Alison Bainbridge, founder of the company, will return to take over as managing director in Bonney’s place.

Bonney joined ABA Research as managing director in February 2017 having worked for 20 years in client-side research. He had been head of insight at Camelot for almost four years, before moving to ABA.  Other client roles have included EE, Orange and Marks & Spencer.

However, Bonney has decided that he prefers the strategic advice side of research and insight rather than managing the day-to-day operations of a large research agency.

He said: “After 20 years client side, it was obviously a major decision to move agency side. During my year here, I’ve come to realise that the work I really enjoy is in adding value to brands at a strategic level, something that I’ve found hard to juggle alongside the many and varied duties of managing director.

“I admired ABA as a client, and my admiration has only grown while I’ve been working with Alison and the team. I’m pleased to say that we part on extremely good terms, and I hope to continue working together once I’ve set up my new venture.”

Bainbridge added: “Everyone at ABA has the greatest respect for Nick, and we’ve all enjoyed working with him. We part on genuinely good terms, and Nick has agreed to work his notice period to ensure a smooth handover. Personally, I’d like to thank Nick for giving me time to step back from the day-to-day management of the business. I’m returning to the role of MD energised and enthused. We wish Nick every success in his new venture.”