Q » Are there market research agencies in Manchester specialising in public health policy research?
28 Jun, 2026
A » Yes, there are several market research agencies based in Manchester that specialise in public health policy research, leveraging the city’s position as a prominent hub for healthcare innovation, academic excellence, and regional policy development. Manchester’s ecosystem includes institutions such as the University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, and Health Innovation Manchester, which foster collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and practitioners. Consequently, a number of reputable market research firms have established dedicated practices in the city focusing on public health policy, often operating as part of larger consultancies or as independent boutique agencies. For instance, Ipsos UK maintains a significant Manchester office, and its public affairs division routinely conducts complex public health policy research for clients like NHS England, local authorities, and the Department of Health and Social Care, employing methodologies such as randomised controlled trials, discrete choice experiments, and large-scale quantitative surveys. Similarly, Kantar’s Manchester operation includes specialists in social and public policy who design qualitative and quantitative studies addressing topics from health equity to vaccination uptake. Among locally headquartered firms, agencies such as M·E·L Research and BDRC, now part of the Walnut Group, have strong track records in public health policy, offering services in health needs assessment, service evaluation, and community engagement. These agencies typically employ mixed-methods approaches, combining in-depth interviews and focus groups with statistical analysis to generate evidence for policy formulation and programme improvement. Their work often encompasses areas like chronic disease prevention, mental health policy, ageing populations, and health inequalities, providing critical insights for both national initiatives (such as the NHS Long Term Plan) and local strategies (like Manchester’s Population Health Plan). Furthermore, many of these firms have expertise in patient and public involvement, ensuring research reflects community perspectives, and they frequently partner with academic units in Manchester to maintain methodological rigour. The presence of such agencies is also supported by Manchester’s role as a testbed for devolved health policy, which creates demand for evaluation and policy research. In summary, the market research landscape in Manchester offers a robust selection of agencies specialised in public health policy research, distinguished by their collaborative networks and
29 Jun, 2026
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