Reflections from Female Business Owners
Seven years ago, two halves came together to reshape Face Facts Research. Like yin and yang, we brought different strengths but shared a mission: to deliver fieldwork clients could trust, participants could enjoy and we could be proud of.
Now, as we celebrate our 7th birthday, the big question arises: is the “7-year itch” a thing in business too?
Spoiler alert: for us, it’s not about itching to move on – it’s a drive to dig digging deeper.
Spoiler alert: for us, it’s not an itch to move on – it’s a desire to advance onwards.
The reality of 7 years in business
In relationships, the “7-year itch” is often used to describe a point where enthusiasm fades. In business, it can be a natural moment to pause, reflect and take stock.
For us, reflection hasn’t come from boredom but from experience. Over the past 7 years we’ve:
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- Navigated industry changes, new technologies, and of course Covid
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- Delivered face-to-face research, qualitative recruitment and online projects across multiple sectors
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- Grown our team and refined our processes to safeguard data quality
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- Built long-standing client relationships based on trust and collaboration
If the past 7 years have taught us anything, it’s that in fieldwork consistency is just as important as innovation – and you need both to thrive.
What keeps the spark alive in business?
The answer is simple: people. Market research may be about data, but the heart of Face Facts is human connection between clients, participants and our team.
We’ve kept the spark alive by:
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- Keeping it personal – tailoring every recruitment approach to the brief instead of using a one-size-fits-all model
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- Championing quality over speed – ensuring the right participants deliver better insights for clients
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- Staying curious – exploring new channels, tools and verification methods to strengthen data quality
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- Sharing the load – working as a partnership means we can challenge, support and inspire each other
Those old photos we’ve been digging out for LinkedIn have reminded us how far we’ve come – and how much fun we’ve had along the way.
Female business ownership – then and now
When we reshaped Face Facts, female business ownership in market research was far less visible. Seven years on, it’s encouraging to see more women leading agencies, influencing projects and shaping the industry.
Our own journey has reinforced a simple truth: running a business isn’t about “having it all”.
It’s about building something that works – for you, your clients and your team. Sometimes that means embracing the chaos, sharing the wins and laughing through the tricky days.
The Faces, The Facts, The Formula
Behind Face Facts are two friends and business partners with over 25 years of working together and more than 50 years of combined experience in market research.
The Faces
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- Rachel Hoy (Joint Owner) – began her career in client-side roles before moving agency-side as a full-service researcher.
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- Julie Gaughan (Joint Owner) – started in field project management and logistics, later building and directing large fieldwork teams across the UK.
The Facts
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- Rachel’s holistic perspective, having worked client, agency and supplier side, ensures client deliverables are always kept at the forefront.
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- Jules brings deep operational and field expertise. She is central to training and developing our internal teams to ensure projects run smoothly and client needs are met.
The Formula
Rachel brings the researcher’s perspective and client focus; Jules brings the operational know-how and field expertise. Different strengths, perfectly aligned. With the support of our Field, Data and Account Management teams, clients can trust us to think projects through, anticipate challenges and deliver with care. Simply put, we love nothing more than #GettingResearchDone.
The benefits of sticking it out
Seven years on and the advantages of building long-term stability are clear:
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- Clients know we’re here for the long run, not just quick project wins
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- Our processes have been tested and refined through years of hands-on experience
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- Our network of trusted recruiters, moderators and partners is stronger than ever
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- We can spot potential issues early because we’ve seen and solved them before
Seven years has resilience, perspective and a deep understanding of what works in fieldwork and what doesn’t.
FAQs
What is the 7-year itch in business?
It’s the idea that around the 7-year mark, business owners may feel restless or consider making changes.
How do you avoid the 7-year slump?
By staying connected to your purpose, adapting to industry changes and surrounding yourself with a supportive team.
Why is longevity important in market research fieldwork?
It builds trust, refines processes and strengthens relationships with clients and participants.
What makes Face Facts different after 7 years?
We combine decades of expertise with a people-first approach that keeps both clients and participants engaged.
Ready to work with a fieldwork partner who’s in it for the long haul?
Whether you need face-to-face research, qualitative recruitment or support with online projects, we’d love to help.
Find out more about our fieldwork services or get in touch to discuss your next project.
Here’s to the next 7 years – building memories, strengthening relationships and continuing to get research done.
And yes, we know we need to update our LinkedIn images! 😊
