Established in the 1960s, the company was known as Ulster Marketing Surveys until it was acquired by Millward Brown in 2002.

Kantar Millward Brown has decided to close the office following a consultation period. Will Galgey, managing director at Kantar Insights Division, UK, said: “After a period of consultation we have made the difficult decision to close our Kantar Millward Brown Ulster office. We’d like to publicly thank the team for all they have contributed to our business over many years and we wish them well for the future.”

According to an Irish News report, a company source suggested to the paper that its mainly telephone research-based approach was becoming less viable due to the rise of online research.

Kantar Millward Brown Belfast’s senior directors Catherine Toner, Glenn Hall, Alan Lobo and Dawn McCartney have established a new full-service research agency, Cognisense Ltd.

Based at a new premises in Adelaide House in Belfast, the company will continue to serve the research needs of local businesses and organisations, according to a statement.

Catherine Toner, director at Cognisense, said: “We are excited by this new chapter. Our success has been built on a foundation of a talented team with significant expertise and knowledge of the local market.”

Alan Lobo, director, added: “The team are looking forward to continued, seamless relationships with our clients.”