Being well and truly prepared before entering the UK market is hugely important if brands and companies are going to make a success in this competitive landscape.
The UK market offers tremendous opportunities, but it also presents unique challenges and complexities. Understanding the market dynamics, consumer preferences, regulatory landscape, and competitive landscape is crucial for making informed decisions and developing effective strategies.
By being prepared, brands can identify success factors, anticipate potential challenges, and uncover hidden opportunities. The right level of preparation allows companies to tailor their products, messaging, and marketing efforts to resonate with UK consumers or customers, establish strong networks and partnerships, and navigate the market with confidence. In our experience those companies that are well-prepared are more likely to achieve a successful market entry, positioning their brand or company for market penetration, growth and therefore long-term sustainability.
As a trusted partner for international brands preparing to enter the UK market, we recognise the importance of thorough market understanding, and offer a range of services to help clients ahead of their official launch, way before we start working on their PR and communication. By producing bespoke research and delivering support, we ensure that companies and brands are well-equipped to make informed decisions and focus their efforts effectively. Here is a quick overview of the types of services we provide:
Bespoke Research Reports: In-depth knowledge of the UK market is essential. We undertake tailor-made research projects that address topics such as consumer perception, market trends, competitor analysis, customer profiling, relevant stakeholders and networks.
Market Entry Strategy Analysis: We also work on more brand-focused research across various FMCG categories. Research methods include focus groups, product testing, assessment of the retail landscape (not limited to major multiples) and sharing press coverage on competitor brands. These reports explore the current market landscape, including competitor products which may impact on a brand’s market entry strategy as identifying gaps in the market means clarity on specific SKUs to focus on.
Consumer Research: We also explore the UK market from a consumer perspective. This may include blind taste tests (for food & drink products), packaging comparisons, price expectations, competitor analysis, and expected product usage. By examining consumer trends, we can provide our clients with a strong understanding of consumer preferences, enabling them to develop strategies that maximize their brand’s potential.
Location Analysis: Knowing where to base a business or outlet in the UK is critical for success. Whether that’s for a business and understanding the different industry clusters or understanding the unique characteristics and local customer bases of an area. We have helped assess the availability and suitability of different locations, providing clients with reports on key areas and recommendations for example the best estate agents for specific kinds of businesses.
Content Adaptation: Adapting content for the UK market can pose challenges for international companies. We support our clients in ensuring that translated copy reads well, blogs are relevant, websites appeal to UK consumers, and social media content resonates with the target audience. Hugely important before you enter the UK as we often say: “you only get one chance to make that first impression”.
Trade Show Research and Support: Trade shows can provide valuable insights into a market even before deciding whether to exhibit. We act as your eyes and ears on the ground to visit trade shows, attend talks, an assess competitor attendance. If a company decides to attend and exhibit, RPR can provide on-site support, manning the stand, and facilitating pre-show reach-out to engage with potential stakeholders, retailers, and distributors.
Retailer and B2B Buyer Engagement: Engaging with key buyers from major multiples and independent retailers in the UK is crucial. We help clients understand the demand in their sector, review product cycles, and assess competition and utilise our extensive network to introduce clients to B2B buyers, making meaningful connections for partnerships, collaborations, or fundraising purposes.
Training and Coaching: We also offer training and ongoing coaching, covering everything from internal communications, marketing, social media, and business norms and etiquette in the UK, such as networking at events.
In summary, if you think you need to better understand the UK market before taking some critical decisions, then head to our contact page and get in touch. Of course, if you already have this information available, then do think about sharing it with us and speeding up the process of us starting to publicise you here in the UK.