DJS Research company Inform 2026: why time spent together is always time well spent

We returned once again to the Light Cinema in Stockport, taking over an entire screen for what turned out to be a truly cinematic experience. With DJS Research popcorn in hand (in recyclable paper bags – no plastic here), the lights went down and Inform 2026 began with a bang. 

Here’s a quick rundown of highlights from the day, and you can get a feel for the essence of Inform 2026 in this fantastic 30 second snapshot:

• Kick-starting the day with a blockbuster opening: Our multimedia designer and animator, Angharad Pearce blew our socks off with a cinema-quality video showcase of our achievements from the last 12 months.
• Partner focus: Director Gill Redfern revealed plans to evolve the people strand of our strategic plan into a more accountable, forward-thinking Partner Pillar.
• Collaboration in action: Deputy Field Manager Aoife Lynch spoke about our role in a new proactive initiative – the Fieldwork Collaboration Group – which is tackling the industry-wide issue of declining face-to-face interviewers head-on with positive results. Expect more news on this soon.
• Ask the Board: Our MD Al Gleed gave detailed and honest answers to a raft of questions on a range of topics from salaries and resourcing to what lies ahead (he deserved a cold one after that!)
• Ending on a high: Danny Sims had the lovely job of announcing the winners of our DJS Research awards (after a company-wide vote ahead of the event) to a very deserving bunch:
  • The Sunshine Award: Rachel Bond, who brings the joy every day and is quite simply an all-round pleasure to be around!
  • The Trusted Compass: Vicky Mullis, an inspiring leader who guides others with strength and integrity and leads by example.
  • The Spark: Ginny Cartmel, who’s made a huge impact company-wide since joining us just 18 months ago, infusing passion, energy and fresh thinking into everything she does.
  • The Better Together Award: Our Creative Services team, Steph Skupien, Angharad Pearce and Laura Stewart, for their collaborative approach; they continually support teams and individuals across the business and elevate our outputs to a whole new level.
  • The Gold Standard Award: Researchers in team Cloud, who’ve gone above and beyond time and time again; driven, dedicated and delivering incredible results – a truly stellar team. Well done to Charlotte Sykes, James Hinde, Rachel Hancock, Rachel Bond, Anna Hegarty, Kelly Neild, Mark Byrne, Tom Hotson and Kathryn Tebbs.  

• With awards handed out and popcorn long gone, we poured out of the screen inspired and (more than) ready to eat, drink and celebrate together. Once the food was decimated, with well-overdue catch-ups in full swing, we moved on to Loft Social to continue the chat to the sound of clashing curling stones and lively pétanque matches! We found a few Robin Hoods amongst us, with Dan Thompson and Cara Rodwell from our Field & Data Services team nailing the bullseye on multiple occasions, and there were plenty of hard-fought battles cheered on with drinks in hand.

  Days like this reinforce the unbeatable value and importance of coming together; in the thick of day-to-day work, it can be easy to forget you’re surrounded by a whole sea of incredible people who are pulling together in the same direction.

  Seeing each other in real life brings home that we really are One DJS Research and proud – and it turns out we’re really quite competitive too! 

  Here’s to Inform 2027 and whatever our social committee has in store in between. One thing’s for sure, Inform 2026 will be a tough act to follow.

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