Examples of our work

Understanding, on behalf of a leading insurance company, the priority issues facing local authorities as seen by the leader of the council.

Examples of our Work - Finance, Investment and Insurance Market Research

Background

The client was a Financial Services Group and one of the leading providers of risk and insurance solutions to Britain's public services. They wished to undertake research to establish the issues seen as important by council leaders so as to better understand the risks and challenges faced.

Objectives

• To identify the priority issues as seen by different types of local authority, both now and over the next 10 years.

• To relate these issues to the specific local conditions faced by residents in the area served by the council.

• To distinguish issues of importance to the community as a whole and to the organisation itself.

• To identify issues likely to increase or decrease in importance in the future

Methodology

Qualitative research was commissioned on behalf of our client for local authorities in England, Wales and Scotland. The sample was spread by region, by urban/rural location and by type of authority.

In total 24 depth interviews were undertaken by telephone, each lasting 30-45 minutes. Discussion was recorded with the permission of the client. The subjects discussed included community issues such as economic development and regeneration, housing, the elderly, the green agenda and crime as well as organisational matters such as governance and budgetary issues.

Outcome

Broadly similar themes emerged as to the issues seen as important by local authorities of a particular type. Where differences in view did emerge, it was usually possible to relate them to the different profile of the population and businesses making up the council’s area of authority.

A full report of the findings was presented to our client including many verbatim quotations from the council leaders.