Virtual Facility will allow researchers to host, record and live-stream research online without the need for in-person participation.

The platform can be used for focus groups, in-depth interviews, product testing and jury research using breakout rooms, and works through video conferencing tools such as Zoom or Teams.

Brett Watkins, chief executive and founder of L&E Research, said: “Adding video and project management capabilities into our proprietary technology solutions, we've been able to help clients engage participants in a variety of ways.”

The company has also reopened its New York office in Midtown Manhattan, which has five focus group suites.

Earlier this week New York eased Covid-19 restrictions, allowing most businesses to open with approaching full capacity.

Watkins added: “In-person research is getting rolling again, and New York City announced they intend to remove all restrictions on July 1.”