According to Kantar, a world-leading data, insights, and consulting company, the UK’s leading brands have achieved double-digit growth of 22% to reach a record-high of $278.8 billion, reflecting British enterprises’ strong pandemic recovery.

Amidst the COVID-19 disruption and the challenges of the post-Brexit era, British brands are showing resiliency as reported in the latest Kantar BrandZ Most Valuable UK Brands 2021. The top 75 consumer-facing companies’ outstanding brand equity– resulting in marked business outcomes– is reflected in their remarkable growth that is faster than the Financial Times Stock Exchange 100 (FTSE 100).

British global brands range from tech to banks, from telco to retail and food and beverages. For international students who are yet to decide on their student pathway, course to take, or even the industry they want to be part of in the future, knowing today’s most valuable UK brands may help seal their decision.

Here are some of the most valuable British brands in 2021 according to Kantar:

Vodafone. The British telecommunications provider and part of Vodafone Group Plc maintained its number one position achieving a 34% increase in brand value reaching around USD 31 million. The Berkshire-headquartered telco has over 18 million customers in the UK and provides telecommunications services to more than 400 retail stores worldwide.

HSBC. Headquartered in London and operating across 64 countries, HSBC was the largest bank in the United Kingdom with total assets worth around 2.2 trillion British pounds as of December 31, 2021 according to Statista. This data echoes the bank’s dominance in the banking and finance industry as one of the largest banks worldwide, ranking second in Kantar BrandZ ranking despite recording a negative brand value change.

Shell. A global group of energy and petrochemical companies, Shell also maintained its Kantar BrandZ ranking at number three, reaching about USD 15 million in brand value. The energy company provides approximately 10% of the UK’s oil and gas, fuels up to 500 aircraft at 11 UK airports, and operates in over 70 countries.

Tesco. Multinational groceries and retailer Tesco’s brand value increased by 33% in 2021 reaching more than USD 11 million. Last year, the global supermarket brand that employs more than 360,000 staff reported £54.8bn Group sales, £2,825m Group adjusted operating profit, and £2,277m Retail free cash flow. Tesco has also recently launched an accelerator programme in partnership with WWF to accelerate innovation in the vital food system.

Lipton. The world’s leading tea brand Lipton is owned by British multinational consumer goods company Unilever. In the Kantar BrandZ Top 10 Most Valuable UK brands 2021, Lipton went up one rank from 2020 to 5th, achieving a stellar 17% increase in brand value reaching more than USD 10 million.

Dove. Personal care brand Dove, which traces its roots in the US, is also part of British company Unilever. Last year, Dove achieved double-digit growth (+16%) in brand value reaching more than USD 7 million. The company’s Dove Self-Esteem Project (DSEP) launched in 2004 now has reached over 60 million young people spanning 139 countries. The Unilever company’s campaign intends to touch 250 million lives by 2030.