A well-known York company has been sold after operating independently for more than 30 years in a deal described as ‘a great fit’.
Qa Research, the research, evaluation and insight consultancy based on Piccadilly, has provided in-depth insights into the views of the public and businesses for the government, councils, utility firms, universities and charities since it was founded in 1989.
Earlier this month it was bought by professional services firm EMB Group for an undisclosed sum.
The deal sees Qa Research retain its name and continue to operate in York. It will continue to be led by the existing senior management team.
For Qa, the sale represented an opportunity to become part of a larger group of companies while continuing to operate as a stand-alone business under its well-respected brand, with its current team of experts.
Managing director of Qa Richard Bryan said: “As a business that is already engaged with many of our sectors and which understands how research agencies operate, EMB Group is a great fit for us.
“We’re excited to be part of the group and working alongside its other research agencies.”
Danielle Gillett, CEO of the Leicester-based EMB Group, said: “Since entering the research market in early 2023, we have been steadily increasing our capability and the sectors we cover.
“Through their wide range of qualitative, quantitative and data collection services, Qa bring a new dimension to our offer, as well as strengthening our existing research and insight expertise and we’re delighted to welcome them to the group.”
Qa’s clients include organisations such as the NHS, the National Trust, the Department for Education, DEFRA, Crisis and a number of leading universities.
It will sit alongside EMB’s other research agencies, Blue Marble Research and Pye Tait Consulting.