Understanding how an organisation is perceived by its stakeholders can provide valuable direction for future growth. For Prosper, a procurement and property services specialist working across the social housing sector, gaining an external perspective on its reputation, relationships and future opportunities became an important part of its strategic planning process.
To support this work, Prosper partnered with MMC Research to undertake a qualitative stakeholder research programme designed to gather candid feedback from senior decisionmakers across the housing sector and explore how the organisation could strengthen partnerships in the years ahead.
Working with social housing providers and contractors to deliver compliant procurement solutions and strategic support, Prosper helps organisations achieve value, efficiency and social impact through collaborative approaches. As the organisation continues to evolve, understanding stakeholder expectations and priorities was seen as critical to informing future business planning.
MMC Research designed and delivered a bespoke qualitative study involving ten senior leaders from across the social housing sector. Participants included C-level executives and senior decision-makers from both registered social housing providers and contracting organisations, ensuring a balanced perspective from key stakeholder groups.
The project began with the development of a tailored discussion guide, carefully designed to facilitate in-depth, iterative conversations. Each participant took part in a one-hour confidential interview, creating space for open and honest discussions about the organisation, the wider housing landscape and opportunities for future partnership.
Natasha McDonough, Director at MMC Research, explains, “Qualitative research gives people the opportunity to move beyond simple survey responses and talk in detail about what’s really influencing their thinking. By creating space for meaningful conversations, organisations can gain a much deeper understanding of stakeholder perceptions, priorities and future needs.”
The findings, which provided Prosper with a rich source of strategic insight, were then analysed by MMC, resulting in a detailed insight report featuring an executive summary, thematic analysis, anonymised stakeholder quotations and a series of practical recommendations.
The research explored not only how Prosper is currently perceived but also how stakeholders would like to work with the organisation in the future. This provided valuable evidence to support an intentional, future-focused approach to business planning and strategic growth.
Following the conclusion of the project, MMC facilitated a dedicated insight workshop with Prosper’s executive team and partners with the session creating an opportunity to step back from the research, reflect on its implications and explore how the findings could be translated into meaningful action.
“We see this as an important part of the process,” says Natasha. “Research on its own is only the starting point, the real value often comes afterwards, when insights are unpacked, challenged and translated into decisions, ideas and next steps with the people who will actually use them.
“Workshops like this help bridge that gap, turning findings into shared understanding and new opportunities, while ensuring that insight doesn’t simply sit in a report but actively supports thinking and direction across the business.”
Reflecting on the collaboration, Prosper Chief Executive Officer, Rod Brasington, highlighted both the quality of the research and the practical value it delivered. “The MMC Research team provided a very detailed report on how our stakeholders view us,” he says. “The findings identified opportunities for us to consider, particularly around our strategic growth plan and how we communicate our proposition in the market.
“Their deep sector knowledge enabled them to quickly understand our business and the service they provided was efficient and well thought out. It was a truly collaborative approach.
“The final report was brought to life through a workshop that MMC conducted with our executive team and partners. It got us thinking strategically and, most importantly, gave us a set of actions to be accountable to.”
For more information on MMC Research, visit their website at mmc.agency