Retail data and insight business The Local Data Company Group has acquired Edge Analytics, the data science business specialising in demographic data analysis.
The acquisition brings together Edge Analytics’ expertise in geography, data science and forecasting methods and The Local Data Company’s expertise in data and insights for the physical retail market.
Following the acquisition, LDC will be investing further in the Edge Analytics office in Leeds and their headcount as they look to build the business.
Barnaby Oswald, co-founder and CEO of The Local Data Company Group, said: “We are thrilled to be bringing the Edge Analytics business and all of its data science and forecasting expertise into the Local Data Company Group fold.
“The acquisition will allow us to significantly develop our forecasting capabilities and deliver much more advanced demographics to our clients. The capabilities of the Edge Analytics team perfectly complement our current strengths and match our exacting standards for data accuracy.
“The pandemic has led to a dramatic change in the shape of the high street, driven by shifts in the home/office working habits of consumers and an exodus from many city centres. In addition, Brexit has impacted the volume of people migrating to the UK, which in turn is changing the UK’s demographics.
“Going forwards, we will be able to support clients with both the supply side of retail (with the location of every store across the country) and the demand side, including demographic forecasting and analysis.
“I would like to take this opportunity to warmly welcome all Edge Analytics clients and employees.”
Dr Peter Boden, founder of Edge Analytics, said: “In a new and very exciting phase of its development, Edge Analytics is very pleased to announce that it has joined the Local Data Company (LDC) Group, integrating its specialist data science expertise with the UK’s leading provider of retail location solutions.
“The move is an ideal and timely match of product technology, data and expertise; the latest step in LDC’s development as a multi-faceted provider of data solutions to UK businesses. This is great news for both staff and existing clients, providing a platform for long-term growth and development within a unique, ambitious and innovative data and data science business.
“As the economy continues its recovery post-COVID, and with the imminent release of new Census evidence on the UK’s population, robust and reliable data, analytics and forecasting will be ever-more critical for product and service planning across all industry sectors. LDC and Edge Analytics are perfectly positioned to meet this need.
“Edge Analytics will provide LDC with a presence in Leeds, reinforcing a commitment to the thriving Nexus community and its long-standing relationship with the University of Leeds.”
