 50 employees.2 Interviews suggest the concentration will ease slowly as suppliers in the Midlands expand.3

Table 3.4 Share of annual spend by region
RegionShare
South East27%
London18%
East of England13%
Other regions42%

Confidence: high for regional shares, medium for the outlook.

  1. Kestrel analysis of supplier revenue data.
  2. Office for National Statistics, business population estimates.
  3. Buyer and supplier interviews, n = 32.
Specimen page. Figures are illustrative.

Ways to work with us

Fees are fixed and agreed in writing before any work begins. Tell us the question and we will send a quote within two working days.

EngagementLengthIncludesSuits
Rapid brief 2 to 3 weeks Briefing note of up to 10 pages, desk research and expert calls, one review session A focused question with a close deadline
Research study 4 to 8 weeks Full report and executive summary, interviews or surveys, data appendix and models, presentation to your team Investment, launch and strategy decisions
Ongoing advisory Monthly Monthly market updates, research requests as they come up, quarterly review Teams who want a research partner on call
Ask for a quote

Why we are called Kestrel

Kestrels hunt over the fields around our office. They hold still in the air and watch for a long time before they move. We try to work the same way: look carefully, check the evidence, and only then give you a firm view.

The company is run by its director, Philip Cox. You can write to him directly at philip@kestrelresearch.co.uk.

Kestrel Research Ltd is a private limited company registered in England and Wales, company number 14204129, with its registered office in Besthorpe, near Attleborough.

Independent
We are not tied to any vendor, platform or investor. Our conclusions follow the evidence, whoever pays for the work.
Sourced
Every figure is referenced, and we say so when the evidence is thin.
Plain English
Findings are written for the people who have to act on them.
Confidential
We sign NDAs as standard and handle personal data under UK GDPR.

Questions before you get in touch

Who do you work with?

Start-ups, small and medium-sized firms, large companies, investors and public-sector bodies. Some clients are founders testing an idea; others are boards weighing a major investment.

How much does a project cost?

Each project has a fixed fee based on its scope. After a first call we send a written proposal within two working days, so you know the full cost before anything starts.

How long does research take?

A rapid brief usually takes two to three weeks and a full study four to eight. If you have a fixed deadline, tell us and we will plan the work around it.

Will you sign a non-disclosure agreement?

Yes, as standard. Your project, data and findings stay confidential, and personal data is processed under UK GDPR.

Do you work outside the UK?

Yes. We are based in Norfolk and work with clients across the UK and abroad, remotely and in person.

What do I get at the end?

Usually a written report with an executive summary, a presentation to your team and, where relevant, the data and models behind the findings so you can keep using them.

Tell us what you need to find out

Write a few lines about the decision you face. We reply within one working day, and the first call costs nothing.

Director
Philip Cox, philip@kestrelresearch.co.uk
Hours
Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 17:30
Registered office
The Pines, 3 Elm Drive, Norwich Road, Besthorpe, Attleborough, Norfolk NR17 2FL
Company number
14204129 (England and Wales)
Grid reference
TM 060 950

We use these details only to reply to your enquiry. See our privacy notice.