Which? Awards celebrate positive change in banking and energy
23 June 2011
Barclays and The Co-operative Energy were winners in two new categories at today’s Which? Awards ceremony.
The Consumer Action Award was presented to The Co-operative Energy by the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, the Rt Hon Vince Cable MP. At a time when the cost of energy bills are consumers’ number one financial concern*, the company was recognised for its pledge to offer transparency on profits, provide clear bills and a single tariff for new and loyal customers. With ambitions to become one of the ‘big seven’ energy suppliers, the company was recognised for encouraging UK growth in a sector that is dominated by only a handful of companies.
Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, the Rt Hon Vince Cable MP, says:
“"I am delighted to present the Which? Consumer Action Award to Co-Operative Energy. This company is an excellent example of aiming for success by responding to what customers want, and I want more businesses making choices easier and more transparent.
“By empowering people companies will in turn become more competitive, benefitting the market and consumers."
Barclays scooped the Which? Positive Change Award, introduced this year to recognise a company that has made significant changes to give its customers a better deal. Which? felt Barclays had made improvements for its customers this year, including rewarding staff who help customers rather than just for selling products and being the first bank to pay out Payment Protection Insurance compensation on a “no-quibble” basis.
The Which? Awards are entirely independent. Businesses can’t put themselves forward for an award – they are chosen on the basis of Which?’s rigorous research and feedback from Which? members. Winners can display a Which? Award icon on their products, helping consumers to make informed decisions.
Sheffield electrician, Mand Made, was named as Which? Local Business of the Year and Richer Sounds picked up to the Best High Street Retailer award for the second year running. Online beauty store Lizearle.com scooped Best Online Retailer, with an impressive Which? customer score of 94 per cent and Hyundai beat off stiff competition to win Best Car Manufacturer Award, and the prize for Best Travel Company went to Trailfinders.
Awards were also given to First Direct, Samsung, Bosch, Tesco Mobile, Canon and Phillips.
Peter Vicary-Smith, chief executive of Which?, says:
“As the cost of living increases, people want to know that they are spending their money wisely.
“The winners of this year’s Which? Awards not only offer outstanding products or services, but they have also demonstrated great innovation and customer care.
“The financial services and energy industries are not well known for providing good customer service, but there are a few shining lights who are bucking the trend and deserve recognition. Barclays and The Co-operative Energy have worked with Which? to take positive steps to put the consumer at the heart of their business, and are very worthy of our two new awards.”
Notes to Editor
* In June 2011 1,298 UK adults (aged 18+) were asked what areas they were concerned about. 89 per cent stated that they were concerned with energy prices.
The Which? Awards were held at the Kings Place, King’s Cross, London on 23 June 2011, and were hosted by Natasha Kaplinsky.
The Which? Awards are entirely independent. Businesses can’t put themselves forward for an award – they are chosen on the basis of Which?’s rigorous research and feedback from Which? members.
Which? Awards 2011 shortisters and winners
Best Car Manufacturer
Winner - Hyundai
Shortlisted – Mazda, Toyota, BMW, Skoda
Best Financial Services Provider
Winner – First Direct
Shortlisted – NFU Mutual, The Co-operative Bank
Best High Street Retailer
Winner - Richer Sounds
Shortlisted – Lush, Lakeland
Best Home Audio-Visual Brand
Winner – Samsung
Shortlisted – Panasonic, Sony
Best Large Home Appliance Brand
Winner - Bosch
Shortlisted – Miele, AEG-Electrolux
Best Mobile Service Provider
Winner - Tesco Mobile
Shortlisted – ASDA Mobile, O2
Best Online Retailer
Winner - Lizearle.com
Shortlisted – Lakeland.co.uk, John Lewis.com, ChainReactionCycles.com
Best Photography Brand
Winner – Canon
Shortlisted – Panasonic, Casio, Nikon
Best Portable Media Brand
Winner – Samsung
Shortlisted – Apple, Sony
Best Small Home Appliance Brand
Winner – Philips
Shortlisted – Kenwood, De’Longhi, Morphy Richards
Best Supermarket
Winner – Waitrose
Shortlisted – Marks and Spencer, Lidl, Aldi
Best Travel Company
Winner - Trailfinders
Shortlisted – Kuoni, P&O Cruises, Saga
Which? Positive Change Award
Winner - Barclays
Which? Consumer Action Award
Winner - The Co-operative Energy
The Good Food Guide Readers’ Restaurant of the Year
Winner - Orwells, South East
Which? Local Business of the Year
Winner - Mand Made, Electrician - Sheffield
