Kitemark® still going strong

The survey, carried out by GfK NOP in July 2006, interviewed consumers between the ages of 18 and 70 to gauge their recognition, beliefs and understanding of the Kitemark®.

The results?

• A staggering 82% of the UK adult population recognised the Kitemark®.
• Of those who recognised the Kitemark®, 93% thought Kitemark products were safer while 91% felt they would be better quality.
• 88% state that they have more trust in Kitemark® products or services and
• 75% claim that the Kitemark® helps them to choose between products

Results like this show just how strong the Kitemark® is in the mind of the UK consumer.

Alastair Trivett, Global Managing Director, BSI Product Services comments, “The highest recognition was in the 35-55 age bracket but what is particularly interesting is that the Kitemark® is very highly recognized by the 18-34 year old group. We had expected this to be lower and are tremendously encouraged that the values of safety and quality have not been missed by the younger generation.”

“It is fantastic that the Kitemark® is so highly recognized. I just shows that the quality and trust associated with the Kitemark® are as valid today as they were when it was introduced” continues Alastair Trivett, “as we demand better and better quality from our products and services, the Kitemark® will help products to stand out from the crowd and make purchasing decisions easier. We are delighted that the efforts of so many organisations in maintaining high standards, has been recognised by consumers across the country.”

BSI Product Services, based in Hemel Hempstead, manages over 300 Kitemark® schemes for manufactured products and services ranging from fire alarms to construction products and healthcare devices. To celebrate the results of the survey the company’s office has been renamed Kitemark® House.

ENDS

CONTACT BSI PRESS OFFICE:

Wilma Tulloch on             +44 (0)20 8996 6330       OR
Marc Edney on             +44 (0)20 8996 6330      
3rd November 2006

NOTES TO EDITORS

About the Kitemark®:

The Kitemark® is one of the most respected product quality marks in the world, demonstrating that a wide range of products from lighting to fire extinguishers conform to standards, ensuring that vital safety and performance requirements are met.
The word Kitemark® and the Kitemark® logo are registered trade marks of BSI.

A Kitemark® scheme is formed through a combination of a quality based system, such as BS EN ISO 9000, with advanced product/service testing provide the basis for a Kitemark scheme offering trust, integrity and quality.

BSI Product Services: With its Global HQ in Hemel Hempstead, BSI Product Services provides product/service testing and certification Worldwide and is the UKAS accredited Notified Body for 17 of the New Approach EU Directives.

For media information, call: Wilma Tulloch on             +44 (0)20 8996 6330       OR Marc Edney on             +44 (0)20 8996 6330       in the BSI Press Office serving Europe.