UK Consumer Behaviour Research Trends 2025

Consumer behavior research UK is the key to understanding why British shoppers make the choices they do. It works by tritonmarketingresearch.com studying people’s buying habits, preferences, and motivations through methods like surveys and observation. This research helps you create products and marketing that truly connect with UK audiences, making your business more relevant and customer-focused.

Understanding How Britons Shop and Decide

Understanding how Britons shop and decide means looking past simple demographics. Consumer behavior research UK reveals that emotional triggers like nostalgia or local pride often outweigh pure logic in purchase decisions. Britons frequently shop with a blend of online research and in-store validation, a habit known as «webrooming.» Trust remains a huge driver, with recommendations from friends or online reviews heavily swaying final choices. This is particularly true for higher-cost items, where shoppers meticulously compare options. Shoppers here also value clear, hassle-free return policies as a deciding factor. Interestingly, a strong sense of perceived value—not just the cheapest price—often tips the scales toward a specific brand. Understanding these nuanced motivations is key for any brand looking to connect with British consumers effectively.

Key Psychological Drivers in UK Purchasing Patterns

Key psychological drivers in UK purchasing patterns are rooted in a deep-seated preference for perceived value over pure price. Britons are heavily influenced by a combination of trust signals and social proof, often seeking reassurance from fellow consumers before committing to a purchase. The desire for familiarity and risk reduction drives repeat purchases of known brands, while a subtle but powerful need for status pushes certain groups toward premium choices. This creates a dichotomy: shoppers simultaneously chase ethical consistency and logical efficiency, making the psychological balance between «fairness» and «self-reward» the primary lever in conversion.

The Impact of Cost-of-Living Pressures on Spending Choices

Cost-of-living pressures have fundamentally reshaped British spending habits, forcing a shift from discretionary purchases to essentials. Research shows consumers now prioritize value-driven decision-making, actively comparing unit prices and seeking own-brand alternatives. A key behavioral change is the deliberate reduction in non-essential categories like dining out and leisure, with funds reallocated to energy and food bills. Shoppers increasingly adopt bulk-buying for staples and delay big-ticket purchases. This pragmatic approach means brand loyalty weakens when cheaper options offer comparable quality, as every pound is scrutinized against rising household costs.

Regional Variations in English, Scottish, Welsh, and Northern Irish Habits

Regional variations in English, Scottish, Welsh, and Northern Irish habits are critical for UK consumer behavior research, as loyalty programs and product preferences diverge sharply by area. Trust in local provenance drives Scottish shoppers toward domestic brands, while English consumers prioritize convenience over heritage. Welsh habits show stronger peer-influence in purchasing decisions, and Northern Irish buyers often exhibit higher price sensitivity. Even within England, northern shoppers favor in-store experiences, whereas southerners embrace digital-first choices. These localized decision-making patterns demand geographically segmented marketing. Q: How does Welsh consumer culture differ from English? A: Welsh shoppers rely more on community recommendations and local retailers, contrasting with England’s individualistic, tech-driven browsing habits.

Modern Research Methods for UK Audiences

For UK audiences, modern research methods in consumer behavior research must prioritise mobile-first qualitative diaries, capturing in-the-moment purchasing rationales via smartphone apps rather than relying on delayed recall. Passive metering of digital behaviour, with explicit opt-in following UK privacy norms, provides unbiased data on browsing and payment habits. A nuanced use asynchronous video discussions to reach diverse regions like Cornwall or the Highlands without scheduling conflicts, improving sample inclusivity. Pair this with lightweight A/B testing on live UK e-commerce interfaces to validate which digital cues drive cart completion. Avoid lengthy surveys; instead, deploy short, gamified mobile tasks that reflect the UK’s preference for straightforward, transactional interactions.

Using Social Media Listening for Real-Time Shopper Insights

Social media listening lets you peek at real-time UK shopper conversations, revealing what customers actually say about products or brands the moment they post. You can spot immediate pain points, like complaints about a checkout glitch, and adjust your strategy fast. Actionable shopper intelligence comes from tracking hashtags or comments about your category, helping you refine messaging or inventory based on live feedback. This method replaces slow surveys with instant, unfiltered insights from platforms like Twitter or Reddit.

• Monitor brand mentions to catch urgent issues before they escalate.
• Analyze sentiment shifts around a product launch within hours.
• Identify recurring keywords in shopper complaints for quick fixes.

Ethnographic Studies Inside British Homes and Retail Spaces

Ethnographic studies within British homes and retail spaces move beyond surveys to capture real-time consumer behavior. Researchers observe how UK families interact with products in their kitchen layouts or how shoppers navigate supermarket aisles under time constraints. This method uncovers unconscious rituals, such as the specific way a British household stores tea bags or pauses at a brand’s in-store display. The process involves shadowing participants during a weekly shop or filming pantry restocking, revealing friction points that self-reporting misses. A clear sequence typically follows:

1. gaining access to a home or store for observation;
2. documenting daily routines and product usage;
3. analyzing spatial choices and purchase triggers.

This direct immersion delivers authentic behavioral insights for brands seeking to align with true UK consumer habits.

Leveraging Point-of-Sale Data from Major UK Retailers

Leveraging Point-of-Sale Data from Major UK Retailers unlocks real-time consumer behavior insights at the exact moment of purchase. By analyzing basket-level transaction logs from chains like Tesco or Sainsbury’s, researchers can map purchasing patterns without survey bias. Granular SKU-level analysis reveals how shoppers bundle products or respond to in-store placement. **What is the primary advantage of using Point-of-Sale Data over traditional surveys?** It eliminates recall error—you see what people actually bought, not what they claim to have bought, enabling precise segmentation by store type, time, or payment method.

Digital Transformation of Buying Behaviours

The digital transformation of buying behaviours in UK consumer research now centres on the frictionless integration of online and physical touchpoints. Researchers prioritise how consumers fluidly shift from mobile research to in-store validation, with social commerce acting as a primary discovery engine. The critical shift lies in valuing experiences over ownership, as subscription models and micro-purchases reshape spending patterns. This demands new metrics beyond conversion rates, focusing on micro-moments of intent. Understanding the asynchronous evaluation—where a consumer compares a product for three days before a five-second impulse buy—is the new frontier of behavioural analysis. The emphasis remains on the practical trigger points within this hybrid journey, not the technological infrastructure itself.

Mobile-First Shopping Trends Among Gen Z and Millennials

UK consumer behavior research confirms that mobile-first shopping habits among Gen Z and Millennials prioritize frictionless, in-app experiences over traditional browsing. These cohorts expect instant load times, thumb-friendly navigation, and seamless payment integrations like digital wallets. Their purchasing decisions are heavily influenced by social commerce features, with live shopping and shoppable posts reducing the steps between discovery and checkout. Crucially, they demand personalised, real-time inventory updates and prefer push notifications over email for time-sensitive offers. Any friction, such as forced account creation or slow image rendering, directly triggers cart abandonment.

For Gen Z and Millennials in the UK, mobile-first shopping is non-negotiable: speed, social integration, and thumb-optimised flows are the baseline for conversion, not differentiators.

The Role of Voice Search and Smart Speakers in Home Purchases

Voice search and smart speakers are quietly reshaping how you research and buy for your home. Instead of typing, you can simply ask for the best cordless vacuum or compare sofa sizes while cooking. This hands-free approach makes reordering household essentials effortless, letting you add items to your basket with a spoken command. For larger purchases, these devices help you shortlist products and check compatibility instantly, slashing the time spent browsing. It’s about making home buying feel more like a helpful chat than a chore.

Subscription Services and Recurring Payment Models in the UK

Subscription services and recurring payment models in the UK have fundamentally rewired consumer expectations around ownership and convenience. This shift is a core finding in UK consumer behaviour research, revealing a preference for access over outright purchase across streaming, meal kits, and software. The critical behavioural driver is the psychological friction of a single larger payment versus the easier approval of smaller, automated debits. For UK brands, locking in a monthly commitment using a recurring payment model for UK consumers builds habitual engagement and predictable revenue, directly influencing long-term buying behaviours. Table 1 compares the appeal of a traditional one-off purchase versus a subscription model.

Generational Shifts in Market Preferences

In UK consumer behavior research, generational shifts in market preferences reveal that value-driven purchasing diverges sharply between cohorts. Gen Z prioritizes ethical sourcing and instant mobile payment flexibility, while Baby Boomers reward loyalty programmes tied to physical retailers. Millennials bridge this gap by demanding seamless omnichannel experiences, yet all three groups reject generic marketing. Practically, UK brands must segment communication: Gen Z responds to TikTok virality and sustainability credentials; older generations require transparent price anchoring. The critical insight from UK studies is that preferences are not linear—a 25-year-old professional and a 55-year-old empty-nester both want personalisation, but through completely different digital and tactile touchpoints. Adapting UX, checkout flows, and product bundling per generational habit is non-negotiable for retention.

Baby Boomers’ Loyalty to Traditional High Street Brands

UK consumer behaviour research reveals that Baby Boomers’ loyalty to traditional high street brands is rooted in decades of consistent, trusted experiences. This demographic actively resists shifting to online-only alternatives, preferring the tactile reassurance of familiar physical stores. This entrenched brand allegiance manifests through a clear behavioural sequence:

1. They first evaluate a retailer’s heritage and long-term reputation before making repeat purchases.
2. They rely on in-store relationships with staff who recognise their preferences.
3. They actively avoid brands that abandon physical locations, even for better prices online.

Their loyalty is not passive habit but a deliberate choice tied to identity and routine, making them a stable but slow-to-convert segment for new market entrants.

Gen X and the Rise of Ethical Consumerism in Britain

Gen X in Britain was a pivotal cohort in the rise of ethical consumerism, bridging idealistic boomer activism with pragmatic millennial demands. Their purchasing logic follows a clear sequence: first, verifying a brand’s supply chain transparency via certifications like Fairtrade; second, assessing the product’s local sourcing footprint; third, weighing durability against planned obsolescence. This generation’s skepticism toward corporate greenwashing—honed during the 1980s and 1990s—means they reward incremental, verifiable commitments over grand sustainability claims. In UK consumer behavior research, Gen X’s ethical spending is less trend-driven and more habitual, favoring consistent brands like ethical banking providers or slow-fashion labels that align with their long-term household budgeting priorities.

How Generation Alpha is Influencing Family Buying Decisions

Generation Alpha, children born after 2010, now steer family purchases by directly requesting specific brands they see on YouTube or TikTok. Parents in the UK often yield to these demands for snacks, toys, or tech, especially when the child demonstrates digital authority by citing a trusted influencer. This shifts decision-making from parental control to collaborative pester power, with families researching products together. Even sustainable choices hinge on a child’s approval of eco-friendly packaging. A weekly shop can morph into a negotiation over cereal or streaming services, reshaping the traditional parent-led dynamic.

Generation Alpha drives family buying by leveraging digital influence and pester power, turning purchases into collaborative, child-informed decisions.

Sustainability and Ethical Considerations

In UK consumer behavior research, sustainability and ethical considerations focus on how personal values around environmental impact and fair trade shape purchasing decisions. Researchers examine the gap between stated ethical intentions and actual buying actions, known as the «attitude-behavior gap.» Practical findings show that transparent labeling and carbon footprint data significantly influence choices for groceries and fashion. Ethical consumerism in the UK often involves prioritizing local, plant-based, or plastic-free products, with trust in brand authenticity being critical. Studies also reveal that social norms and peer influence play a strong role in sustaining these behaviors, particularly among younger demographics.

Preference for Locally Sourced and British-Made Products

Preference for locally sourced and British-made products shapes UK consumer behavior by prioritizing reduced food miles and support for domestic supply chains. Shoppers often verify provenance via labels like Red Tractor or Union Flag markings, viewing these as proxies for lower environmental impact. This preference extends beyond fresh produce to including textiles and household goods, where British manufacturing is perceived as adhering to stricter ethical standards regarding labor and materials. However, actual purchasing decisions frequently hinge on price parity, as willingness to pay a premium for local sourcing diminishes during cost-of-living pressures.

• Prioritize items with clear geographic origin labels to ensure supply chain transparency.
• Choose British-made goods for higher confidence in animal welfare and wage compliance.
• Balance local sourcing preferences with budget constraints by comparing unit costs.

The Influence of Carbon Footprint Labels on Grocery Choices

UK consumer behavior research reveals that carbon footprint labels on grocery choices prompt a measurable but conditional shift in purchasing. Studies indicate shoppers prioritize such labels when comparing similar products, particularly for staples like milk or bread. However, the label’s influence diminishes if price or brand loyalty is strong. Practical effectiveness hinges on clear, standardized metrics; vague or complex labels often confuse rather than guide. Consumers actively seek labels that simplify trade-offs between environmental impact and cost, leading to small but consistent reductions in high-carbon item selection.

Carbon footprint labels effectively nudge grocery choices only when presented clearly, simply, and within direct product comparisons, as price and habit frequently override their influence.

Second-Hand Market Growth and Circular Economy Trends

Research into UK consumer behavior reveals that growth in the second-hand market is driven by a deliberate shift toward circular economy participation, where buyers prioritize product longevity over novelty. This trend manifests practically through the increased use of peer-to-peer resale platforms, where consumers actively repair and recirculate goods like electronics and fashion. The adoption of closed-loop purchasing habits demonstrates that psychological factors, such as perceived value retention and environmental identity, now directly influence purchasing decisions more than ownership convenience.

Seasonality and Cultural Events

In UK consumer behavior research, seasonality dictates that purchasing patterns shift predictably around events like Christmas, Easter, and the summer holidays, requiring researchers to field studies *before* these periods to capture genuine intention. Conversely, cultural events such as Glastonbury, the Chelsea Flower Show, or Notting Hill Carnival create micro-moments of heightened emotional engagement, where consumer behavior becomes highly context-dependent. For practical studies, segment your sample by regional event proximity, as London-based festival-goers exhibit different spend priorities than rural consumers during harvest fairs. Always adjust your survey timing to avoid data flooding from gift-buying spikes in late November; otherwise, you risk confounding routine habits with seasonal ritualistic purchasing.

Christmas, Easter, and Bank Holiday Spending Patterns

UK consumer behavior research reveals distinct spending surges tied to Christmas, Easter, and Bank Holidays. Christmas drives heavy expenditure on gifts, food, and decorations, with budgets often planned months in advance. Easter shifts spending toward chocolate, seasonal meals, and short breaks. Bank Holidays trigger patterns of impulse purchases for DIY, travel, and leisure activities, as consumers capitalize on extended weekends. These events create predictable seasonal spending spikes across retail and hospitality sectors. Researchers note that advance budgeting for Christmas often contrasts with more spontaneous spending during Easter and Bank Holidays, reflecting differing consumer priorities tied to each occasion.

Impact of Major Sporting Events Like Wimbledon and the Premier League

Major sporting events like Wimbledon and the Premier League drive distinct, predictable shifts in UK consumer behavior. Research reveals that viewership directly spikes demand for event-driven retail surges, such as Pimm’s and strawberries during Wimbledon, or premium snacks for Premier League match-days. This seasonality follows a clear sequence:

1. Pre-event hype triggers early searches for themed merchandise and party supplies.
2. During the event, real-time purchases of food, drink, and betting-related items peak alongside match schedules.
3. Post-event, purchases shift to commemorative gear and recovery products, altering spending patterns for weeks.

Understanding these micro-seasonal habits allows brands to align inventory and promotions precisely with the cultural calendar.

Back-to-School and Summer Holiday Purchase Cycles

In UK consumer behavior research, the Back-to-School and Summer Holiday Purchase Cycles reveal distinct planning and spending patterns. Families initiate school supply research in late July, prioritizing uniforms and technology over discretionary items. Conversely, summer holiday purchases concentrate on travel bookings and outdoor gear, driven by weather-dependent decision-making. Both cycles exhibit a split between early bargain hunters and last-minute shoppers, altering retail strategies for essentials versus luxuries.

• Parents typically allocate a fixed budget for uniforms before considering entertainment purchases.
• Holiday cycle demand for portable electronics peaks three weeks before school breaks.
• Discount sensitivity is higher for holiday items than for mandatory school supplies.
• Online research for back-to-school items begins 4–6 weeks earlier than in-store purchases.

Omnichannel Path to Purchase

Omnichannel Path to Purchase in UK consumer behavior research examines how shoppers fluidly transition across physical stores, websites, apps, and social media before, during, and after a transaction. Research focuses on touchpoint sequences, such as browsing on a mobile app, checking in-store stock online, then purchasing via click-and-collect. A key finding is that UK consumers often initiate research on one device (e.g., smartphone) and complete the purchase on another (e.g., desktop or in-store), creating fragmented data trails.

Understanding these cross-device and cross-location journeys is essential for mapping true customer intent, as ignoring any touchpoint leads to incomplete behavioral profiles.

This insight helps brands sequence marketing communications and optimise inventory visibility across channels to match real-world UK shopping habits.

Click-and-Collect Adoption Across Urban and Rural Areas

UK consumer behavior research reveals a clear divergence in click-and-collect adoption across urban and rural areas, driven by logistical infrastructure rather than desire. Urban dwellers leverage high-density collection point networks, using the service to bypass delivery-time windows and avoid missed deliveries. Conversely, rural consumers adopt click-and-collect as a necessity, often traveling longer distances to reach a designated hub because home delivery to remote postcodes is unreliable or cost-prohibitive. The primary friction point for rural users is limited collection hours and stock availability, whereas urban users prioritize speed from online order to physical pickup.

Urban adoption is convenience-driven, while rural adoption is access-driven, creating distinct user journeys within the same omnichannel framework.

Browsing on Mobile, Buying on Desktop: Device Switching Behaviour

UK consumer research reveals that device switching behaviour is driven by task-specific comfort. Shoppers use mobiles for quick, low-commitment browsing during commutes or breaks, valuing portability for initial discovery. However, when ready to purchase, they migrate to desktop for the tactile benefits of a keyboard for detailed comparisons and the larger screen for evaluating product specifications. This shift avoids mobile frustrations like cramped checkout forms and accidental clicks. Marketers must ensure product pages are easily bookmarked on mobile and that cart contents sync seamlessly across devices.

• The mobile browsing phase prioritises visual exploration; desktop completion leverages rational comparison.
• Cart abandonment often stems from users failing to save items for desktop, not disinterest.
• Seamless account login across devices is critical to capturing this switched purchase intent.

In-Store Experience versus Online Convenience Trade-Offs

For UK shoppers, the omnichannel path to purchase often hinges on a personal trade-off: the immediate, sensory buzz of an in-store experience versus the sheer speed of online convenience. You might pop into a shop to test a mattress’s firmness or smell a candle, then happily order it from your sofa later when the price drops. This back-and-forth is typical. Conversely, you could opt for rapid delivery of a staple item, only to regret not trying it on in person. The trick is matching the tactile gratification of browsing with the efficiency of digital checkout. Here’s a practical way to split your approach:

1. Use stores for items needing touch, feel, or immediate colour accuracy.
2. Reserve online orders for fast re-stocks and time-sensitive essentials.
3. Check if your purchase offers easy in-store returns before clicking “buy”.

Trust and Brand Loyalty Factors

In UK consumer behavior research, trust and brand loyalty factors are predominantly built through consistent, transparent communication and authentic ethical alignment. British consumers demand reliability in product claims and service delivery; any perceived dissonance between a brand’s stated values and its actions erodes trust instantly. The key insight is that

UK consumers often prioritize operational integrity—like honest pricing and prompt issue resolution—over aspirational branding.

This pragmatic trust translates into loyalty when brands demonstrate accountability, particularly in handling complaints or data privacy. Researchers find that once trust is fractured, rebuilding it in the British market requires prolonged, demonstrable effort, making initial ethical consistency the single most critical loyalty driver.

How Reviews and User-Generated Content Shape Buying Choices

Reviews and user-generated content act as social proof, directly anchoring purchase decisions for UK shoppers. Consumers trust peer-created images and honest accounts far more than brand claims, using authentic customer testimonials to validate quality or fit. A single negative review on a product page can immediately reroute a buyer toward a competitor, while a flood of unboxing videos or detailed usage tips reassures hesitant browsers. This dynamic feedback loop accelerates trust, as shoppers perceive UGC as a transparent window into real-world performance, making it a primary driver of purchase intent in the UK market.

The Resilience of Heritage Brands Like Marks & Spencer and John Lewis

Heritage brands like Marks & Spencer and John Lewis prove that trust isn’t built overnight—it’s earned through decades of consistent quality and reliable service. UK consumer behavior research shows shoppers stick with them because they feel a sense of personal history, often recalling family shopping trips. When M&S updates its clothing lines or John Lewis tweaks its returns policy, loyal customers pay close attention, but their patience stems from a belief these brands “get it right.” This resilience comes from adapting without losing the core values that make them feel like a safe, familiar choice in an unpredictable retail world.

Influence of Money-Back Guarantees and Return Policies

In UK consumer behavior research, money-back guarantees and return policies directly build trust by removing the financial risk of a purchase. Shoppers feel safer trying new brands when they know they can easily get a refund. A clear, hassle-free return process signals that a company stands behind its products, which encourages repeat purchases. A confusing policy, however, often drives customers to competitors, as it erodes confidence in the brand’s integrity.
Risk-free trials are particularly effective at converting cautious browsers into loyal buyers.

Q: Why do return policies matter more in UK online shopping?
A: UK shoppers rank post-purchase flexibility high; a forgiving return policy directly reassures them that the brand respects their choice, making them more likely to commit to a first purchase.

Emerging Trends in Payment and Finance

UK consumer behavior research reveals a decisive shift toward invisible payments, where frictionless checkout via biometrics or embedded finance in apps is rapidly replacing physical card taps. Studies show users increasingly expect loyalty and credit options to be integrated at the moment of purchase, not as a separate step. This is driving a polarization between those who adopt buy-now-pay-later for budgeting flexibility and a significant cohort that rejects it for debt aversion. The research indicates a nuanced divergence where payment preference is no longer about convenience alone but is becoming a deliberate expression of financial identity. Simultaneously, peer-to-peer payment habits are reshaping how split costs are managed, with faster, granular settlement becoming a default social behavior among younger UK demographics.

Buy Now, Pay Later Services and Their Demographics

In UK consumer behavior research, Buy Now, Pay Later demographics skew heavily toward 25–34 year-olds, who use these services primarily for fashion and electronics purchases. This cohort exhibits higher impulsivity, often selecting BNPL at checkout to avoid immediate card limits. Older demographics, particularly 45–54 year-olds, engage BNPL less frequently but use it for larger, planned home goods transactions. Notably, lower-income households show repeated BNPL usage across multiple retailers, while higher-income users prefer single-transaction installments. Gender splits reveal women dominate BNPL for apparel, whereas men lead in electronics categories.

• BNPL users aged 25–34 prioritize checkout speed over debt awareness.
• Lower-income households average 3+ active BNPL plans simultaneously.
• Planned purchases (e.g., furniture) attract older, cautious BNPL adopters.

Contactless and Biometric Payment Adoption Rates

UK consumer behavior research reveals that biometric payment adoption rates are accelerating as shoppers prioritize convenience over traditional PINs. Contactless transactions now dominate low-value purchases, with fingerprint and facial recognition systems gaining traction among 25–40-year-olds for higher-security payments. However, adoption lags among older demographics due to perceived complexity.

Q: Why are biometric payments growing faster than contactless alone?
A: Biometrics eliminate the £100 contactless limit, enabling seamless, high-value transactions without physical cards—a key driver for time-strapped consumers.

Cryptocurrency and Digital Wallet Use in UK Retail

UK consumer behavior research indicates that cryptocurrency and digital wallet adoption in retail is driven by user demand for frictionless cross-platform transactions, allowing shoppers to bypass traditional card networks entirely. In practice, this means retailers integrating wallet-based checkouts see reduced cart abandonment, as consumers avoid entering bank details. For cryptocurrency, direct spending remains niche but growing; users often convert assets to stablecoins via integrated wallet apps before in-store or online purchases. This shift redefines the point-of-sale experience, prioritizing speed and digital asset flexibility over legacy payment rails.

Cryptocurrency and digital wallet use in UK retail streamlines payments by enabling direct, card-free transactions, where digital wallets facilitate stablecoin conversions for practical spending.

How Consumer Behaviour Research in the UK Reveals Customer Decision-Making Patterns

Identifying the psychological triggers that drive UK shoppers

Mapping the customer journey from awareness to purchase

What Methods Are Used to Gather Consumer Insights in the UK?

Combining surveys, focus groups, and online analytics for complete data

When to use ethnographic studies versus digital tracking tools

Practical Benefits of Applying Consumer Behaviour Research to Your Business

Tailoring your marketing messages to resonate with local audiences

Reducing wasted ad spend through precise audience segmentation

Key Features to Look for When Choosing a Consumer Research Service in the UK

Real-time data collection and reporting dashboards

Access to demographically representative UK panels

Common Questions About Running Consumer Behaviour Research in the UK

How long does a typical study take to complete?

What sample size is needed for reliable UK consumer data?

Can research be conducted for niche or regional UK markets?