DEVIA SURTI

Senior Market Research Consultant, Legal & HR Adviser, and Community Leader

Birmingham, UK.

About

Highly accomplished and recognized qualitative researcher with over 25 years of experience, specializing in driving strategic market research initiatives to enhance profitability and visibility. Proven leader in fast-paced environments, adept at managing diverse teams, delivering complex projects on time and within budget, and fostering strong stakeholder relationships. Combines deep expertise in market research and legal advisory with impactful community leadership and operational management.

Work

Local Access Centre Limited/C.I.O.

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Co-CEO, Director & Trustee

Birmingham, West Midlands, UK

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Summary

Co-led a charity and social enterprise, overseeing compliance, corporate affairs, and large-scale catering and philanthropy operations to support vulnerable communities.

Highlights

Directed Compliance & Corporate Affairs for a charity providing critical advice and support to vulnerable groups across Greater Birmingham.

Co-directed LAC Food & Distribution C.I.C./LAC-Zaika, a pan-Asian catering company, managing operations that handled up to 10,000 covers with UK-wide coverage.

Spearheaded the 'Waste Not: Want Not' community philanthropy food program, providing essential support to homeless and low-income populations.

APNA Research

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Owner & Director

Walsall, West Midlands, UK

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Summary

Led a boutique research consultancy, providing specialized qualitative research and moderation services for diverse clients, focusing on British ethnic minorities and the wider community.

Highlights

Founded and directed a specialized market research consultancy, establishing a niche in British ethnic minorities and broader community insights.

Delivered comprehensive consultant research and moderation services, serving a diverse client base across multiple sectors.

Achieved Certified Member status with the UK Market Research Society (CMRS) and obtained Recruiter Accreditation Scheme (RAS) certification, ensuring high standards of research practice.

Devia Surti (Sole Trader)

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Employment Law Adviser & Market Researcher

United Kingdom, , UK

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Summary

Provided expert HR and employment law consultancy alongside strategic market research to small start-up businesses across the UK, optimizing staff alignment and recruitment processes.

Highlights

Provided bespoke HR and employment law consultancy services, supporting numerous small start-up businesses in navigating complex regulatory landscapes.

Conducted targeted market research within clients' industries to facilitate strategic staff alignment and optimize organizational effectiveness.

Developed and implemented comprehensive recruitment, hiring, and selection strategies, enhancing talent acquisition for client businesses.

QFRS (formerly West Midlands Viewing Facility)

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Freelance Research Executive

Birmingham, West Midlands, UK

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Summary

Managed and executed qualitative research projects, consistently exceeding performance targets while ensuring high data quality and effective team training.

Highlights

Consistently exceeded performance targets by a minimum of 25%, demonstrating exceptional efficiency and productivity in research execution.

Served as Chief Quality Controller for questionnaire monitoring, upholding rigorous standards for data integrity and research methodology.

Successfully recruited and hosted numerous focus groups, ensuring diverse participant engagement and rich qualitative data collection.

Supervised and delivered comprehensive training to new interviewers, enhancing team capabilities and maintaining consistent service quality.

Volunteer

Community Diversity Lead, Deputy Chair, and Secretary at Area Level

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Conservative Party

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Led diversity initiatives and held key leadership roles within the Conservative Party at an area level, fostering community engagement and strategic communication.

Highlights

Spearheaded diversity and inclusion initiatives as Community Diversity Lead, Deputy Chair, and Secretary at the area level for the Conservative Party since 2014.

Managed community engagement strategies for an affiliated group with over 10,000 members as Head of Communities and Engagement.

Organized and moderated high-profile Q&A sessions with leading Cabinet Ministers, facilitating direct engagement with online audiences.

School Governor

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Local Academy and Nursery

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Served as a School Governor for a local academy and nursery, contributing to strategic oversight and community engagement for children aged 3-11.

Highlights

Provided governance and strategic direction for a local Academy and nursery, impacting educational outcomes for children aged 3-11.

Contributed to key decision-making processes, ensuring the welfare and academic development of students.

Councillor Candidate

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Local Government

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Successfully campaigned for local government positions, demonstrating commitment to public service and community representation.

Highlights

Stood as a Town Councillor candidate twice (2016 and 2018) and as a City Councillor candidate once (2022), engaging with constituents and advocating for local issues.

Education

Unspecified University

, , UK
LLB (Hons.) Law

Unspecified College

, , UK
HND Legal Studies

Unspecified College

, , UK
A Levels General Studies

Unspecified School

, , UK
GCSEs General Studies

Languages

English

Gujarati

French

Certificates

Certified Member of the Market Research Society (CMRS)

UK Market Research Society

Legal Practice Course

Unspecified

Bar Vocational Course

Unspecified

Qualified First Aider

Unspecified

Recruiter Accreditation Scheme (RAS)

UK Market Research Society

Skills

Research & Analysis

Market Research Strategy, Qualitative Research, Financial Analysis, Analytical Problem-Solving, Data Analysis, Strategic Planning, Client Needs Assessment.

Management & Operations

Project Management, Budget Management, Business Operations, HR Operations, Team Leadership, Compliance Management, Operational Oversight.

Communication & Interpersonal

Public Speaking, Presenting, Client-Focused Communication, Decision-Making, Stakeholder Engagement, Relationship Building, Moderation.

Technical Skills

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Website Design, Desktop Publishing, ATS Optimization.

Legal & HR

Employment Law, HR Consultancy, Recruitment Strategy, Hiring Processes, Selection Strategies, Corporate Affairs.

Community & Philanthropy

Community Engagement, Charity Operations, Philanthropy Program Management, Vulnerable Group Support, Event Organization, Political Campaigning.

Projects

Quantitative Campaigns

Summary

Executed large-scale quantitative market research campaigns for prominent organizations, providing data-driven insights for strategic decision-making.

Qualitative Projects

Summary

Managed and delivered in-depth qualitative research projects for a diverse portfolio of major companies, charities, and government organizations.