Research Runner 🏃♂️ Leading the Way in Lead Generation
Posted on May 21st, 2025 in Harlow Business Case Study
Harlow boasts a diverse business community, specializing in various sectors that support multiple industries and customers. Among these, Research Runner stands out as a unique local business leading the way in lead generation, specialising in the market research sector. Founded fifteen years ago by Managing Director Julian Haste, who has a background in sales and market research, Research Runner was established as a support function for market research agencies. Initially a home-grown enterprise, it has grown to operate from the Harlow Enterprise Hub, focusing on lead generation, appointment setting, and sales consultancy. Over the years, the company has diversified into new B2B sectors, staying true to its initial vision and proudly considering itself a “15-year overnight success.”
(MD, Julian & Tracey Haste)
Operating on a retainer model, Research Runner generates connections and new business meetings between market research agencies and corporate clients. When asked about their activities, the team explained:
“If you were a market research agency with products, services, or skills to offer, you’d be looking to connect with businesses. Our job is to get you in the door to meet these businesses, and to meet with the right person. Our client sales team acts as an extension of your sales team, giving you a consistent flow of new business opportunities.”
The market research landscape is competitive, with companies often hosting interview days for market research businesses. Market research is a valuable tool in almost every industry, as companies offering products or services seek support from market research agents to develop surveys, conduct testing, and gather feedback. One of Research Runner’s standout qualities is its close relationship with partners and open communication style. Their extensive client list includes agencies of all sizes, globally. An exciting development is the use of AI in market research, which can run broad simulations on products, services, and markets. And Research Runner take this to market on behalf of their clients, generating interest, raising awareness and booking those important new business meetings.
Currently, the team operates from the Harlow Enterprise Hub and has a global presence with clients in America, the UK, the EU, and even APAC regions like Singapore and Australia. Last year was particularly exciting, with record numbers and clients, an updated website supported by the Harlow Digital Boost Grants, and a recruitment drive that expanded the team to fifteen permanent staff members. Culture plays a significant role within Research Runner’s ethos, fostering a positive environment to support staff success. This friendly and encouraging atmosphere contributed to the team winning the Breakthrough Culture Award in 2024. When asked about their success and focus on staff wellbeing, the team shared:
“Most of our employees live in or around Harlow. The Enterprise Hub provides everything we need to operate. Legacy staff have found Harlow to be a central location. Locally, we use recruitment agencies to support staffing needs. We also have a junior scheme that gives new starters a chance to learn the ropes and gain experience. It’s motivating to develop people and the team. Overall, Harlow is a great location for us and our team.”
Looking ahead, Research Runner has all the foundations in place to accelerate growth. With robust processes and procedures around recruitment, onboarding, training, and development, the team is creating new roles to offer progression opportunities and new responsibilities. Research Runner is advancing strategies to secure more clients and recruit more individuals, working on new ideas to move the business forward while building on existing strengths and positive working culture. If you would like to find out more about Research Runner or explore current vacancies, please get in touch.
🌐 Website: www.research-runner.com
📞 Telephone: 01279 260 031
📧 Email: [email protected]