Swift Research

07/04/2026

A huge congratulations to Matthew Spedding on an amazing 20 years at Swift Research! 🎉👏

Matthew joined us back in 2006 as a Research Assistant and, through years of hard work and dedication, has progressed through a number of roles to become an Associate Director.

Thank you for everything you've done for us over the years Matthew and for always having a smile on your face 😊 - you haven't aged a bit!

05/04/2026

Plenty of creativity on display this week as the team took part in our Easter egg-decorating competition – some truly eggcellent efforts all round!

Wishing everybody a very Happy Easter from all of us at Swift.

31/03/2026

We’re delighted to announce that Katie Giles has been promoted to Managing Director of Swift Research Ltd., effective 1st March 🎉

Katie is Swift through and through. She joined the business in 2004 with a degree in Computer Science, starting out in IT support. From there, she built her career the Swift way - through hard work, dedication, and a deep understanding of our business - progressing through both technical and leadership roles.

Over more than two decades, Katie has played a pivotal role in shaping the systems, technology, and strategic direction that underpin everything we do. Most notably, she was instrumental in working alongside the previous owners to successfully transition Swift to employee ownership in 2023 - a landmark moment in our history that secured our independence and future for the long term.

Katie’s appointment as Managing Director reflects not only her technical expertise and leadership experience, but also her commitment to our people, our clients, and our employee-owned culture.

Following a very sad period for the business after the passing of our co-founder and director, Sandra, we are now pleased to be sharing this news more widely.

Please join us in congratulating Katie on this well-deserved promotion. The future of Swift is in very capable hands. 👏

13/03/2026

The funeral of our co-founder and director, Sandra Penfold, will take place in York on Wednesday 18th March.

All those who have worked for Swift Research over the years are very welcome to attend, and it would mean a great deal to the family and the wider Swift community to see so many people there.

Full details, along with the opportunity to leave a tribute for Sandra, can be found here:
https://kathleen-penfold.muchloved.com

In lieu of flowers, the family have asked for donations to PDSA – People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals. Donations can be made via the link above or on the day.

Swift Research will close on Wednesday for the day, to allow our team the opportunity to attend the funeral and remember Sandra.

Thank you for your understanding and support at this time.

03/03/2026

We are deeply saddened to share that our co-founder and Director, Sandra Penfold, passed away on Friday.

Sandra founded Swift Research in 1985 with her friend Julia Wilson. Over the next 40 years, she dedicated her life to building the business from a small venture around a dining room table into one of the UK’s most respected sensory research agencies.

Sandra believed passionately that our role was not simply to deliver research, but to be a trusted partner to our clients. Her impact on our team, our clients and the wider industry has been immeasurable.

Over the years, Swift has employed hundreds of people, many of whom built lasting friendships and careers here. Without Sandra & Julia’s vision and determination, those opportunities - and the connections formed along the way - simply would not have existed.

We cannot replace Sandra, but we will honour her memory by continuing to grow the company she loved and protect the culture she created, so future generations can benefit from her legacy.

The thoughts of everyone at Swift are with her husband Martin and her children, Andy and Jo, at this incredibly difficult time.

04/02/2026

Ready to drive growth and shape the future of an employee-owned research agency?

We’re hiring a Business Development Manager to help accelerate new client acquisition and strengthen our market presence. This is a leadership role focused on expanding our UK and European client base and driving sustainable growth.
Join an employee-owned company where your voice matters and you share in the success — all within a close-knit, commercially focused culture.

LINK in the comments ➡️

14/08/2025

This week marks a huge milestone for us here at Swift — we're 40 YEARS old!

We couldn’t have done it without you — our incredible clients, dedicated team, trusted suppliers, and amazing support network. Your trust, collaboration, and encouragement have been the driving force behind 40 wonderful years.

Here’s to the BIG 4-0 🥂 and to the next 40 years of partnership.

Thank you for being part of our journey. 🚀

18/04/2025

We're hiring! We're currently looking for a Fieldwork Executive to join our Data Collection team in Wetherby. Read more about it and apply online:

Swift Research is an independent market research agency in Wetherby, near Leeds, West Yorkshire

24/12/2024

We're closing our doors to give our team a well deserved break over the festive period. We'll be back on 2nd January raring to go for the year ahead! Merry Christmas from everybody at Swift Research!

12/12/2024

A very warm welcome to Leah Thorpe who joins Swift as a Graduate Data Executive. Leah is already smashing it in her new role and the team will be raising a glass to welcome her at the Christmas party tomorrow!

22/08/2024

SUMMER SOCIAL! The Swift team making the most of the sunshine whilst it lasts as part of our summer social. Here we are being ultra competitive at bowling, product testing the drinks (all in the name of research) and conducting depth interviews on the quality of the buffet.