Environmental consultancies should work on brand awareness to drive growth, according to analysts at Verdantix.
The firm's global survey of 312 heads of environment, health and safety found a preference for
74 brands in the consulting, software, verification and IT services markets.
ERM, Ramboll Environ and AECOM had the highest brand preference among consultancies, while Bureau Veritas, KPMG and BSI ranked highest in the verification sector. SAP came top in relation to software and IBM was the best performer in technology services.
There is often a direct connection between brand preference and inclusion on tender shortlists, Verdantix said. "The EHS market is not known for flashy advertising and heavy marketing. This shows in low levels of brand awareness. Marketing drives growth, but environmental engineers rarely give this 'fluffy' function the respect it deserves," said David Metcalfe, chief executive at Verdantix.