Strategic Insights Agency, Spark – who launched their third office in Leeds earlier this month – has recruited four key positions – with further hires imminent.
Spark is a growing team of research experts who explore consumer behaviours and seek – on behalf of a range of international clients – to understand the rationale behind them and uncover and spark human truths.
The business launched in Ireland in 2007, and has grown from a boutique agency in Dublin, to a multi-national full-service agency working with clients in 50+ markets.
The head of the Leeds office Elspeth Bradley explained why Spark has chosen Leeds:
Over the last few years, the Northern Powerhouse has really become established and Leeds is one of the key anchor points. The rise in creative industries in Leeds has been marked and being situated here puts Spark at the heart of this dynamic centre.”
Elspeth, originally from Nottingham, lives with her husband and daughter and is as passionate about her industry as she is about Leeds. With over almost 30 years’ experience as a research professional Elspeth has worked with household names including Kellogg’s, Boots and Homepride.
Elspeth said: “I found my way into research by accident during my placement year at university. I am a naturally nosey person and found research endlessly fascinating. It’s also a dynamic and ever-changing profession that keeps me interested.
“Each client brings new opportunities to develop creative ways to get the most out of research. I am fortunate to have worked both client-side and in insight agencies, so have an appreciation of the needs of clients and the pressures they are under from their stakeholders.
“This gives me an excellent appreciation of what they need from a research partner; make your client look good and they will keep coming back!
“I am passionate about helping to build the team to be expert researchers, giving them the support and also the space and responsibility they need to develop their skill sets.
Elspeth’s team of researchers – Alicia Myers, and Katie Francis, – are both based in Leeds and bring with them both experience and passion for their industry. Alicia has joined as an Insights and Strategy Manager and Katie a Senior Research Executive. The team are supported by a large group of multi-disciplined research experts in Dublin.
Alicia has eight years’ experience in the sector and has worked both client and agency side, most recently at Trinity McQueen in Leeds, and before that with the BBC – where a highlight was working with brands including Doctor Who and BBC Earth – and T1 Media.
Alicia explains: “Both Katie and I are dualist researchers which means we look after both Qualitative and Quantitative projects across a range of clients including Retail, Finance, FMCG, Telecoms and the Entertainment sector.”
The fab four is completed with Brogan Harker – Marketing Manager – who is responsible for putting Spark on the map!
Brogan, said: “I love a good strategic challenge and so working with the team as we launch into a new market is something that excites me. Spark truly offer something different than other research agencies and I’m looking forward to where this journey takes us.”
Elspeth added: “There is so much potential for Spark in Leeds, we have a great team and, despite the obvious difficulties 2020 has presented, we’re looking forward to growing the team and helping our clients to understand their customers better.”
