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Key people at High Fliers Research Limited.
High Fliers Research Limited, based in London, Greater London, United Kingdom, conducts graduate recruitment research by surveying final-year students at leading UK universities to provide critical insights for employers. The company publishes comprehensive reports and data on student career preferences, graduate salaries, and hiring trends, serving customers in the graduate recruitment and higher education sectors. Operating as a small enterprise, High Fliers Research Limited is estimated to have under 50 employees and maintains a balance sheet under £7.5 million, reflecting its focused operational scope. Key figures associated with the organization include Martin Eric Birchall, who serves as a Director and Publisher, and Eric Wilfred Birchall, the company's Secretary, overseeing its research and publications. The firm was established in 1994; founder names are not publicly known.
Key people at High Fliers Research Limited.
# High-Level Overview
High Fliers Research Limited is a market research and graduate recruitment consulting firm based in London that specializes in analyzing the UK graduate employment market.[1][3] Founded in 1994, the company has spent over 30 years conducting research on graduate recruitment trends, employer hiring practices, and early-talent strategies.[1][3] The firm operates as a private limited company with approximately 50 employees and generates around $5.2 million in annual revenue.[2][3]
The company's core mission centers on providing employers with actionable intelligence about the graduate recruitment landscape. High Fliers Research is best known as the home of The UK Graduate Careers Survey, an annual benchmark study conducted since 1995 that tracks final-year student perceptions, employer preferences, and recruitment market dynamics across the UK's leading universities.[3][5] Rather than building products or technology, High Fliers delivers bespoke research, strategic consulting, and market intelligence to help organizations understand and navigate graduate talent acquisition.[3]
# Origin Story
High Fliers Research was incorporated on 25 October 1994, positioning it as an established player in the UK recruitment research space for three decades.[1][4] The company emerged during a period when structured data on graduate employment was limited, and it capitalized on the opportunity to become the authoritative voice on UK graduate recruitment trends. The founding of The UK Graduate Careers Survey in 1995—just one year after incorporation—marked the company's pivot toward its signature offering and established its reputation as a research authority.[3][5]
Martin Eric Birchall serves as the company's Director and Publisher, holding significant control over the organization's strategic direction.[4] The company has maintained continuity and stability throughout its 30-year history, with its registered office located at 24 Old Bond Street in London's prestigious financial district, though it also operates from 1 Pancras Square in King's Cross.[1][3]
# Core Differentiators
# Role in the Broader Tech Landscape
While High Fliers Research is not a technology company itself, it occupies an important niche in the talent intelligence ecosystem. As organizations increasingly compete for top graduate talent, data-driven insights into recruitment market dynamics have become strategically valuable. High Fliers' research influences how major employers—including tech companies—structure their graduate recruitment programs, positioning budgets, and employer branding strategies.
The company's work also reflects broader trends in the UK labor market: the evolution of graduate expectations, the rise of early-talent programs, and the growing emphasis on data-driven hiring decisions. By tracking these shifts annually through The UK Graduate Careers Survey, High Fliers serves as a barometer for changes in how employers and candidates interact in the graduate recruitment space.
# Quick Take & Future Outlook
High Fliers Research represents a sustainable, niche research business with deep institutional knowledge and a loyal client base among major UK employers. The company's stability—evidenced by its active status, consistent operations, and modest but healthy financials—suggests it has found a durable market position.[1][4]
Looking ahead, High Fliers' influence will likely depend on its ability to adapt to evolving recruitment practices, including the growing role of remote work, international talent pools, and digital-first hiring processes. As employers increasingly seek data to navigate talent shortages and changing candidate expectations, demand for High Fliers' longitudinal insights and strategic guidance should remain relevant. The company's 30-year track record positions it well to continue serving as the authoritative voice on UK graduate recruitment trends.
