We’re pleased to announce the arrival of seven new team members at The Planning Shop bringing a wealth of talent, expertise and a passion for healthcare to our Company.

Meet Helen Cosby, Rakesh Thomas, Natalie Kelleher, Rosie White, Brinda Vyas, Vikas Patel and Josh Tahun.

Helen Cosby

Following a degree in Medical Sciences at the University of Leeds, Helen volunteered in Uganda, teaching sexual health to school children and youth groups. After an early departure due to the pandemic, she continued volunteering for the charity back home in the UK by identifying and reporting coronavirus misinformation online. Helen then began work in a pathology laboratory at a hospital where she prepared blood samples for analysis.

Helen looks forward to working at THE PLANNING SHOP where she can expand on her learnings about disease and drug development.

Outside of the office, Helen stays active playing tennis and running. She has also recently taken up kite surfing on the Essex coast. She loves cooking and baking and can’t wait to get back to travelling when life returns to normal.

Rakesh Thomas

Rakesh joins The Planning Shop a Field Manager, where he will manage projects from start to finish. Over a decade ago, fresh out of the Army, he fell into an entry level client service role at a market research facility and has been hooked ever since!

Throughout his career, Rakesh has facilitated field management of all sorts of studies, from ad hoc focus group projects to studies that ranged across countries and multiple methodologies. He was able to hone his skills at large companies like Ipsos and FPG, managing high level recruits, as well as boutique market research shops like Red Lantern and Zebra Strategies, where he helped brand strategies develop best practices and develop their Operation SOPs.

Rakesh is a lifelong denizen of Yonkers, NY, and volunteers whenever he can for the city. He is also an avid book reader and loves a good night in playing board games and cooking for his family and friends.

Natalie Kelleher

Natalie’s interest in healthcare research started with her BSc in Psychology and MSc in Applied Neuropsychology from Plymouth University and the University of Bristol. Her interest grew whilst she held the position of Medical Communications and Research Officer at Oracle Cancer Trust – a charity which funded research into head and neck cancer.

At The Planning Shop Helen is excited to broaden her research skills and delve into qualitative research.

In her free time, Helen loves to cook, travel, read and take part in outdoor adventure activities.

Rosie White

Rosie is a graduate of the University of Sheffield where she gained a BSc in Biomedical Sciences.

She has joined The Planning Shop after previously holding a position of Customer Solutions Specialist at Teva Pharmaceuticals.

Whilst studying, Rosie was a competitive gymnast at North Leeds Gymnastics Academy and was also the captain of her University team. In her free time, she enjoys travelling and cross-country running, netball and socialising with friends.

Prior to lockdown, Rosie spent her winter 2019/20 ski guiding in the Swiss Alps. After spending 2020 living in Leeds with her three siblings and parents, Rosie is excited to move down to London and explore what the city has to offer.

Brinda Vyas

Brinda attended Benedictine University for her Master of Public Health and MBA, after receiving her BSc in Psychology from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Brinda has prior research experience from Benedictine University and was previously a Rehabilitation Aide at Athletico Physical Therapy Clinic.

In her free time, Brinda enjoys photography and volunteering.

Vikas Patel

With a love for healthcare, learning and the how’s and why’s of life, Vikas has joined us as a Research Executive. After recently graduating from Rutgers University with a MSc in Biomedical Science, and a BSc in Biology from Temple University, he is eager to begin a career in market research.

Prior to joining The Planning Shop Vikas worked at CRO, working extensively on COVID trials.

In his free time you will find Vikas listening to music, playing sports, on a beach (weather permitting), or hanging out with family and friends.

Joshua Tahan

Josh has joined The Planning Shop as a Research Manager after holding the title of Senior Research Consultant at Study Hall Research where he gained healthcare experience in both quantitative and qualitative research.

Josh attended the University of Tampa for a BSc in Marketing followed by an MBA.

At home, Josh is a father to a wonderful four-year-old and two Dachshunds.