Research Your Export Markets

5. Doing Market Research

5.1 There are two main strands to market research - desk and field research.

• Desk research involves gathering information from sources that already exist, such as libraries and market reports. Much of this can be done in-house if you have the time and know what to look for.
• Field research can be done by visiting the potential market or by employing a market research agency (see 6).

5.2 There are plenty of specific sources of help for export research.

• UK Trade & Investment (020 7215 8000) offers information on marketing, statistical and contact details for more than 200 countries and markets. Many reports are also online.
• Trade associations (020 7395 8283; www.taforum.org) and government departments may also be able to help.
• Your bank may also be able to provide useful information.

5.3 Check for published commercial market research on exporting similar products or services. You often pay for this information but it may save you repeating some work.

• You can search reports from more than 700 market research companies at www.marketsearch-dir.com.
• Other useful websites include Euromonitor, Findex and Mintel.

5.4 A course in export market research may also help before you start gathering information.

• Business Link runs low-cost courses on a regular basis. For any courses in your area, call 0845 600 9 006.
• The British Chambers of Commerce and The Institute of Export also run courses.