PS Research

What PS Research does

PS Research is a UK-based social research and evaluation consultancy that delivers mixed-methods research for purpose-driven organisations across the public, cultural, and not-for-profit sectors. Founded in 2018 as Pearson Insight by Adam Pearson and restructured as PS Research in May 2021 when Emma Slater joined as co-founder, the firm specialises in surveys, data analysis, qualitative research, and independent programme evaluation for clients including local authorities, NHS bodies, charities, and museums. The company operates from Lancashire (registered address at 14 Archery Avenue, Foulridge, BB8 7NH) and serves clients across England.

The firm's core offering combines quantitative and qualitative research under a single partnership: Adam Pearson brings data analysis and quantitative expertise (MRS Certified Member, former local authority research lead, MA in Community Leadership) and Emma Slater brings qualitative research expertise (AQR member, 20+ years experience, Level 2 Counselling Skills). Delivery follows a structured five-step process (Discover, Design, Engage, Understand, Explain) and a 360-degree evaluation framework that engages all stakeholders of a programme. The technology stack is conventional research tooling — SPSS for quantitative analysis, SmartSurvey/Alchemer/Google Forms for survey delivery, Otter.ai for transcription, and Infogram/Canva for visualisation — with no proprietary platform.

PS Research operates a project-based professional services model, with all revenue derived from bespoke research and evaluation engagements. Average project value has grown from £4k in the first year to £7k most recently, with the largest single project reaching £28k. The company is bootstrapped and founder-owned (50/50 partnership), has no external investors, and has maintained a two-to-three-person headcount since 2021, with a support hire added in March 2026. Client acquisition relies on referrals, personal relationships, content marketing, named case studies, and Adam Pearson's weekly 'Unoffice Hours' sessions. The firm holds MRS Company Partner status and GDPR-compliant operating standards, and received an MRS Highly Commended award in 2023.

Name

PS Research

Legal name

PS Research Ltd

Website

https://psresearch.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

PS Research is a UK-based social research and evaluation consultancy delivering mixed-methods research, surveys, data analysis, and programme evaluation for public sector bodies, NHS organisations, charities, and cultural institutions across England.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Social Research and Evaluation Services

NAICS

Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities (54172), Scientific Research and Development Services (5417), Marketing Research and Public Opinion Polling (54191)

SIC

Services-Management Consulting Services (8742)

akta.pro primary industry

Policy, Regulatory & Public Affairs Research (BPAHALAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Monitoring, Evaluation, Research & Learning (MERL) (BPADAEAB), Industry & Sector Research (Syndicated/Custom) (BPAHALAE)

Keywords

• Social research services
• Programme evaluation
• Mixed methods research
• Qualitative research
• Data analysis consultancy

Headquarters

HQ city

Foulridge

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Operations

Revenue model

1. Research and Evaluation Project Fees: PS Research delivers bespoke research and evaluation projects for clients in the public, cultural, and not-for-profit sectors. Projects range from surveys and data analysis to full mixed-methods evaluations. Project values have grown from an average of £4k in the first year to £7k in the most recent year, with the largest project being £28k. All revenue is project-based professional services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

PS Research delivers bespoke social research and independent evaluation projects for charities, public bodies, NHS organisations, and cultural institutions across the UK. Services span survey design and administration, quantitative data analysis (using SPSS), qualitative research (depth interviews, focus groups, online communities), public consultations, and impact evaluations delivered through a five-step engagement process.

Product overview

PS Research is a research and evaluation consultancy (not a software product company) offering social research and evaluation services. The core offering consists of Research Services and Evaluation Services, supported by specific methodologies including survey design and administration, data analysis, qualitative research, and a five-step engagement process (Discover, Design, Engage, Understand, Explain). They deliver mixed-methods research combining quantitative and qualitative approaches for purpose-driven organisations including charities, local authorities, NHS, and museums.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Research Services Comprehensive research services for purpose-driven organisations covering survey design and administration, data analysis (using SPSS), and qualitative research (depth interviews, focus groups, consultations) to help clients gather insights and make better decisions.
• Evaluation Services Independent programme and project evaluations for charities, NHS bodies, and cultural organisations, helping them understand impact, measure outcomes, identify service improvements, and produce learning reports for funders and stakeholders.

Quantifiable outcome

• Stroke Association used evaluation findings to shape the future of its Life After Stroke service and build a business case for additional funding
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Adam Pearson and Emma Slater PartnershipcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdam Pearson and Emma Slater form the core partnership of PS Research. Adam brings quantitative and data analysis expertise (former local authority research lead, MRS Certified Member). Emma brings qualitative research expertise (20+ years experience, AQR member, Level 2 Counselling Skills certification). Together they deliver mixed-methods research projects that neither could deliver independently.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• BritainThinks: UK-based social and political research consultancy delivering mixed-methods research for charities, public bodies, and purpose-driven organisations — directly comparable in offering, client mix, and mission-aligned positioning to PS Research, though at substantially larger scale.
• Cordis Bright: Specialist research and evaluation consultancy focused on health, social care, and the third sector, providing evaluation, needs assessments, and qualitative/quantitative research — a close peer given overlapping NHS, charity, and local authority client base.
• Rocket Science: UK research and evaluation consultancy delivering impact evaluations, feasibility studies, and policy research for public sector and charities — competing for the same local authority, NHS, and grant-funded programme mandates as PS Research.
• M·E·L Research: Employee-owned social research agency offering evaluation, consultation, and survey work for public bodies, health organisations, and the third sector — comparable methodology and customer profile to PS Research.
• Traverse: Social research and participation consultancy specialising in engagement, evaluation, and consultation for public sector and charities — directly comparable in service mix and target buyers to PS Research.
• Wavehill (formerly Wavehill: Social and Economic Research): Welsh/UK social and economic research consultancy providing evaluation, impact assessment, and policy research for public sector clients — comparable methodology and customer base, with stronger Welsh regional presence.
• icoda (formerly Limehouse Group): Specialist evaluation and research consultancy working with charities, social enterprises, and public sector bodies on impact evaluation and theory of change — a direct niche peer competing for similar third-sector evaluation work.

Broad incumbents

• NatCen (National Centre for Social Research): One of the UK's largest independent social research organisations, working on surveys, evaluation, and policy research for government, charities, and academia — a broader incumbent operating in the same space with deeper resources.
• Ipsos Public Affairs: Public affairs and social research division of Ipsos, providing policy research, stakeholder research, and evaluation for governments and public bodies — a broader incumbent that competes for the same larger public sector contracts.
• Savanta: UK data-led research consultancy covering public sector, charity, and social research alongside broader market research — overlapping capabilities with PS Research but operating across a wider portfolio.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/psresearch

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about PS Research