Insight and Intelligence

Steer the course of tomorrow. Today.

In today’s fast-paced world, the ability to quickly adapt to changes is crucial. Foresight equips organisations with the ability to pivot and adjust strategies in response to emerging trends and technologies.

Our insight and intelligence team can provide you with the confidence that you’re making decisions based on real-time, and what matters to your business. 

Don’t fear the future, embrace it.

Markets move fast. Leaders move faster. We transform emerging trends and technological disruption into decisive action plans, helping you stay ahead rather than react behind. With the right insight at the right time, you can build momentum, strengthen your position and achieve lasting impact.

Insights.

Know your audience.

Our focus groups bring together the voices that shape your world, decoding opinions and surfacing insights that drive real change. From recruitment to write-up, we manage every detail – so you get actionable intelligence that helps you move forward with confidence and clarity.

Insight starts with evidence.

Our team sources, creates, and analyses data to uncover the trends that matter most to your story. From public views on your campaign approach to nationally representative polling, we’ll help you create the evidence base you need to shape strategy, or make your case.

And we don’t just follow the conversation – we lead it, commissioning our own polling to give you the edge and position you as a genuine thought leader.

Solutions, not just answers. 

We help you move beyond the obvious, using research to anticipate shifts in society and policy. Whether we’re writing the report or connecting you with the right partners, our expertise ensures you’re always ahead – delivering value and making your voice indispensable. 

 

What they think matters.

We work closely with organisations to map the views of politicians, policymakers, and sector leaders, giving you a clear benchmark for reputation and performance. Our audits turn perception into a strategic asset, so you can act with confidence and credibility.

Stay ahead of the curve.

From the impact of policy change on your business, to which culture war is influencing public decisions, understanding your risk landscape is vital.

We help you see what’s coming – identifying threats and opportunities so you can shape strategy, make informed decisions, and stay one step ahead when it matters most.

Intelligence.

See how AI sees you.

Our unique tool shows how your organisation is represented inside Large Language Models like ChatGPT – revealing which stories land, which sources shape your profile, and where your influence is strongest. With these insights, you can shape your reputation in the fast moving world of AI search and stay ahead of digital perception.

Confidence in every interview.

Our blended AI–human training tool recreates real world interview scenarios with intelligent feedback that sharpens your delivery, messaging and composure. It raises preparedness while reducing the time and cost of traditional media training – giving your spokespeople an edge when the spotlight hits.

Turn complex data into clearer decisions.

Our mapping tool visualises your assets, communities and stakeholders against political, geographic or demographic boundaries – from highlighting which MPs represent your sites to building local area profiles that strengthen strategy. It helps you see patterns, spot opportunities, and engage with precision.

Know what’s shaping the narrative.

Media Monitor tracks coverage across key outlets, sectors and themes, giving you a real time view of how your organisation, issues and spokespeople are being discussed. It helps you act quickly, guide your response, and stay ahead of emerging risks or opportunities in the media landscape.

Our people; your team.

David Button
Head of Insight & Research
Arrow
Arrow
David Button
Head of Insight & Research

As Cavendish’s Head of Insight, David also coordinates our insights and research services, supporting clients to commission their own thought leadership, polling, focus groups and perceptions audits. He also oversees our own original insights and polling reports and data visualisation platform. David is a member of the Market Research Society (MRS).

He has authored and edited a number of pieces of research for clients and for Cavendish, including leading surveys, focus groups and polling, as well as our perceptions audit service. Throughout his career he has conducted research projects on subjects as varied as older people’s housing, faulty cosmetic surgery implants, security screening for airline pilots, the newspaper industry and food packaging.

Also a member of our corporate affairs team, David supports clients to build influence through insight-led campaigns and is an expert in the parliamentary and legislative process.

Oli Folkerd
Director of Development
Arrow
Arrow
Oli Folkerd
Director of Development

Our Director of Development, Oli Folkerd is a digital and development specialist with over 15 years’ experience.

Starting his career by helping SMEs optimise operations with CRM and web solutions, he has evolved into an experiential marketing specialist. Oli’s accomplishments include creating cloud processing architecture and a virtual conferencing platform during the pandemic, showcasing his innovation and adaptability in dynamic industries.

Sam Clough
Executive Director
Portrait photograph of Sam Clough
Arrow
Arrow
Sam Clough
Executive Director

Sam is an award-winning communications strategist with a track record of advising high-profile clients for over 20 years. Her expertise lies in developing integrated communications strategies that capture attention, initiate discussions, and influence behavioural change. She strongly believes in the power of storytelling and brand, and collaborates closely with her clients to craft impactful narratives that establish connections between audiences and brands.

James Bird
Managing Director of Innovation
Arrow
Arrow
James Bird
Managing Director of Innovation

James is a seasoned integrated communications specialist with over 15 years in corporate and public affairs. He has worked with leading businesses across the UK and internationally winning numerous awards. James is responsible for leading both the Government Relations team and the Innovation and Insights team, spearheading the delivery of our Group’s cutting-edge products and services. He is also responsible for our AI rollout.

Tom Davies
Community Manager
Arrow
Arrow
Tom Davies
Community Manager