In 2014, the 86 organisations eligible for entry — those with a turnover exceeding £3m — generated over £2.7bn in turnover. This represents overall year-on-year growth of 4%.

61 of those 86 business — 71% of the Annual League Table — reported increased turnover, and the top 20 agencies accounted for around 75% of turnover value. Of those top 20 agencies, 12 are UK businesses, five are from the US, and one each is from France, Germany and the Netherlands. There were six new entrants, matched by six departures since last year.

The top 20 agencies are listed below, and the full league tables can be found here.

Alongside the MRS Annual League Table, a listing has been released of the top 50 individual agencies by turnover, which breaks out organisations that are part of a group into their individual businesses. The 20 fastest-growing agencies are also included separately.

“4% overall growth for those businesses represented in the MRS Annual League Tables is great news for the research industry,” said Jane Frost, CEO of MRS. “It demonstrates that many businesses of greater than £3 million have not only left the difficulties of the recession behind but are now beginning to grow more tangibly.

“The Tables reflect the diverse nature of the UK research industry, and exhibit the wide range of talent and methodologies deployed by organisations – from the largest public global groups to the boutique businesses – to provide vital insight. The work they do may vary considerably, but each business operates in support of well informed, evidence-based decision-making.”