Meet the members: Dan Young, Shed Research Consulting

You’re in good company this week as we chat to Dan Young of Shed Research Consulting.

Dan helps organisations make more of all their customer and market research - more on that later. We spoke about keeping working life simple, tips for those just starting out in business, the best pho in Brighton and a tenuous connection to Gloria Hunniford!

Hey Dan, tell us about what you do!

I help organisations make more of all their customer and market research. Too often this is underused, sitting in drawers or in folders. If I do my job properly, I bring this insight to life. And even better, I stop organisations wasting money on new research. 

My team is just me and deliberately so. I’ve considered hiring people and building the business. But I’m already overly-committed in my personal life (house, dog, too many children). I like to keep my working life as simple as possible.

“I’m a full timer with dreams of the perfect part-time balance. One day.”

We’re all about that work/life balance at WRAP. Give us your top 3 reasons why you love it here:

1.     It’s beautiful - I love the décor and feel of the space

2.     It’s in my favourite part of Brighton – North Laine has the best pubs, cafes and shops

3.     It’s full of lovely people – since I joined, everyone has been nothing but friendly and helpful

Where’s your favourite spot to set up for the day?

I’ve tried lots of spots around WRAP and I love the first floor bay window. You get enough quiet to focus on work but enough hubbub not to get bored. And if you’re struggling for inspiration, you can watch the world go by on Queens Road.

“ I love the décor and feel of the space”

Any tips for someone starting out on their freelance/business journey?

Behave like a big business.

Even when it’s just you, make sure you have all the things you’d find in a big company; a brand, a clear proposition, a target audience, a five-year strategy, a training programme, and of course, bonuses for hitting your targets. All this adds structure and keeps you motivated.

Quick fire round

Favourite local lunch spot? Milk No Sugar (best pho in Brighton)

Best nearby green space? I live close to the South Downs so Brighton can’t compete with the green space at the end of my road. But I do love Brighton’s blue space. I go to the beach and swim in the sea whenever I get the chance.

Best kept secret? Not sure how secret it is, but Smorls’ falafel in the Open Market is a must if you haven’t been

And finally… tell us a surprising fact (or three) about yourself!

1.     I was born on Friday the 13th. My mother says that’s why it’s unlucky. I think she’s joking.

2.     Since the pandemic started and I’ve stopped meeting people face-to-face, I’ve won a couple of research industry awards. I can’t see a connection between the two.

3.     The TV cabinet I bought last week belonged to Gloria Hunniford. Fact.

Connect with Dan on twitter, LinkedIn or at shedresearch.co.uk