M·E·L News

M·E·L News

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M·E·L Research appoints Elliot Simmonds to the Board as Commercial Director

November 2025

M·E·L Research is delighted to announce the appointment of Elliot Simmonds to its Board of Directors as Commercial Director. Elliot has been a valued member of the M·E·L Research team since 2021, most recently serving as Client Solutions Director, where he has played a pivotal role in strengthening client relationships and delivering innovative, actionable research. In his new role, Elliot will be responsible for developing and implementing M·E·L’s commercial strategy and leading the organisation’s sales and marketing functions.

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New Project: M·E·L Research to Evaluate GMCA’s Tenancy Relations Pilot with Shelter

November 2025

We’re delighted to share that M·E·L Research has been commissioned to evaluate the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s (GMCA) Tenancy Relations Pilot working with Shelter. The private rental sector (PRS) in Greater Manchester faces mounting pressures: rising evictions, overcrowding, homelessness, and widespread disrepair. Many councils lack dedicated tenancy-relations enforcement, leaving tenants vulnerable and councils stretched. The Tenancy Relations Pilot, delivered by Shelter in partnership with...

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New Project: Understanding Stakeholder Perceptions of the Local Government Association

November 2025

We have been commissioned by the Local Government Association (LGA) to deliver the 2025/26 Stakeholder Perceptions Survey, a national study exploring how local government leaders, officers and councillors across England view the LGA, its work, and the value it provides. The study comes at an important time as the LGA continues to support councils through complex policy and financial challenges. By gathering fresh evidence on stakeholder perceptions...

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Breaking the Silence: Exploring Public Attitudes on Fertility in the UK

November 2025

At M.E.L Research, we’re committed to shining a light on issues that are too often misunderstood, overlooked, or seen as taboo. This World Fertility Day, we’re proud to explore public attitudes towards fertility through our latest nationally representative study – part of our ongoing Women’s Health series. According to the World Health Organisation, one in six people globally experience infertility. Yet despite its prevalence, many continue to face stigma...

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M·E·L Research attends the launch of the British Dyslexia Association’s new report at Parliament

October 2025

Earlier this week, M·E·L Research’s Tamsin Maries and Elliot Simmonds were invited to the Houses of Parliament by the British Dyslexia Association (BDA) to attend the launch of their new report, Set up for somebody else. The report highlights the urgent need for improved support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and dyslexia across the education system.

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M·E·L Research to Evaluate Newcastle’s Ten-Year Cultural Investment Programme

October 2025

M·E·L Research has been appointed by Newcastle City Council to deliver a three-year evaluation programme covering two of the city’s flagship cultural events – NOVUM and Enchanted City – alongside a three-year training and development initiative for emerging cultural producers. Together, these activities form the first phase of Newcastle’s ambitious ten-year investment in culture, designed to...

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Bright pink celebratory graphic with the text “40 years of M·E·L Research” surrounded by stars and sparkles.

M·E·L Research’s 40th anniversary: Celebrating 40 Years of Purposeful Insight

October 2025

This year marks the 40th anniversary of M·E·L Research! In 1985, three postgraduates from Aston University’s Environmental Studies Unit took a leap of faith and moved into a modest 200sq ft office in Aston Science Park. With a £10,000 start-up grant from West Midlands Cooperative Finance, they formed Midland Environment Limited, a cooperative company with a mission to improve the world around them through evidence, research, and curiosity. Their first project? Measuring...

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Industry Insights

M·E·L Research Commissioned by Ofcom to Explore Adult Experiences of Online Safety

September 2025

We are pleased to announce that M·E·L Research has been appointed by Ofcom to deliver a new study into how adults in the UK encounter and respond to online content relating to suicide, self-harm and eating disorders (S/SH/ED). The internet is now central to how people connect, communicate and navigate the world. Alongside its benefits, however, there are serious risks - particularly when people come across content that may encourage or normalise harmful behaviours. While there is an established body of evidence about the experiences of...

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Continuing our Evaluation Partnership with English Heritage in 2025

September 2025

We’re excited to share that our partnership with English Heritage is set to continue in 2025, with a fresh focus on artist created installations at two standout sites: Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden and Whitley Court and Gardens. These installations are all about bringing history to life in unexpected ways. By commissioning artists, often working alongside partner organisations, English Heritage creates installations inspired by the nation’s most iconic sites and collections. These works invite visitors...

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We are Gold Partners of the Invictus Games 2027!

Celebrating International Day of Birmingham as Gold Partners of the Invictus Games 2027

September 2025

Today is the second annual International Day of Birmingham and we are incredibly proud to announce that M·E·L Research is a Gold Partner of the Invictus Games 2027, which will be hosted at The National Exhibition Centre (NEC)! For us, this is about more than supporting a major event (although Birmingham is brilliant at them). The Invictus Games are something truly special. They use the power of sport to support the recovery and rehabilitation of military...

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Understanding Public Response to Climate-Related Heritage Loss

New Project Announcement: Understanding Public Response to Climate-Related Heritage Loss

September 2025

We’re delighted to announce that M·E·L Research has been commissioned by Historic England to deliver a major new study exploring how the public responds to the loss of heritage caused by climate change. The historic environment is increasingly vulnerable to climate impacts — from rising sea levels and extreme weather events to accelerated decay of buildings and archaeological sites. This project will provide robust, actionable insights to help Historic England engage with the public on...

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Industry Insights

Cover graphic for an article titled 'PCOS: The Hidden Women’s Health Condition We Cannot Ignore' by Beth Harcourt, Marketing Manager at MEL Research. The design features bold white and purple text on a blue background with a star shape, alongside a cropped photo of a woman’s midsection in nude underwear.

PCOS Awareness Month 2025: The Hidden Women’s Health Condition We Cannot Ignore

September 2025

I was 18 when I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). At the time, I had never heard of it and like so many women and teenage girls, I was left to figure it out on my own, googling the condition and wondering why no one had ever spoken about it before. That is why PCOS Awareness Month matters so much to me, and others with the condition (affectionately known as...

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Understanding Public Perspectives on the UK’s AI Bill On Behalf of The Ada Lovelace Institute

September 2025

M·E·L Research has been commissioned by the Ada Lovelace Institute to deliver a new study on public attitudes towards artificial intelligence (AI) regulation in the UK. The project comes at a critical point, with government preparing to consult on a new bill that will shape how advanced technologies are governed. Leyla Ahmed, Research Manager at M·E·L Research, said: “What excites me about this project is hearing directly from people about how AI shows up in their daily lives, whether that’s through the services they rely on, or the choices being made about...

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Behind the Audit: How M·E·L Research Champions Quality and Compliance

August 2025

Standing on the edge of an external audit can be daunting, I know, because just a few years ago I was brand new to ISO. Fast forward to today, and I’m preparing to lead M·E·L Research into our fourth annual audit, with three full passes already behind us and a new challenge ahead, accreditation for ISO 27001:2022. Toni Hogg, Quality and Compliance Lead Despite achieving these ‘full passes’, I still consider myself fairly new in this field. I stand amongst ISO Professionals with 20-plus years under their belts. The ISO 2022 audit was...

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Graphic with text reading 'Welcoming a new Research Manager and Marketing Manager' featuring Leyla Ahmed on the left and Beth Harcourt on the right, against a teal background.

M·E·L Research New Hires: Welcoming A New Research Manager and Marketing Manager

August 2025

New hires have expanded our team in the last six months with two exciting new appointments: Leyla Ahmed, Research Manager, and Beth Harcourt, Marketing Manager. These hires are part of a wider expansion for the company, with more new faces set to join later this year. Leyla joins the team with over six years of experience delivering...

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