What about the future?

The newly autonomous nature of BIG, where membership is no longer dependent on being a member of the MRS, has freed the organisation to undertake new projects and consider radical, alternative ideas.

These will focus on the further integration of research information users into the group's functions and activities - leading to a truly representative and responsive organisation. Membership links with other organisations will ensure a wide coverage of research-related interests.

Among other activities, projects include best-practice guides, specific-issue reference sections, forum meetings, seminars and workshops.

On behalf of its members, BIG undertakes the vigorous promotion of the business research industry, within the widest context and at the most senior levels. This recognises the relationships between business research and other information services as key elements in corporate and marketing strategies.

Principally though, BIG activities are designed to encourage members, old and new, to participate since it is only through participation that one can really maximise the benefits of the organisation.

Claire Labrum
Chairman of BIG 2007-2008
c/o Strictly Financial
116 The Chandlery
50 Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7QY