The duo previously worked together at education consultancy EdComs where they headed the research team between 2005 and 2008.

Before his time at EdComs Batterham worked at JRA and Research Works while Levesley’s most recent position was principal research fellow at the Institute of Employment Studies.

Earlier in his career Levesley worked at ORC International and the Home Office, after starting out as a teacher.

The duo said that they will form Chrysalis’ “core project team” and will collaborate with “research and industry experts” where necessary.

Chrysalis will focus on qualitative work, while also offering clients quantitative, desk research and reporting and dissemination services.

Levesley told Research that the new company has had “very positive” discussions with prospective clients since launching.