The Ashby Research Service was Australia’s first independent market research firm, operating in Sydney from 1936 to 1974. Established by Sylvia Ashby and principally located in Bridge Street, the Ashby Research Service was best known for its use of Consumer Panels, a large, nation-wide network of consumers who provided regular reports on their consumption patterns and preferences. In addition to conducting at least 3573 pieces of market research for a diverse range of local, national, and international clients, the Ashby Research Service helped legitimise market research as a necessary business expense
