Supermarket giant Marks and Spencer has clinched the top spot as the leading brand in the UK, according to the latest rankings by YouGov BrandIndex. The ranking considers various factors such as impression, quality, value, satisfaction, recommendation, and reputation over the past year.
Despite facing a cyber attack in 2025 that disrupted online shopping for months, Marks and Spencer secured the top position. Following closely behind in the top five are IKEA, Samsung, John Lewis, and Netflix.
The Post Office emerged as the most improved brand, attributed to increased satisfaction and a positive shift in public perception following the Horizon IT scandal. Royal Mail and Fujitsu secured the second and third spots for most improved brands.
On a global scale, WhatsApp claimed the top position in the best brand rankings, with strong performance particularly in India and Indonesia. It was followed by Samsung, YouTube, and Google.
YouGov’s CEO and Co-founder, Stephan Shakespeare, emphasized the importance of strong brands that establish lasting connections with consumers. The rankings are based on over six million interviews across 28 markets, reflecting overall brand health tracked by YouGov BrandIndex.
Expressing gratitude for the recognition, M&S CEO Stuart Machin highlighted the significance of customer feedback in shaping the brand’s reputation. He commended the efforts of colleagues and emphasized the collective commitment to continuous improvement and seizing future opportunities.