Our history

Having recently celebrated our 40th birthday, Swift Research is proud to stand among the UK's longest-established independent research agencies.

Initially called "Swift Research Partners", the company was founded in 1985 in Yorkshire by Sandra Penfold and Julia Wilson, two former teachers who turned to market research interviewing after starting their families. What started out in the dining room of Sandra's home, quickly outgrew its modest beginnings and moved into dedicated premises in Tadcaster.

Through the 1980s and 90s, the company expanded rapidly, relocating within both Tadcaster and Sherburn in Elmet, before finding its current home at Concept House in the market town of Wetherby. As the team continued to grow, Swift acquired Sandbeck House, a second building located just across the road.

The expansion allowed for the re-design of Concept House, where a viewing facility suitable for qualitative research was created on its ground floor. We were incredibly proud to welcome HRH Princess Anne to officially open the Innervisions Viewing Facility in 2007.

Julia retired from the business in 2008, and it became family-run as Sandra and her husband, Martin, took over the reins.

Over the decades, Swift has worked across many sectors, but it is fragrance and sensory research that it found to be its greatest passion. This focus has shaped the company's direction in recent times and in 2019 resulted in the transformation of Sandbeck House into 'The Sensory Centre' - a dedicated sensory research venue complete with a laundry lab, vaping suite, and sensory testing booths.

On 24th November 2023, Sandra and Martin sold the business to its employees - making it one of only five employee-owned market research companies in the UK. By placing Swift's future in the hands of the people who helped build it, it ensured the Swift Research name would continue for many years to come.

Sandra Penfold sadly passed away in February 2026. Even in her late seventies, Sandra was still working as an active director of Swift at the time of her passing and is greatly missed by all of those who worked with her during her 40-year tenure. Sandra's vision, dedication and determination made Swift what it is today, and her legacy will be carried forward into Swift's future by the team she inspired.