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Consumers vote Inmarsat most innovative company in UK

05-06-2009 - Inmarsat has the best reputation for innovation in the UK and is one of the ten most reputable public companies in the country, according to a major survey among consumers.

The Reputation Institute Consultancy's survey of 5,000 adults in the United Kingdom asked respondents to vote on the leading 140 companies quoted on the London Stock Exchange, as part of its Global Reputation Pulse 2009 Study.

Inmarsat came top in the category for innovation - one of seven categories - which recognises a company for making or selling innovative products or innovating in the way it does business.

Feelings of trust
Retailer Marks & Spencer came top of the overall poll ahead of pharmaceutical company Smith & Nephew and confectioner Cadbury.

The UK results emerged as part of the consultancy's Global Reputation Pulse, which measures the corporate reputations of 600 leading companies in 32 countries based on feelings of trust, esteem, respect and admiration.

Others listed in the UK top 10 were Rolls-Royce, Tate & Lyle, Thomas Cook and Intercontinental Hotels.

Strong products
Seamus Gillen, of The Reputation Institute consultancy, who carried out the survey, said: "The results in the UK reflect the overall current mood among consumers globally.

"The most telling finding is that, next to delivering strong products and services, consumers want companies to act transparently and ethically and to prove that they care about society.

"As the leading companies in the survey show, a good reputation is key for businesses to help them sustain support and come out on top with the consumer."

Unique capabilities
Inmarsat chairman and CEO Andy Sukawaty said: "This is a recognition of the unique capabilities and excellent market perception of Inmarsat.

"As a pioneer of mobile satellite services, the survey acknowledges our leadership position in the industry and specifically the success of the Inmarsat business in delivering innovative services with a reputation for reliability and quality.

"As we approach our 30th anniversary, the survey result reflects the many years of hard work by many people around the world, and we should be rightly proud."

The Global Reputation Pulse 2009 Study was conducted online during January and February. Scores were calculated by averaging perceptions of four indicators - trust, esteem, admiration and good feeling.

Reputation factors
Respondents were also asked to rate the factors that drive a company's reputation - products and services, workplace, governance, citizenship, leadership, performance and innovation.

According to the Global Reputation Pulse's findings, a company's reputation score has a positive and direct link to consumer attitudes and behaviours.

There is, adds the institute, a significant correlation between the strength of a company's reputation and the willingness of consumers to recommend it to others.

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