Verdict Research

Verdict Research is a United Kingdom-based company founded by retail analyst Richard Hyman in 1984. It conducts research into all aspects of retailing and consumers.

Acquisition by Datamonitor

In September 2005, Verdict was acquired by Datamonitor for a maximum consideration of £4.7m in cash. Datamonitor is a research and information company operating in the technology, healthcare and consumer goods fields. The acquisition gained extensive coverage in the national and trade press:

* [http://www.abcmoney.co.uk/news/202005954.htm ABC Money]
* [http://www.iwr.co.uk/information-world-review/news/2142480/datamonitor-snaps-verdict Information Review]
* [http://news.independent.co.uk/business/news/article313594.ece The Independent]

Red Hand Gang

Verdict has employed many of the UK's leading retail analysts and consultants, including the influential so-called 'Red Hand Gang'. These consultants (Neil Saunders, Alastair Lockhart, Anne-Marie Hartnett and Grace Halliday) have all worked in Verdict's consulting division and are well known for their entrepreneurial style.

Company timeline

*1984 - Started in September 1984 by Richard Hyman who was previously a director of Mintel. The company’s mission statement was "to be the best in retail research and analysis" and it differentiated itself by writing opinion rather than merely reporting retail facts. Unlike many other firms operating in the research arena, the company only employed in-house analysts, not freelancers. The first report was on grocers and was published in January for £250.00; the first customer was Panmure Gordon (now West Deutsche Bank).
*1985 - The company moved to Britten Street and the first employees (a secretary, an analyst and a marketing manager) were employed. The company produced 12 reports in first year with two analysts.
*1986 - The company sold its first consultancy project for £4,750.
*1987 - The company moved to High Holborn and added more reports, including those focusing on consumer, forecasting and retail issues. The first Verdict conference was also held; these were held ever year for the next four years.
*1990 - The company added Fieldforce, a range and price auditing company, based in Coventry.
*1992 - The first European Report were produced. The company also launched the Retail Verdict Newsletter, 136 subscribers in first year. Followed a year later in 1993 by European and US Newsletters.
*1994 - The company celebrated its 10th Anniversary. Champagne reception held after annual conference at Connaught Rooms.
*1996 - Retail Daily News was launched.
*1997 - The company moved office to Berners Street just off Oxford Street in London.
*1999 - The 40th employee was taken on and the number of off-shelf reports exceed 40 per year for the first time.
*2000 - All Verdict’s publications were made available over the internet.
*2005 - The company was acquired by Datamonitor.