Evans, who joined the firm in January this year, led the management team in acquiring the firm from Sheila Jones, who founded the company with her husband in 1968.

The deal was funded by Finance Wales, which provides commercial funding for Welsh businesses. It was also backed by Bank of Scotland Corporate, equity from the management team and the Welsh Assembly Government’s Single Investment Fund.

Evans said: “This company has a reputation for quality of service and an enviable client list. It has also been an important employer in Cardiff for over four decades. I am privileged to have a strong team here who are committed to developing the business further in order to meet the needs of our clients and to continue to provide local jobs…

“We have a three-year plan for developing the business and we are investing in our systems, equipment and training. The backing of three major financial institutions is for me a real vote of confidence in our vision for this business.”

The firm employs 80 staff and has two divisions – market research and direct marketing – and an annual turnover of £2m. Its research offerings include quantitative phone, online, postal and street interviewing and qualitative focus groups and hall tests.