A RESEARCH agency which has helped to shape Government, local authority and business policies has celebrated its 25th anniversary with a move to new offices in York.

Qa Research has moved its team of 27 staff, and almost 100 telephone interviewers, to a new headquarters in Mill House, North Street.

The moves comes after three years of double-digit growth for the business, which works with the public, private and voluntary sectors.

Qa Research managing director Richard Bryan says the company’s reputation for providing quality data often on sensitive subjects has been critical.

He said: “One area where we stand out is our ability to reach people in vulnerable circumstances.

“They are not typically heard by the decision-makers, but we give them a voice.”

Qa Research was founded by Peter Harrington in 1989 as a one-man operation after he graduated from what is now York St John University. Over its 25-year history the business faced its most challenging setback when the coalition Government brought in its austerity package in 2010, resulting in reduced spending on research.

In response Qa broadened its client base so it was less reliant on the public sector, increasing revenue from the private and charity sectors.

It expanded in the health and social care sectors, working with NHS clinical commissioning groups as well as private providers Ramsay Health Care and Care UK.

In the voluntary sector, Qa has worked with Age UK and with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

Qa also continues its tourism research offering, working with the National Trust, English Heritage and tourist board VisitEngland.

Meanwhile local authorities are returning to Qa to research ways they can make savings while minimising the impact on the most vulnerable in their communities.

Qa founder, and now chairman Mr Harrington said: “I am very proud of the research we have delivered.

“It’s been a real privilege to work with so many talented and hard-working people, tackling some big issues always at a human level.”