With the highest GDP of any British county, Surrey is a thriving area full of opportunity. Its geographical position, adjacent to London, provides instant access to companies based in the city, and its economy has boomed thanks to the success of service sector businesses able to provide for them. This has been especially the case for market research. The high concentration of international business headquarters and leading NGOs means there is a constant demand for fresh data. There are also numerous research resources based at the University of Surrey in Guildford.
Trainee market researchers just starting out in Surrey can expect to earn between £15,000 and £20,000, with graduates starting at £20,000 to £23,000 and experienced managers on £40,000 to £55,000. Strategic development and brand management experience are necessary for senior staff positions but recruitment agencies are also on the lookout for temps, with temping work an ideal way to develop skills and contacts across a range of agencies. Foreign language fluency is particularly in demand for temp and entry level positions. Both quantitative and qualitative research work is needed but skill with numbers is always vital. In a highly flexible industry, employment contracts are often short, but Surrey is a place with no shortage of fresh opportunities.
