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| Stephan Shakespeare | |
|---|---|
| Name | Stephan Shakespeare |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, pollster, political activist, author |
| Birth date | 1957 |
| Birth place | London, England |
Stephan Shakespeare is a British entrepreneur and polling expert known for founding the market research firm YouGov and for his involvement in British political campaigns and media commentary. He has been associated with public policy debates, electoral strategy, and commentary across print and broadcast outlets. Shakespeare's career blends data-driven polling, political consultancy, and authorship, engaging with figures and institutions across the United Kingdom political and media landscape.
Born in London, Shakespeare attended schools in Surrey and Greater London and later studied at the University of York where he read History before moving into publishing and technology. During his early career he worked with organisations connected to British politics and European affairs, building networks that bridged the worlds of media, publishing, and public opinion research. His formative years included contacts with figures from the Conservative Party (UK), the Labour Party (UK), and think tanks based in Westminster.
Shakespeare co-founded YouGov in 2000, developing an online panel methodology influenced by innovations in market research and digital polling pioneered by firms such as Gallup and Ipsos. Under his leadership YouGov expanded into commercial research, electoral polling, and brand analytics, establishing offices in cities including London, New York City, Berlin, and Paris. The company provided data for media organisations like the BBC, The Guardian, The Times, and broadcasters such as Sky News and ITV News, while competing with research firms such as Survation and MORI. YouGov’s public polling was cited during key electoral events including the 2005 United Kingdom general election, the 2010 United Kingdom general election, the 2015 United Kingdom general election, and the 2016 United Kingdom European Union membership referendum.
Shakespeare has been linked to advisory roles and campaign work involving the Conservative Party (UK) and figures within the party, collaborating with strategists associated with David Cameron, Michael Gove, and other leading politicians. He has also engaged with cross-party organisations and lobbying groups connected to the European Union question, participating in networks that included think tanks such as the Institute of Economic Affairs and the Centre for Policy Studies. His activity intersected with campaigns by organisations like Vote Leave and advocacy groups active around the Brexit debate, and he has had interactions with political commentators and advisers from the Liberal Democrats (UK) and UKIP.
Shakespeare has contributed opinion pieces and analysis to newspapers including The Daily Telegraph, The Times, and The Guardian, and has appeared on broadcast outlets such as the BBC, Sky News, and Channel 4 News. He has been a source for journalistic coverage in publications like The Financial Times and The Economist, providing commentary on electoral trends, polling methodology, and public sentiment. His media presence brought him into conversation with columnists and editors at outlets including The Independent and presenters from networks such as CNN and Al Jazeera.
Shakespeare has authored essays and reports on polling technique, public opinion, and political strategy, contributing to journals and platforms associated with institutions like the Hansard Society and the Royal Statistical Society. He has written forewords and chapters in edited volumes alongside academics from the London School of Economics and contributors affiliated with the University of Oxford and Cambridge University. His work has been cited in policy briefings and discussions at conferences hosted by organisations such as the Academy of Social Sciences and the Institute for Government.
Shakespeare has lived and worked in London and maintains international ties through YouGov’s global offices in cities such as New York City and Berlin. He has received recognition in the media and business press for innovation in polling and entrepreneurship, appearing in lists compiled by publications like The Sunday Times and receiving mentions from organisations tracking influential figures in British media and business. His personal network includes connections with figures across politics, journalism, and academia, and he has participated in events at venues such as Westminster and academic seminars at the University of Oxford.
Category:British businesspeople Category:Polling