We are proud to introduce our vibrant and dedicated team behind Sense:lab Viewing Facility, in Leeds. Comprised of a friendly, talented and professional team, who are ready to serve as the backbone of our fieldwork operations. With a shared passion for uncovering insights and delivering excellence, each member brings unique expertise and unwavering commitment to client service throughout every project they undertake.
Mark Smethurst - Sense:lab Operations Director
Mark joined Blue Yonder in 2019 with 20+ years of research operations experience. He’s a fieldwork specialist, having managed face-to-face, CATI, and online data collection processes throughout thousands of research studies during his career. Mark particularly enjoys building and developing leading fieldwork operations teams to deliver first-class fieldwork.
Outside of work Mark coaches junior football and enjoys the outdoors. Weekend camping and hiking is a regular feature of Mark’s summer months!
🎵Fun fact: Mark owns a didgeridoo and is marginally better than average at playing it. He also practiced aerobatics in his youth whilst in the Air Cadets; barrel rolls and loops being his favourite manoeuvers.
Ellie Atack - Fieldwork Manager
Ellie joined Blue Yonder in 2021 as ‘the face of the panel,’ responsible for creating all consumer communications. Quickly immersing herself in fieldwork, she transitioned into a leadership role, spearheading all face-to-face fieldwork activities. Now serving as the Field Manager, Ellie oversees all field operations for Blue Yonder projects. With a passion for engaging with participants, she ensures they are at the forefront of every endeavour.
Recognised by our panel community as the woman who wears sunglasses year-round, Ellie has played integral roles in the relaunch of the consumer panel, Sense:buds, and the refurbishment of Sense:lab. In her current capacity, she manages the team, providing training and ensuring the seamless execution of fieldwork.
Outside of work, Ellie enjoys indulging in bottomless brunches and embarking on shopping trips.
🔎Fun fact: Ellie was a member of Blue Yonder’s market research panel for over five years and participated in various tests long before joining the team.
Alex Kay - Logistics and Facility Coordinator
Alex oversees all aspects of logistics management and facility coordination within the Sense:lab facilities. His responsibilities include organising transportation, managing inventory, and ensuring the smooth flow of materials and supplies for research projects. Alex also maintains the facility’s upkeep, coordinates with external vendors, and implements safety protocols to create a productive work environment.
Outside of work, Alex is a die-hard Leeds United fan, he finds joy in football and air rifle field target shooting. Alex’s life is defined by dedication, service, and his unwavering passion for his hometown and hobbies.
👮Fun fact: Born and bred in Leeds, Alex spent 31 years serving in the police force after a seven-year stint as a printer.
Eva Owens - Fieldwork Executive
Eva is responsible for executing fieldwork from start to finish at Sense:lab research facility. This involves preparing all necessary project materials, sourcing supplies, scheduling appointments, and organising product labeling. She ensures the smooth operation of projects by checking in consumers, managing project progress, and preparing for the next day’s activities. With nearly two years of experience at the facility, Eva is adept at engaging with consumers and enjoys being the first point of contact.
Outside of work, Eva enjoys going on walks with her cocker spaniel and spending quality time with friends at the pub.
Fun fact: Eva’s family consider her a proper games master and they make sure she always has a game planned out for when they all meet up at the weekend.
Dario Carvalho - Fieldwork Executive
You may have seen Dario running around the facility keeping moral up! Dario is responsible for facilitating participants on-site, ensuring they feel welcomed and enjoy their involvement in studies. He also plays a crucial role in supporting the organisation and execution of our research projects, from planning to facilitation.
Outside of work, Dario immerses himself in a variety of hobbies to unwind and recharge. He can often be found honing his skills on the snooker table, capturing captivating moments in photography, or tuning in to Formula One races every Sunday.
🎮Fun fact: Dario’s ultimate passion lies in gaming, and he’s recently fulfilled a six-year dream of owning a gaming PC.
Logan Doig - Fieldwork Executive
Logan is the newest recruit to join the Fieldwork team at Sense:lab research facility. His role primarily involves sourcing participants for research studies, booking appointments, and assisting with general project preparation, including product labelling and arrangement.
Logan has been warmly welcomed by all staff members and is enthusiastic about engaging in the diverse range of projects.
Outside of work, Logan loves to watch live music and play video games in his spare time!
⚽️Fun fact: Logan is an avid football fan, particularly passionate about supporting Leeds United, where he has held a season ticket for the past 10 years.
Paige Jones - Trainee Fieldwork Executive
Paige is a Fieldwork Executive within the operations team. She enjoys the continuous learning process, acquiring valuable skills both on the job and through her ongoing coursework. Paige’s responsibilities include facilitating research, managing recruitment processes, preparing HUTs or CLTs, conducting interviews, and offering comprehensive support to the team.
Throughout her apprenticeship, Paige’s goal is not only to understand every aspect of fieldwork operations but also to delve into other areas of market research, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience.
🍹Fun fact: Paige loves socialising and spending time with her friends, whether that’s exploring new places, eating out, going for long walks in the dales, or attending live gigs.
