Behind every successful research project, is high-quality and trustworthy participant recruitment. At the heart of our R&D market research facility is a dedicated team who make that happen, the people who ensure every test is built on the right voices, at the right time. From sourcing niche target groups to managing large-scale panels with care and precision, this team is central to the quality and reliability we deliver. Meet the recruitment experts who bring each project to life with their expertise, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to getting it right.
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.
Dan Brennan - Field Manager
Dan joined Sense:buds back in 2022, with the focus of expanding Sense:buds. Since then he has overseen projects and helped over 5000 Sense:buds take part in the joys of product testing.
Coming from a previous marketing background, he has helped to create and design both social media content as well as the current Sense:buds website and has a keen interested in looking into ways to improve and optimise everything we do to make the participant experience the best it can be.
Outside of the office, Dan loves to explore new hobbies such as rock climbing, board games, and cooking, with his latest interest being 3D design and printing.
Fun fact: Dan has performed in local pantomimes, once playing the lead villain in the play “Tom Thumb”.
Louise Emmerson - Logistics and Facility Coordinator
Louise is the newest addition to the Sense:buds team, joining as a Panel Executive from the Insight Lab. Her role revolves around everything to do with our consumer panel – from recruiting participants and assessing new recruitment channels, to making sure participants are getting the best possible experience. She also manage our social media accounts, promote new studies, and design engaging campaigns to connect with our audience.
When she’s not in work, she love to spend time with family and my two pet lizards. She also indulge in all things history and sometimes join 1940s themed weekends.
Fun fact: She once accidentally wandered through a film set in Paris mid-scene because she was too caught up in conversation… and got shouted at by the director.
Erin Wheatley - Fieldwork Executive
As a Trainee Sense:buds Executive, Erins primary responsibilities are recruiting participants for projects while supporting overall panel maintenance and growth. This includes inviting our dedicated panel members to take part in studies, creating engaging content for social media and conducting face-to face recruitment to share news about upcoming studies and opportunities.
A key and integral part of her role is communicating with participants to keep them well-informed about upcoming projects and to ensure they have a positive, all-around great experience with us.
In my spare time she like to try new things and keep active.
Fun fact: I once spent two days kayaking down the rapids in the Ardeche in France. It was a challenging but fun experience!
Dario Carvalho - Fieldwork Executive
Adam has been around Sense:lab for just under 2 years, recently graduating from a Level 4 Market Research apprenticeship and bringing a sharp, analytical mindset to the Panel Executive team. With a passion for understanding what makes people tick, Adam is quickly becoming a go-to team member for keeping projects running smoothly and participants engaged.
Whether he’s liaising with the SenseBuds community or supporting the setup of live research sessions, Adam brings energy, curiosity, and a genuine interest in people to everything he does. His training has given him a solid grounding in the fundamentals of market research – and he’s already putting those skills to good use.
Outside the office, Adam is big into streetwear and loves to travel, especially to sunny, laid-back destinations like San Diego and Hawaii as well as snowy places like Finland and Iceland. A proud Leicester lad, he follows his hometown’s football and rugby union team religiously – always hopeful for another miracle season.
🐾Fun fact: Adam’s cat, Bonita, once accidentally joined a virtual research lesson, and managed to charm the entire class before being politely escorted off-screen!
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 - Field 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 - Fieldwork Apprentice
Paige is a fieldwork apprentice 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.
