Construction & Industrial

Marketing research with industrial companies often centres on understanding industry trends, technological advancements, supply chain intricacies, operational efficiencies, and the evolving needs and preferences of B2B customers.

Audiences - Industrial research

Farm owners and operators, agronomists, land managers, agricultural economists, livestock managers, small holding owners, dairy farm managers, cereals, veterinarians crop buyers, geneticists and bio technologists, trade associations.

Operational efficiency, technological innovations, regulatory landscape, sustainability concerns, sales channels and distribution, branding & marketing, industry 4.0, localisation strategy, brand equity. 

A brand equity exercise which aims to explore: brand loyalty, brand awareness, brand associations, and perceived quality, each providing value to a firm in numerous ways. Once a brand identifies the value of brand equity, it can follow this roadmap to build and manage that potential value. Conducted on behalf of a polymer business across industrial sectors in 25 markets. Interviews conducted with stakeholders across OEMs/ manufacturers/ fabricators/builders/ installers, distributors/ wholesale/ retail, planners/ architects & municipalities and decision makers for purchasing, technical specifications and procurement.

We have regularly conducted market research with construction and industrial experts with various specialised topics and themes explored:

Market dynamics & trends

Analysis of global and regional demand for specific industrial products or services.
Identifying emerging industrial trends, such as Industry 4.0, smart manufacturing, or the integration of AI in operations.

Technological innovations

Adoption and perceived value of new technologies, machinery, and software.
Exploring challenges and opportunities related to automation, IoT, and digital twins.

Supply chain management & Optimisation

Evaluating challenges and solutions in raw material sourcing, production, and distribution.
The impact of events (e.g., pandemics, geopolitical tensions) on supply chain resilience and strategies for mitigation.

Operational efficiency

Identifying best practices and tools for process optimisation and waste reduction.
Evaluating lean manufacturing and Six Sigma adoption and effectiveness.

Environmental & Sustainability concerns

Researching industry approaches to sustainability and circular economy practices.
Exploring the market demand for eco-friendly or sustainable industrial products and processes.

Regulatory & Compliance landscape

Assessing the implications of industry-specific regulations and standards.
Analysing the impact and preparedness for changing regulatory environments, especially related to environmental and safety standards.

Product development & innovation

Understanding needs and gaps in current product offerings.
Exploring potential for new product lines or diversifying offerings.

Labour & Workforce

Challenges related to talent acquisition, training, and retention.
The role of re-skilling and up-skilling in the face of automation and technological advancements.

Financial health & Investment

Understanding investment patterns, budgeting, and financial strategies within the industrial sector.
Evaluating financing options and investment opportunities.

Customer preferences & engagement

B2B customer buying behaviours, loyalty, and decision-making processes.
Assessing the effectiveness of sales and marketing strategies in reaching and engaging industrial clients.

Sales channels & distribution

Evaluating the efficiency of current sales channels and exploring potential new avenues.
Analysing the role of e-commerce and digital platforms in B2B sales.

Risk management

Identifying vulnerabilities related to operations, supply chains, and geopolitical scenarios.
Evaluating strategies and tools for risk prediction, assessment, and mitigation.

Competitive landscape & positioning

Analysis of market share, competition, and strategies for differentiation.
Exploring opportunities for mergers, acquisitions, or strategic partnerships.

Branding & Marketing

Understanding brand perception and equity in the B2B industrial space.
Evaluating the effectiveness of marketing mediums and campaigns, including trade shows, digital marketing, and print media.

Globalisation & Localisation Strategies

Exploring opportunities and challenges of global expansion.
Evaluating the benefits of localised production or service centres.

Digital transformation & Industry 4.0

Assessing readiness and challenges related to integrating advanced digital solutions into industrial operations.

Given the broad nature of the industrial sector, specific topics can vary based on sub-sectors (e.g., automotive, chemicals, machinery). However, the themes mentioned above offer a comprehensive view of potential research areas with industrial companies and their decision-makers.