Tyre manufacturer Michelin appears in the 88th spot and Pirelli at number 154. The trio of tyre Superbrands is rounded off by Dunlop, occupying the 265th position this year.

Business Superbrands – which began in 1995 – lists the U.K.’s strongest business-to-business brands as voted for by independent experts on the Business Superbrands Council and more than 1,500 individual business professionals from across the country. Our three tyre Superbrands were also present in this category – Michelin in eighth spot, Pirelli at number 20 and Dunlop at 53. They are joined by Bridgestone in the 54th spot and Snap-on Tools at 193.

Brands do not pay or apply to be considered and thousands of brands are initially considered by a team of independent researchers. A short list of around 1,250 brands is then reviewed in depth to create a listing of the Top 500 brands who are then deemed to be ‘Business Superbrands.’

“This year’s Business Superbrands listing is led by Google followed by Rolls-Royce, Sony and Microsoft,” comment Snap-on’s European managing director, Terry Barcham Barcham. “We were delighted to be in such company when we first entered the listing in 2008 and are particularly proud of our jump of 72 places over last year. I am also pleased to say that, despite the recession, our results are well ahead of the same period last year.” (Tyres & Accessories/Staffordshire, U.K.)