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Press release 25.06.09
‘Big Tick’ for Thames Water’s London On Tap
The campaign wins one of the UK’s most influential, independent, peer-assessed corporate responsibility awards
Thames Water’s London On Tap campaign, which promotes tap water across the capital, was this week awarded a ‘Big Tick’ from Business in the Community, the UK’s most influential, independent, peer-assessed corporate responsibility awards.
The Proctor & Gamble ‘Big Tick’ for Responsible Marketing was presented at the London Excellence Awards in Whitechapel. It was awarded to Thames Water for the campaign’s positive impact on the community, environment and marketplace and follows the company’s recent success in the Business in The Community Corporate Responsibility Index, climbing from silver to gold status in just one year.
The award also comes ahead of the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI)'s annual report, which is expected to rate Thames tap water at 99.99% complaint with stringent National and European standards. *
David Owens, Chief Executive of Thames Water, said:
"London’s tap water is among the best in the world. We’re extremely proud of this and through London On Tap wanted to make it more accessible to people in London when they’re out for a meal or drink. Our carafe for London - Tap Top which is now available to buy is helping us to do just that.
"The campaign has been a real success and during the past year we've seen a real change in behaviour as consumers have become more confident about asking for tap water when dining out in the capital. The campaign is even being replicated across Europe with the help and advice of our award-winning London On Tap team.
"It’s a real achievement that Londoners now recognise they have a choice about what they drink. Winning a ‘Big Tick’ award is a great accolade".
Stephen Howard, Chief Executive, Business in the Community said:
”Thames Water’s has created a strong and imaginative campaign with London on Tap. It has had a significant impact in raising awareness of the benefits of drinking tap water for consumers and the environment. Not only has the campaign created a legacy in London, but has also had an impact internationally. I congratulate Thames Water for successfully challenging misconceptions around tap water and at the same time generating clear benefits for the business.”
As a 'Big Tick' winner, London On Tap has been shortlisted for the Proctor & Gamble Responsible Marketing and Innovation National Example of Excellence Award, where it will compete with Cadbury Plc, Camelot Group Plc and Co-Operative Financial Services. The Prince of Wales will announce the winner on July 6.
Notes to editors:
- For further information, images or interview requests please contact Amy Dutton, Thames Water press office 0118 3738935 or
The ‘Big Tick’ awards run in association with the Financial Times and recognise and celebrate those companies who have shown innovation, creativity and a sustained commitment to corporate responsibility. - The London On Tap campaign is a collaboration between Thames Water and the Mayor of London to promote the serving to tap water in London’s restaurants, bars and hotels. More information, images, logos and a short film about the carafe are available at http://www.londonontap.org.
- It was launched in February 2008 and has garnered support from celebrity chefs, environmental groups, and even the House of Lords, with thousands of restaurants and bars pledging their support.
- The Tap Top carafe can be ordered through the London On Tap website in boxes of 12-minimum order one box. Distribution will be organised through leading catering equipment suppliers the Carford Group (www.carford.co.uk) and can be purchased using a credit card.
- Companies have a choice to white screen print or etch their logo on their Tap Top carafes. Details of minimum orders for each option are available on the website and are incorporated into the ordering process.
- A taste test comparing bottled water brands with tap water was carried out by Decanter magazine in December 2007 and broadcast by the BBC’s Panorama programme on 18 Feb 2008. Thames Water's tap water was rated third out of 24 varieties tested.
* The quality of Thames Water's tap water is independently assessed by the Drinking Water Inspectorate. Thames Water carries out almost half a million tests on drinking water annually, complying with 99.98% of stringent national and European standards at customer's taps in 2007. For 2008 this figure is expected to rise to 99.99% in when the DWI publishes its annual report on drinking water quality. London tap water costs less than a tenth of a penny per litre and its production, packaging and distribution emits 300 times less CO2 than bottled water alternatives.
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Downloading logos
Logos for London On Tap and Thames Water are available to download from this site.
Please note that these logos are for press and editorial use ONLY.
No unauthorised use of these marks for commercial or promotional purposes is permitted.
For further information please contact: press@thameswater.co.uk
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