The research division, which is made up of Facts International, Opinion Leader and Tree, posted an increase in revenue and operating income for the six months ending 30 June, but also saw a slight dip in operating profit for the period. No financial figures were disclosed in today’s management statement.

Chairman Lord Bell said that elsewhere in the group the sports marketing business continued to grow “both organically and through acquisition” and the advertising and marketing services arm continued “to do very well building on its strong creative reputation and client wins”.

The firm’s public relations businesses continued to “perform well and grow”, Bell said, despite a major project for the US government ending earlier than expected this year.