+44 (0)203 693 3150

Focus Group Agency

Tony Lewis (FCIM, MMRS)

Financial Services Research

Unlocking growth with financial market research In today’s fluctuating and volatile financial landscape, understanding your customers, competition, and market opportunities has never been more essential. Financial services companies, from fintech start-ups to established banks and insurance providers, are under constant pressure to innovate, personalise, and deliver seamless customer experiences. Financial services research provides the insight required to make confident decisions, reduce risk, and unlock sustainable growth. As one of the leading market research companies in the UK, Vision One supports financial brands with evidence-based insights that fuel smarter strategy, stronger customer relationships, and more effective marketing. Financial services research Financial services market research is the process of gathering, analysing, and interpreting data for brands to answer mission-critical questions: A professional market research agency, like Vision One, will use a mix of research methodologies to reveal these insights and help financial service brands make confident, evidence-led decisions that make them more competitive. Understanding the Competitor Landscape in Financial Services The financial sector has evolved dramatically over the past decade. Where traditional banks once dominated, new players, from digital-first fintechs to niche investment platforms, now compete aggressively for customer loyalty. A clear understanding of this shifting environment is essential for strategic planning, positioning and innovation….

Unlocking Growth with Financial Services Research

Brand Momentum Story by Tony Lewis

The brand momentum story: How momentum is set to reveal a new way of thinking about growth and why it will become the critical metric every company must monitor to gauge success.

The Brand Momentum Story – A Brief Introduction

Customer Journey Conumer Research

The Role of Customer Journey Research In today’s complex and fast-moving marketing environment, understanding the full lifecycle of your customers is no longer optional. For brands working with or considering a partner from a top-tier market research agency, the journey from awareness through to advocacy is ripe for insight-driven improvement. At Vision One, we believe that customer research sits at the heart of optimising the customer journey: helping you spot friction, deepen connection, and create real competitive advantage. Why the “customer journey” deserves your full attention The term “customer journey” refers to the various stages, touch-points and emotions a person experiences as they interact with a business, from first hearing about your brand through to purchase, use, loyalty and beyond. Here’s why customer journey research and mapping matter: From a research and consultancy perspective, this is where a market research company/market research agency (whether in the UK or elsewhere) adds real value: by bringing rigour to journey mapping, by linking real data to business insight and by ensuring that the journey you deliver matches the journey your customers expect. The role of customer research in journey mapping When brands partner with a credible customer research company, the focus expands beyond “what happened” to “why…

How customer research can optimise your customer journey

How Research is the Fuel for Thought Leadership

How Research Fuels Thought Leadership In today’s crowded information landscape, every organisation is publishing content. But few truly lead. To rise above the noise and become a trusted voice in your field, you need more than commentary; you need insight. That’s where research comes in. At Vision One, we believe that intelligent and rigorous research is the fuel for thought leadership. What is Thought Leadership (and how is it different from content marketing?) Content marketing and thought leadership may share overlap, but their purposes diverge. Our view is that thought leadership is less about immediate leads and more about long-term authority, trust and influence. Why Engage in Thought Leadership? Becoming recognised as a thought leader offers a range of benefits: Open new opportunities: Thought leadership can unlock partnerships, media coverage, speaking engagements, and new audiences — and, over time, can feed your business pipeline. What Forms Can Thought Leadership Take? Thought leadership isn’t just one format. Some of the ways to deliver it: The ideal is to combine formats: e.g., conducting a bespoke study, releasing a report, and then deriving multiple blog posts, quotes, social media posts, and webinar engagements. Who Is a Thought Leader? A thought leader is someone…

How Research is the Fuel for Thought Leadership

Best Customer Satisfaction Survey Companies

How to find the top customer satisfaction survey companies for both self-serve and full-service.

Top Tips to Finding the Best Customer Satisfaction Survey Companies

The Power of Co-creation workshops

The Power of Ideation and Co-Creation Workshops When a business hits a wall, whether it’s slowing growth, stagnating innovation, or struggling to connect with customers, it’s rarely because of a lack of thought or effort. It’s often because there’s no clear process for turning ideas into insight. That’s where market research and, in particular, co-creation research come to the fore. At Vision One, we’ve seen how well-structured ideation and co-creation workshops can unlock new thinking, inspire innovation, create clarity of outcomes, and build alignment across teams. Having spent a lifetime in research, I believe that co-creation and ideation sessions, done right, don’t just generate ideas; they shape the future of brands and create a clear vision for the company and its stakeholders. —————————————————————— Ideation Workshops versus Co-Creation Explained Ideation Workshops Purpose of Ideation:  To generate new ideas — lots of them — around a particular challenge or opportunity. Who’s involved: Usually a mix of internal teams (e.g., marketing, product, strategy, or leadership), select stakeholders and sometimes end users, ideally Focus: Outcomes: A set of prioritised ideas ready for further exploration, validation, or prototyping. Co-Creation Workshops Purpose of Co-Creation: To develop or refine solutions collaboratively with end users, customers, or external partners. Who’s involved: A mix…

#1 Top Tip: The Power of Ideation and Co-Creation

How to find the best market research companies

The best market research companies don’t just collect data, it uncovers insights that drive better decisions. But the “best” agency for you depends on your objectives: do you need to explore customer motivations, test new concepts, or track brand performance over time?

Find the Best Market Research Companies

FAQ What we know about Gen Z in 2025

What we know about Gen Z in 2025 – Key Insights for Brands Who Want Real Connection What we know about Gen Z in 2025 Gen Z is no longer “the up-and-coming” generation. With increasing purchasing power, cultural influence, and distinct values and behaviours shaped by technology, social change, and economic uncertainty, they are central to any forward-looking marketing strategy. Generational cohorts like Gen X, Y (Millennials), and Z are important to marketers because they offer a clear framework for understanding consumer needs, behaviours, and values across life stages. Marketers use these generational cohorts to segment audiences, predict behaviour, and connect with consumers in a more meaningful way. Below are the most recent research findings and what they mean for brands wanting to engage Gen Z authentically. Who are Gen Z? Generation Z, or Gen Z, refers to people born roughly between 1997 and 2012, following Millennials and preceding Generation Alpha. Often called “zoomers,” they are the first generation to grow up fully immersed in the digital age, with technology, social media, and instant access to information shaping their worldview. Most are children of Generation X and are known for their diversity, global awareness, and value-driven mindset. They prioritise authenticity, inclusivity, and…

What we know about Gen Z in 2025

Why Brand Energy is the Future of Brand Building

Brand Energy is the new currency of brand building In a crowded market, standing out is no longer just about having the biggest budget or the sharpest creative. It’s about energy. Brands with energy feel alive – they radiate momentum, spark curiosity, and make people want to get involved. Energy is what creates excitement, what fuels growth, and what keeps a brand front of mind. In his book Brand Momentum, our CEO Tony Lewis explores how the perception of growth directly impacts actual business growth. He introduces the idea of a Brand Velocity Score, a measure that shows how current perceptions of growth can accurately predict future brand consumption. The takeaway is powerful: when communications feel energetic and exciting, they don’t just capture attention, they create a sense of momentum. Customers see the brand as youthful, relevant and growing – even if the product itself hasn’t changed. In short, brand energy doesn’t just reflect growth; it helps generate it. But if energy is the new currency of brand building, there’s a challenge that often gets overlooked: the lifecycle of messaging. The Problem with Messaging Lifecycles Every piece of brand messaging has a lifecycle. It starts fresh, compelling and relevant. But over time, familiarity dulls its…

Why Brand Energy is the New Currency of Brand Building

Business Book Awards 2025 - Sales and Marketing

Tony Lewis Triumphs at Business Book Awards 2025 with Brand Momentum A Night of Celebration at Wembley London, 11 September 2025 — It was a night to remember at Wembley as the best minds in business writing gathered for the prestigious Business Book Awards 2025. Among the brightest stars was Tony Lewis, CEO of  Vision One Research, who walked away with top honours in the Sales & Marketing category for his groundbreaking book, Brand Momentum. With a packed audience of industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and literary influencers, the event celebrated excellence in business thought leadership. The win marked a defining moment not just for Lewis, but for professionals everywhere seeking fresh, practical insight into brand growth and sustainability. Brand Momentum: A Game-Changer in Sales & Marketing Since its release, Brand Momentum has captured the attention of business professionals, marketers, and executives alike. What sets this book apart? It dives deep into the science of sustainable brand growth, offering not just theory, but a proven framework and practical measurement tools to drive long-term success. The Business Book Awards judges praised the work, stating: “The author has shown outstanding credibility and thought leadership in this category. Their fresh, innovative approach and engaging content, combined with excellent case studies, brought the key messages to life…

Brand Momentum Triumphs at Business Book Awards 2025 in Sales & Marketing

Market Size, Potential and Market Share

Why Market Sizing Matters for Scale Ups Understanding TAM (Total Addressable Market), SAM (Serviceable Available Market), and SOM (Serviceable Obtainable Market) is crucial for any business seeking clarity on growth potential and for calculating market size and opportunity. These metrics are often used in new product development research and concept testing research to help define overall demand, pinpoint realistic opportunities, and identify achievable market share. By mastering them, businesses can sharpen strategy, allocate resources effectively, and build investor confidence. This article explores their benefits in depth, demonstrating how they inform smarter decisions and reveal true growth potential—making it essential reading for ambitious leaders. Knowing your market size is essential if you want to enter new markets or grow with confidence. Market sizing helps you: Two Proven Approaches to Market Sizing Top-Down Approach The Top-Down approach starts with broad industry data and narrows down to your segment. Example: Launching a plant-based protein bar in the UK This approach shows the scale of the big picture opportunity before refining it into achievable goals. Bottom-Up Approach The Bottom-Up approach to calculating market size builds on your own product inputs, such as pricing, conversion, and customer base. Example: Launching a subscription-based meditation app in the UK This view…

How to Calculate Market Size for New Products

Customer Service

Why Great Customer Service Matters More Than Ever Recent data indicate that UK customer satisfaction (as measured by the UK Customer Satisfaction Index, UKCSI) reached 77.3 in July 2025, a 1.5‑point increase from July 2024 and the highest level since early 2023. This signals a slowly improving landscape—yet challenges remain. In January 2025, service failures still cost UK organisations a staggering £7.3 billion per month, and just 21% of customers reported increasing their spending due to excellent service, according to the Institute of Customer Service. The Business Case for Great Service UK-Specific Snapshot: Who’s Getting It Right—and Where We’re Falling Short AI isn’t the silver bullet: While AI chatbots offer efficiency, 42% of Brits admit to being ruder to AI than human agents, and 57% have abandoned purchases due to poor support. Top performers: John Lewis (recently overtaking M&S), Nationwide, and Timpson topped the UKCSI charts, according to the Institute of Customer Service. 26% of customers now say positive personal treatment improves their satisfaction, according to the Institute of Customer Service. Lingering frustrations: A Guardian investigation reports that UK adults spend between 28 and 41 minutes per week wrestling with inefficient service systems—particularly across energy, broadband, NHS, and council services. The Guardian. In the telecom sector, providers like TalkTalk, Virgin Media, BT, and EE top the complaint charts, while smaller…

Why Customer Service Matters More Than Ever