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Encyclopaedia Britannica

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Britannica Named as World’s Most Respected Media Reference Company

London, 27 February 2012

Encyclopædia Britannica has today been named by UK consumers as one of the world’s most respected companies, ahead of brands such as Facebook, Wikipedia and Microsoft.
For the second year in a row, Britannica was named as the best media reference company in the annual “Superbrands” survey which is conducted every year by The Centre for Brand Analysis. The research among UK consumers examines business perception in a range of different sectors.
Britannica was placed in 30th position overall and second only to the BBC in the media category, which covers print, broadcast, online and reference companies.
The five most respected media companies were listed as:
  1. BBC (5th position)
  2. Encyclopædia Britannica (30th position)
  3. Oxford University Press (72nd position)
  4. SKY (75th position)
  5. Michelin (125th position)
The survey, which judges brands based on three key elements (providing outstanding quality, reliability and distinction), has consistently placed Britannica as one of the top 30 in the world and has commended the company for “establishing the finest reputation in its field” and “offering significant advantages over its competitors, which customers want and recognise.”
Britannica is world famous for providing expert and relevant content and providing context to worldwide events and has undergone a rapid transformation to a fully online and mobile publisher and continues to thrive in the digital world.
Ian Grant, Managing Director of Encyclopædia Britannica UK, said: “It is an incredible achievement for a company founded in 1768 to be considered as one of the world’s strongest brands in 2012, ahead of technology giants such as Facebook and Microsoft.”
“It is testament to the strength of the brand that Britannica continues to be revered worldwide in the digital age. In a world of almost limitless information, Britannica’s mission to provide reliable, trustworthy and safe content remains more important than ever.”
Stephen Cheliotis, Chairman of the Superbrands Expert Council said: “It is notable that in these difficult times, we are reaffirming our faith in many traditional British brands. A Superbrand is one which constantly delivers excellence and quality, and this year’s consumer poll reflects this. Both the British and international brands included in the official 2012 list are recognised both for their rich heritage and also their continued influence on today’s consumers.”
Traditional British Brands make up half of the Consumer Superbrands top 20, with the Royal Albert Hall, Royal Doulton and Wedgwood climbing up the survey. The BBC remains in the top five for the sixth year in a row, with retailers John Lewis and Marks & Spencer also feature, suggesting trust in traditional British companies is unshakeable.

Notes to editors:

About the Research:
Research was carried out online by PCP among 1,000 UK adults in October 2011.
About Encyclopædia Britannica:
Britannica was founded in Edinburgh in 1768 at the height of the period of European history known as the “Enlightenment”. Its aim was to publish clear, current and correct information, based on a scientific approach to knowledge.
It is the most comprehensive and oldest continuously published reference work in the English language and is revered worldwide for its editorial integrity. Britannica strives to help its users become confident global citizens, by delivering expert and up-to-date knowledge and being global leaders in providing a source for life-long learning.
Encyclopædia Britannica (UK) Ltd is a subsidiary of Encyclopædia Britannica Inc. who are leading providers of learning and knowledge products. Britannica is proud to be one of the world's most trusted sources of information.
In 2012 Encyclopædia Britannica was named as one of the UK’s most respected brands in the annual Consumer Superbrand Survey. Britannica was one of only eight media reference companies to make the top 500 brands in the UK and was the only one to be listed in the top 50. At number 30, Britannica was voted more respectable than Facebook, Wikipedia and Microsoft.
About Britannica Online & Mobile:
Today Encyclopædia Britannica has a larger and more diverse line of online and mobile products than ever before. Our outlook is shaped by our tradition of excellence and an understanding of what knowledge seekers need in the digital age.
Since launching in 1994 Britannica Online has grown and developed an extensive range of online products for learners of all ages. The largest and most comprehensive is the Online Academic Edition, which delivers relevant, web-based content for further and higher education. It is continuously updated, revised and developed with new articles, allowing its users to research confidently with expert information and a host of research tools designed to support advanced study. For schools, the Online School Edition provides a comprehensive reference and education service specially designed for primary and secondary schools, while the Online Public Library Edition, delivers three encyclopedias for different levels, under one product.
Alongside the traditional encyclopedias, Britannica has also increased its offering to educational institutions through two innovative products, Image Quest and Britannica Pathways: Science. Image Quest provides access to more than two million stunning images, sourced from some of the best collections in the world. Britannica Pathways: Science supports effective teaching for students aged 11 – 14 and tackles common misconceptions through interactive and discussion-led resources.
In 2011 Britannica began an ambitious mobile publishing programme, launching nine titles in a series of educational mobile apps for children aged 8 -12 on a range of platforms. The nine titles were shortlisted as finalists in the 2011 e-learning awards in the Best use of Mobile Learning category. Following the launch of Britannica Kids Apps, a series of 60 games-based revision apps for Key Stages 2 – 4 will be released in the near future under the Britannica SmartStudy brand.
For further information about Britannica and its products, please visit: www.britannica.co.uk
Follow Britannica on Twitter: @Britannica_UK
Britannica Flickr Feed: www.flickr.com/photos/britannica_image_quest/

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CONTACT:

For further information, please contact:
Eoghan Hughes
PR Manager
Encyclopædia Britannica
2nd Floor, Unity Wharf
Mill Street
London SE1 2BH
DDI: +44 (0)20 7500 7805
Fax: +44 (0)20 7500 7878
ehughes@britannica.co.uk