Ipsos UK has been commissioned by the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT) to carry out in-depth research with businesses operating across Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
The research aims to understand how manufacturers and goods-based businesses prepare for, manage, and respond to changes in UK and EU product regulation, including the practical impacts of moving goods between GB and NI.
Why take part?
Your experience on the ground matters. By contributing to this research, you will help inform future government services and policy design, with the objective of reducing regulatory friction and making compliance more practical for businesses trading in goods.
What does participation involve?
Ipsos are specialist researchers with extensive experience working confidentially with businesses. Participation is designed to be flexible and proportionate, with minimal disruption to normal operations.
Depending on your business and preferences, this may include a combination of:
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Interviews with relevant staff
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Review of selected documents or processes
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Observation or shadowing of operational activity
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A mix of in-person and remote engagement
The aim is to develop a holistic understanding of how regulation affects your business in practice.
Pilot research will take place over three days between 19–30 January 2026, with main research scheduled for mid-February to early March 2026. Exact timings will be agreed in advance.
Research incentive
Eligible businesses can receive up to £500 for full participation across three working days. Payments can be staggered across different staff members where appropriate and will be made via bank transfer at the end of the study.
Who is Ipsos looking to hear from?
Businesses that:
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Are GB-based and sell goods into Northern Ireland, or
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Are NI-based and sell goods within NI and/or into GB
Ipsos would also welcome contact from GB-based firms that previously sold into NI but have since stopped.
Priority interest includes:
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Goods-producing or goods-trading businesses (not services)
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Firms subject to multiple product regulations, particularly those affected by recent or upcoming EU regulatory changes (for example machinery, product safety, digital or technology-related regulation)
Next steps
If you are interested in taking part, please contact anna.geatrell@ipsos.com with your details and a suitable time for a short introductory call (phone, Microsoft Teams or Zoom) during the week commencing Monday 12 January.
All information shared will be treated as confidential and will not be shared with third parties without your consent.