The latest results in the coveted ‘Superbrands’ survey have just been announced this morning. No massive surprises here at the top with Microsoft and Google again fighting for top spots. Handset manufacturer Blackberry is an interesting new entry in the top 10, going from 42nd place in 2009 up to third reflecting the constant quest for the latest technology, while Sony and Virgin Atlantic have been voted into third and fourth place respectively. Nokia, Bupa, BP and Michelin have all fallen from the top 10. Whilst British Airways appears at 4 despite the latest cabin crew strike threats plaguing it…

Hotel chain Premier Inn, with the ad campaign fronted by Lenny Henry, has taken the biggest climb on the list from 437 to 240th place.  Whilst insurance giant Aviva, which rebranded from Norwich Union last year, is the second highest-grower. No doubt thanks in part to its heavy spending and high profile campaign featuring A-list celebrities like Bruce Willis and Ringo Starr helping take it from 315th place to 144 in the rankings.

The financial services sector has seen more mixed results with investment banks like Morgan Stanley and JP Morgan both losing ground and suffering due to the global recession, dropping 147 and 152 places respectively. Whilst other contentious areas like climate change seems to remain controversial leading the government-backed Carbon Trust to drop some 200+ places.

Consumer Superbrands: 2010 Results

1. Microsoft
2. Rolex
3. Google
4. British Airways
5. BBC
6. Mercedes-Benz
7. Coca-Cola
8. Lego
9. Apple
10. Encyclopaedia Britannica

Business Superbrands: 2010 Results

1. Microsoft
2. Rolls-Royce Group
3. BlackBerry
4. Virgin Atlantic
5. Google
6. London Stock Exchange
7. GlaxoSmithKline
8. British Airways
9. VISA
10. PricewaterhouseCoopers

Superbrands commissions independent research to identify the UK’s strongest brands. Their annual league tables are based on the opinions of marketing experts, business professionals and thousands of British consumers.

There are two surveys: Consumer Superbrands (the UK’s strongest B2C brands) and Business Superbrands (the UK’s strongest B2B brands). The results of both surveys are published annually in February and brands do not pay or apply to be considered.

Superbrands was founded in London in 1995 and are now a global business operating in over 50 countries worldwide.