We do not expect Post to provide detailed understanding of regulatory issues or even an assessment of the company’s likely success in the market. We simply request that you confirm to us, briefly, by email, that you consider the market to be worth researching.
Alternatively, if you are aware of any negative factors which would mean that the intended project should be re-considered, please inform us. Such factors might include:
- Travel warnings or unrest which make a visit to the market inadvisable
- Regulatory barriers which are unlikely to be overcome
- Cultural, religious or social context for which the company’s products / services are clearly unsuitable
We also appreciate Post’s input which can improve the research, for example:
- Timing, for example, avoiding major public holidays
- Key business centres to be included in the research itinerary
- Industry contacts you may be able to introduce to the company
- Existing sector information, or sources of information
- Experiences of other UK companies within the sector
And of course any off-the-shelf information you can provide will help the company achieve a better understanding. You may find it helpful to think of our request for input in the same way as the UDS input being requested for Passport companies.
Will Post be involved in the research?
EMRS-supported projects are separate from chargeable services, and Posts are not commissioned to provide information; however the collaboration and input of Post is appreciated and frequently enhances the quality of the information gained. Where significant input is envisaged from Post, the Research Adviser discusses with the International Trade Adviser whether the company should be commissioning Overseas Market Introduction Service activities.
For in-house projects, we advise companies to contact Post, and to meet with a Commercial Officer during their visit to the market. This meeting is intended only to provide companies with a general business briefing and a point of contact in the market. Any additional insight you can give is appreciated. The logistics of such appointments are between the company and the Commercial Officer.
For consultancy projects, we do not normally anticipate that the research consultant will require the resources of Post. Instead, they consult with a wide range of factholders in the market, typically including end-users / purchasers, retailers / distributors / agents, and local trade associations.
In-house projects – what happens?
EMRS supports research projects on ‘in-house’ terms by providing 50% of travel and subsistence costs for a company employee to make a visit to the market for research purposes.
Prior to the visit we require that secondary information has been gathered, and relevant contacts in the UK (e.g. Export Promoters) have been consulted. The company produces a research proposal, outlining:
- Rationale for looking at this specific market
- Key information to be obtained during the visit to the market
- Type and number of fact-holders to be interviewed during visit to the market
Visits typically last from one to three weeks, depending on the scope of the market. Factholders to be interviewed might include:
- Potential customers
- Intermediaries such as agents / distributors operating in the market
- Local trade association
- Trade journals
- Regulatory / certification bodies
- Commercial Officer at Post
- Where appropriate, visits to retail channels
If a relevant trade show is taking place, the scheme may consider supporting one day at the show. However, we do not offer any support for projects where research is mainly conducted at a trade show, or for cases where the company is exhibiting at the show.
Click here for more details on in-house projects »
Consultancy projects – what happens?
We expect marketing research consultants to consult a range of secondary data sources as well as conduct interviews in market. The scope and detail is greater than projects conducted on in-house terms.
For support on consultancy terms we request the company to produce a research brief, and tender the project to at least three suitable marketing research consultants. Selection and appointment of a consultant is undertaken in consultation with the Research Adviser. EMRS only supports projects conducted by consultants with substantial and relevant experience of marketing research for export.
Click here for more details on consultancy projects »
After the research project
Grants are paid to companies on submission of receipts for expenditure in visiting the market, and on production of a satisfactory report detailing key findings, conclusions and recommendations.
Reports from research conducted by companies remain confidential and the property of the company. However, Post may request a copy of the research (commercial in confidence) via the EMRS Project Co-ordinator who will pass your request on to the company; in many cases companies are happy to provide a copy to Post once they have been able to implement the market entry strategy derived from research. Please contact the EMRS Project Coordinator concerned to request a copy of the report.
Consultancy project grants are paid upon satisfactory completion of the project.
Reports from projects conducted by Trade Associations on behalf of their membership are sent to the Post concerned.
Click here for more details on research conducted by Trade Associations »