Methodology
A mixed methodology was used for our Power of Small project.
An initial tender process for both the research and testing phases revealed the need for a combination of different skills and experiences. So it was decided to separate out the research and testing.
Research phase
Fair Collective was commissioned to lead on the research phase of the project, which ran from May to August 2024.
They conducted a rapid research review in May, exploring the literature that exists on the challenges that Smalls face. Building on the rapid research review, they initiated a research phase that combined qualitative and quantitative research.
A survey was conducted with over 400 respondents from a wide range of organisations. Ten organisations, from a diverse range of sectors, were recruited to conduct research with their peers.
Fair Collective also held a series of workshops and meetings to add to the research phase.
Testing phase
The testing phase ran from September 2024 to the end of February 2025 and consisted again of a mixture of insight gathering and developmental work.
Fair Collective was recommissioned to take forward the recommendation from the research to build on mapping the ecosystem of support. The agency William Joseph was commissioned to develop the prototype of the ‘digital front door’.