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The True Market Power of Reputation - New UK Reputation Valuation Report 2025
02 July 2025
£730 Billion at Stake: New report reveals UK firms leaving billions in reputation value on the table.
London, UK - 2 July 2025 - Corporate reputation is no longer just a communications issue, it's a critical financial asset. According to the newly released 2025 UK Reputation Valuation Report from Reputation Dividend, reputation now accounts for 29% of the total market value of the FTSE 350, equivalent to £730 billion and a year-on-year rise of £11 billion.
But behind the headline growth lies a stark warning: while 95% of UK-listed companies are gaining value from reputation, 5% are experiencing value erosion, wiping out £9 billion through negative perceptions of management, governance and stakeholder misalignment.
“This report shows reputation isn’t a nice-to-have; it’s a quantifiable driver of investment, trust and resilience,” said Sandra Macleod, Group CEO. “Reputation is investable and companies not managing it systematically are getting left behind.”
Winners, Laggards and the Price of Inaction
The study identifies clear divides:
• Shell, BP, and RELX among the top ten for highest Reputation Contribution, reflecting consistent leadership, energy transition strategies, and stakeholder confidence.
• Rolls-Royce, ITV, and Hammerson are the breakout growth stories of 2025, proving that transformation, transparency, and performance can rapidly rebuild trust.
Meanwhile, reputational value in the FTSE 100 has begun to decline as a direct consequence of geopolitical uncertainty, trade tensions, and exposure to global risk. In contrast, FTSE 250 firms are proving more resilient, shielded by their domestic focus.
What Drives Reputation Value in 2025?
Top drivers this year include:
• Long-term value potential (£118bn)
• Product and service quality (£109bn)
• Financial soundness and management credibility (both at £75bn)
Echo’s report also charts a rebound in ESG's role, now contributing 10.8% of total reputation value after a sharp dip in 2024, suggesting that while the term may be politicised, stakeholders still demand delivery, not just rhetoric.
Not Just Insight - Action
The report provides a macro view of the FTSE 350 but urges companies to benchmark their own Reputation Contribution. By leveraging more tailored diagnostics, companies can benefit from insights that not only quantify how much their reputation is worth, but where it's working, where it's at risk, and where to invest for growth
“In today’s transparent, high-risk, high-scrutiny environment, leaders who fail to treat reputation as a strategic capital asset risk underperformance, even with solid fundamentals,” added Echo chair, Sally Osman LVO, “Reputation is a precious asset - and right now, in clear need of constant vigilance, assessment, protection and nurturing in the face of challenging headwinds.”
Download the full report here.
Methodology:
Data in this report is drawn from the UK What Price Reputation 2025, covering FTSE350-listed companies.
• Methodology includes financial correlation modelling, investor perception analysis and stakeholder benchmarking.
