Chris Espley
Consumer Insight Consultant
I help brands understand their customers, then make sure that understanding actually changes something.
What I do
Mixed-Method Research
Qual and quant, managed end-to-end from brief through to debrief and beyond. I design research that answers real business questions, not just produces data. That means challenging the brief, testing assumptions, and making sure findings lead to decisions.
Insight Video Production
Professional video that brings consumer insight to life. Customer stories, qualitative highlight reels, and designed insight films for internal audiences. Video makes research impossible to ignore: it creates shared reference points that stay in people’s heads long after the slides are forgotten.
Internal Communications Strategy
Good research that nobody acts on is wasted research. I help insight teams get their work noticed, used, and socialised across the business long after the debrief is over. That includes how findings are packaged, which channels reach which stakeholders, and how to build an ongoing rhythm of insight communication that keeps the consumer voice alive.
How I work
I work on a day-rate basis, with project scope agreed upfront.For brand and insight teams: I can deliver discrete projects end-to-end or embed within your team on a regular basis (for example, two to three days a week), providing senior insight capacity without the overhead of a permanent hire.For research agencies: I slot into your existing project structure as experienced freelance resource. My video production capability means you can offer clients filmed insight deliverables without subcontracting a separate production company.
About
I’m Chris Espley, a consumer insight consultant based in Greater Manchester with 10+ years of experience across agency and client-side roles.I’ve led mixed-method research programmes for clients across financial services, FMCG, health technology and sport. At NFU Mutual, I developed a customer-led internal communications strategy and introduced video as a core insight format, contributing to an insight activation programme recognised by the MRS in 2024. I presented this work at the AURA industry conference in March 2025.Before going client-side, I spent five years at research agencies (Human8, Join the Dots) working across diverse sectors and running global insight communities for City Football Group.I’m available for freelance engagements now. If you’ve got a project in mind, or you’re just exploring options, I’d be happy to have a conversation.