David Willan

David has been involved in B2B research for more years than he’s prepared to admit to. 

After holding senior roles with pioneers in the sector such as IMR and The Economist Intelligence Unit, he co-founded what became the largest independent B2B research agency in the UK.  Following the sale of this business to WPP, David is doing what he loves best – working as a practitioner. 

“What drives me is working with clients to translate the findings from research projects into actionable marketing and business development recommendations.  I’m only happy when I’ve made a real difference to a client’s business” says Willan.
 
David is a recipient of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise and holds a degree from University College London.  He is a guest lecturer at Ashridge Business School, sits on the B2B Superbrands Council and is a speaker at major industry events such as the GSMA Mobile World Congress.

Email: david.willan@circle-research.com

Beth Pearson

A fixture in the B2B landscape, Beth co-founded Circle Research following several years with WPP. 

Her experience is diverse but everyone has their own pet interests.  Beth’s is B2B branding.  “I like to pull brands apart.  To help clients understand what their brand is, what it could be and what it should aspire to be”.  To help guide this journey Beth pioneered the Alphabrand concept – Circle’s philosophy on the dynamics of B2B branding and a research framework to support the journey to Alphabrand status.  

Beth holds an Honours degree in English Literature and Sociology from the University of Kent and is an Associate of the Market Research Society.

Email: beth.pearson@circle-research.com

Andrew Dalglish

“B2B runs through my veins” says Dalglish.  A look at his track record justifies the metaphor.

Andrew has specialised in B2B research for over a decade and co-founded Circle Research in 2006.  He is a columnist for B2B Marketing Magazine, a frequent speaker at leading B2B events such as Horizont B2B and jointly teaches the MRS B2B research course.

More than simply a thinker, he thrives on being close to the action.  “I get excited by business and I’m curious.  I want to know what motivates your customers, what shape your offer should take and how your brand can genuinely stand apart”.  Andrew has worked with world leading brands such as Vodafone, Ericsson and PayPal to explore issues such as these.  And not just in their home market – he has executed numerous international projects reaching across six continents.

Andrew holds an Honours degree in Psychology from Aberdeen University, an MSc in Marketing from Strathclyde University and the MRS diploma.

Email: andrew.dalglish@circle-research.com

Andy Booth

Andy’s experience is diverse and extensive.  “There’s one common thread however” says Booth, “supply chain”.   

Having held senior positions at British Airways (Research Manager), DHL Worldwide Express (Head of Global Research) and UPS (European Marketing Manager), Andy has a deep understanding of the travel, transport and logistics sectors.  This, coupled with his significant agency side experience, ensures that Andy’s insights are always highly actionable and pragmatic.

Andy’s passion for the sector extends beyond the professional.  He holds a private pilot’s licence and is a regular feature in leading media titles such as Air Cargo News.
 
Andy has a degree in English Language from The University of Durham and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

Email: andy.booth@circle-research.com

Ged Egan

“Good research is about more than, well, good research.  That’s of course the basis, but the best research brings key internal stakeholders on the journey, is communicated in an accessible way throughout the organisation and ultimately helps better decisions to be made.  It’s about action and results.”

Ged speaks from personal experience having held several client side research roles with organisations such as Orange and Virgin Media.  Subsequently, he’s developed significant agency experience at GFK, TNS and now the B2B specialist, Circle Research.

Ged can also be found in publications such as Marketing Week and Admap where he is a regular feature writer.  He is a member of the MRS and holds an Honours degree in Marketing from Solent University.

Sue Amberton

Sue embodies Circle’s core belief: for research to deliver real insights it needs probe beyond the obvious and be interpreted using solid business acumen.

Sue’s business credentials are impeccable.  She founded Cardinal Research, was a Partner at HPI Research and until recently managed an adventure holiday business. 

Now, as associate of Circle she has gone back to her roots as a practitioner – interviewing senior B2B decision makers and interpreting these discussions in the context of clients’ business challenges.

Lucie Wernicke

Lucie is professionally curious.  “Clients get the most out of researchers who have a real interest in the world.  From naturally curious individuals who are constantly watching and analysing what’s going on around them”.

Her instinctive interest in others is complemented by wide experience.  For example, Lucie has supported the Design Council in exploring service design initiatives, the Royal Commonwealth Society in understanding perceptions of member countries and Aviva in exploring the purchasing journey of businesses.  She has previously held roles at Aegis, NFO Worldwide and Acacia Avenue Strategic Consultants.

Lucie sits on the AQR committee, is a member of the MRS and holds an honours degree in History and Politics from the University of Warwick.