2010 Press articles

Hotel Business, December 2010

"Brand to Attention"

Great brands understand the supreme importance of the relationship with their most loyal, heavy users, says John Hosking, partner at Cognosis.

Financial Times, December 2010

"Are they only in it for the money?"

It's the issue every employer has to face:
Ross Tieman looks at the dangers of very high pay.

Guardian Careers, November 2010

"A guide to your first management role"

Be enthusiastic, be curious and learn to manage up as well as down.
Here are the best bits from our recent Q&A on becoming a great boss.

Drinks Business, November 2010

"Centennial celebrations"

It's the 100th issue of the drinks business, and Patrick Schmitt marks the occasion by remembering some of the magazine's key themes over the years, from rose to RTDs, and from cider to China.

Top Consultant, November 2010

"Consultancy in retail and consumer goods"

In the fourth of his current series of editorials Huntswood‟s Stephen Humphreys explores the currentopportunities and challenges facing consultancy in the retail and consumer goods sector.

Drinks Business, November 2010

"White Spirits: Leading whites"

Vodka remains leader of the white spirit pack, but others, such as gin and Tequila, by virtue of premium extensions, are strengthening their market share, writes Alan Lodge.

The Marketer, October 2010

"The 20 minute course in... leading from the bottom"

Do you know what your staff get up to? A hands-off leadership approach can allow your team to flourish, but Kate Hilpern discovers that coming down from your ivory tower, rolling up your sleeves and mucking in can help boost morale

Director, October 2010

"Learning the hard way"

Fewer MBA students, training providers under pressure and cautious spending...it's been a tough year for business education. A modest recovery is underway but employers are more demanding, calling for courses linked to commercial goals.

Drinks Business, September 2010

"Scotch School"

Whisky is in the ascendancy worldwide, thanks in large measure to emerging-market predilections. But the Industry realises that for this positive trend to continue, more work is needed to further educate consumers, reports Alan Lodge.

Drinks Business, September 2010

"Generational shift"

Richard Brown of Cognosis notes the differences between the industry's first raft of standalone RTDs and the latest collection of distinctly more premium and brand-led offerings.

Management Today, August 2010

"MT Expert's Top Ten Tips:
Be more emotionally intelligent"

Don't expect staff to buy into your strategy because of your brilliant figures
and flip charts...

Drinks International, August 2010

"The lap of luxury"

The bling is dead, long live the new bling. Lucy Britner looks at how vodka is responding to a consumer desire for authenticity over excess.

Daily Telegraph, July 2010

"Brewer seeks UK pub profile after expert success"

Marketing Magazine, June 2010

"Categorically speaking"

BrewDog wants to be as expert at selling to on-trade as it is at courting controversy, writes James Hurley.

The Spirits Business, May 2010

"Wodka under Siege"

Richard Brown of research consultants Cognosis takes a graphic look at the Russian market and finds the outlook it tough - not only for the would-be importer, but also for domestic producers - as the government looks to halve per capita consumption.

The Spirits Business, March 2010

"Gazing into Voddy's Crystal Ball"

Voddy's imprint around the world has been nothing short of humungous, not only in terms of its sheer size and number of brands, but also in terms of its ongoing momentum. The good news, too, is that it's all set to continue.

Edge, March 2010

"Generation Gap"

Do you view the younger generation as upstarts who know nothing about good management or think that the older generation is out of touch? If so, your closed-off attitude could be damaging your business, says Sue Weekes.

The Drinks Business, March 2010

"A clear point of difference"

In these lean times, the vodka category has adopted a strategy of diversification to maintain consumer interest and minimise the risk of failure. Patrick Schmitt finds a raft of new packaging formats, interesting flavours and inventive pre-mixes.

Management Today, March 2010

"The trouble with MBAs"

Top business school alumni were in charge at some of the most calamity-stricken organisations as the recession took hold. So are we due for a big rethink on what business courses actually teach? Ian Wylie reports.

The Publican, February 2010

"Winners and Losers"

The recession has seen an understandable shift towards a more price-conscious customer - but that doesn't mean people have stopped spending, they just want better value products and experiences. Glynn Davis explains the different patterns.

The Drinks Business, February 2010

"Thinking Ahead"

Richard Brown at Cognosis Consulting believes that despite economic recovery, the drinks industry won't return to the way it was pre-crash, with premium brands really feeling the pinch. He tells Patrick Schmitt his projections for the new decade.

The Independent, January 2010

"The importance of feelings"

Most business leaders aren't sufficiently in touch with their emotions.
Hilary Wilce looks at what needs to change.

Financial Times, January 2010

"Distinguish between what is
urgent and what is important"

Set yourself goals for the year ahead.

The Drinks Business, November 2009

"It's the real deal"

What emerged from this session, 'Gauging confidence - consumer reactions to change' is that the premiumisation trend is all but dead, cider is a huge growth story and heritage and provenance are the buzzwords of now, reports Jane Parkinson.

Director Magazine, November 2009

"Blood in the boardroom"

Handled with care, conflict at the top of a company brings rewards. But powerful leaders who sweep away challenge can cause division and damage performance.

Research Magazine, November 2009

"People on the move"

A roundup of the latest appointments and promotions in the global market research
and consumer insight business.

Consultant News, November 2009

"John Hosking promoted to partner"

Cognosis strengthens Board following success during 2009

Management Today, October 2009

"Hidden Treasures"

When it comes to filling vacancies, employees whose talents may have been overlooked can often be a better and more cost-effective bet than external candidates, writes Steve Hemsley.

BBC, October 2009

"Can a blazing row at work be productive?"

An almighty row in the workplace could help creative thinking if properly managed, according to new research. So does a consensual attitude strangle what you're trying to achieve?

Financial Times, July 2009

"Get your strategy right now before the dust settles"

The MacLeod Review, July 2009

Cognosis contributes "Engaging for success: enhancing performance through employee engagement"

Management Today, June 2009

"Travel Economy"

Thanks to the recession, budgets for planes, trains and accommodation are being slashed as never before. The good news is that technology is on your side, and you give the planet more breathing space. Rhymer Rigby finds the way to go in this new age of austerity.

The Spirits Business, May 2009

"Bring back the high earners!"

Patience Gould looks at the brand movers and shakers in the 2008 Brand Champions league. But in the backdrop of the global recession - brands, particularly premium and super-premiums will have to rework their proposition.

Marketing Magazine, May 2009

"Don’t believe the hype"

In an economy as tough as tough as this, it pays to question the received wisdom, writes Gemma Charles.

The Grocer, April 2009

"Successful retailers need the
human touch in tough times"

Retailers should engage consumers emotionally, not just give them the hard sell, according to research by Cognosis. Glynn Davies reports.

Media & Marketing Magazine, April 2009

"No place for counterfeits"

As whole sectors come crashing down and consumer confidence hits an all-time low, how are brands trying to get the public to believe in what they have to say about their product and, crucially, start spending again, asks Olivia Solon.

The Times, April 2009

"How to turn strategy into action"

Big dreams are fine, but a pragmatic approach is more useful, writes Carly Chynoweth.