What are informal user (focus) groups?
User groups are effectively informal discussion groups with approximately 10 people participating. The aim is to aid the centre with continuous operational improvement. The sessions therefore cover a number of topics including pricing, programming, quality of service, access and marketing. Informal user groups however are not designed to help make major changes in relation to developments – this requires more formal research and is often carried out in partnership with independent market research consultants. There are different types of sessions that are currently held. These are aimed at: • ‘Users’ – who are any customers of our facilities • ‘Non Users’ – people who are not currently using our facilities • ‘Hirers’ – who are often representatives from clubs, groups or organisations who pre-book our facilities through a contract booking.
