At the high point of the year for the research industry, Ipsos was last night presented with the MRS Award for Research in the Financial Sector in recognition of its industry leading innovation.
Is there a glimmer of light on the horizon? Perhaps. There are certainly glimmers of optimism that the worst recession since the 1930's may be abating, yet unemployment is still on the increase and consumer spending continues to be noticeably down, wreaking havoc on economies and confounding Marketers.
Ipsos's November Issues Index shows that the economy remains the most important issue facing the country today. However, there is a continuing decline in the numbers citing this issue as important and other issues are returning to prominence.
The latest Ipsos public spending index shows that the public is split on the need to cut spending on frontline services, but messages on the tough choices ahead are slowly beginning to filter through.
Anxiety is spreading among Tory MPs, morale is rising in Labour ranks and the hope is dawning among Lib Dems that a hung parliament just might leave them holding the balance of power.
Ipsos's November Political Monitor shows, among those certain to vote, an increase in support for Labour and a fall in support for the Conservative Party.
