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Infosys, Tata beat global majors to emerge as top brands in India

IT giant Infosys and salt-to-software conglomerate Tata have emerged as the top 2 brands in India, beating global majors like Google, Nokia and Facebook, in a new index.

According to TLG’s index of emerging market ‘Thought Leaders’, seven out of the top ten brands in India were indigenous firms.

TLG, in partnership with international research consultancy firm GlobeScan, launched the index wherein government ministers, directors of blue chip companies and newspaper editors were asked to identify corporate brands with the power to change the attitudes and behaviour of consumers, employees or politicians — defined as “Thought Leaders”.

Infosys and Tata have topped an index of corporate ‘Thought Leaders’ in India – defined as companies that change attitudes of customers, employees and stakeholders.

Apple, which headed similar UK & US lists, was the notable omission from India’s top 20, but Google, Nokia and Japan’s Suzuki made the grade. So what does it take to be an Indian ‘thought leader’?

Thanks to the legacy of decades of closed markets, Indian companies have a big lead over foreign rivals. Seven of the top 10 firms were Indian.

The index, compiled by TLG, a PR consultancy, was its first on emerging markets. Results came from surveys of Indian ‘opinion formers’, and included representatives from business, media and government.

TLG To Provide Severn Trent With Public Affairs Support Over Droughts

Severn Trent has asked TLG to provide public affairs support as the water industry faces growing pressure over its response to the worsening drought conditions.

Industry bosses were summoned to Whitehall last week by Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman to discuss plans for water restrictions after parts of Britain suffered their driest spring in 100 years.

Severn Trent, which serves eight million customers in the Midlands and Wales, has warned it might have to impose hosepipe bans, prompting criticism from trade unions.

The industry also faces the most fundamental reforms to the way it is regulated since privatisation more than 20 years ago. A white paper this autumn could herald the introduction of elements of competition in an industry dominated by regional monopolies.

Speaking last week, Spelman also said the white paper, due by the end of the year, would look at the rules for taking water from rivers.

TLG refused to comment on specifics, but confirmed the appointment by Severn Trent. Association of Professional Political Consultants records show Severn Trent previously used College Public Policy.

The latest APPC register confirms other water companies also have public affairs advisers in place. South West Water and Anglian Water are both using Edelman, while the All Party Water Group – funded by Anglian Water, Southern Water Services, United Utilities, Water UK, Wessex Water and others – uses Connect Communications.

Infosys, Tata are thought leaders in India

India’s most powerful corporate brands are poised to challenge corporate titans of the West. Topping the list is tech giant Infosys while salt-to-steel conglomerate Tata is ranked second.

According to a survey by London-based TLG, which published its first ever Index of Thought Leaders conducted in an emerging market, notes that Apple, despite being a global brand, has not been able to crack the Indian market.

“One of the most eye-catching results is the absence of Apple from the Top 20. The Californian tech group, which came top in TLG’s most recent Thought Leaders’ reports in Britain and the US, only managed 40th place in the India index. Commentators have blamed Apple’s inability to crack India on its failure to adapt its business model to local tastes and budgets. Indian consumers can buy a new Tata Nano car for the same price as three Apple iPhones,” the survey said.