There are a variety of ways the MRBA can help:
Financial Help
If you or a member of your immediate family have severe financial difficulties because of an illness, injury or other personal problem, and have worked in market research in the UK for at least two years, then we may be able to help.
Every case we handle is treated individually and with great sensitivity. Sometimes people just need someone to talk to, so we offer support and advice and may even refer them to another agency. In other situations, we may award a grant which does not need to be repaid, or provide an interest-free loan with realistic repayment terms. Apply for financial help
Before contacting us, please ensure you have checked whether you are eligible for Employment Support Allowance (ESA) and or Universal Credit here.
Unfortunately, we unable to top up earnings, but you may be entitled to temporary government support. Please visit their website for more information
If you, or someone you know are experiencing this kind of hardship outlined above, and have already been advised you are ineligible for Employment Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit, please EMAIL enquiries@mrba.org.uk with the specifics of your circumstances. Please provide your full contact details including a telephone number. Then someone from MRBA will get in touch with you as soon as possible.
What happens next
A member of the MRBA Team will contact you to discuss your individual situation and get further details from you. If your circumstances meet our criteria, you will be posted or emailed an application form for you to complete and return.
Our committee meets regularly to assess new cases and will hope to let you have a decision within a couple of weeks of receiving your completed application form.
Help in an emergency
If your situation is urgent, your application can be fast-tracked, and we will do our best to make a decision and get back to you in a matter of days.
MRBA Skills – Education Grants & Funding Support
MRBA supports those at the beginning of their careers by helping them develop their market and social research knowledge and skills for a future in our industry. Initially there are up to 20 bursaries available which are available to researchers in the UK wishing to study for the MRS Advanced Certificate in Market and Social Research Practice. These bursaries are specifically for those researchers who may struggle to fund the cost of this qualification. To find out more about the application process and if you are eligible, please click here.
If you are interested in applying for an MRBA Skills bursary, please email mrba_skills@mrba.org.uk BEFORE you apply. One of our team will get back to you to discuss your eligibility and answer your questions.