Image: Wang Huan - PA Photos
Overall customer satisfaction has risen in the last six months as companies continue their battle to attract more business in difficult market conditions.
This is according to the Institute of Customer Service, which releases a twice-yearly index on the performance of UK businesses.
The services sector was once again the stand-out performer since July, with supermarkets in particular boasting a high level of satisfaction among their shoppers.
This was followed by the retail (food and non-food) industries, then tourism and the automotive sector.
Find out more about the findings on Bing
Utilities and public sector struggle
Far lower on the list were the utilities companies and public services.
However, the Institute of Customer Service stressed that both had seen a notable improvement over the six-month review period, meaning that the overall gap between all sectors was narrowing.
The data also highlighted widespread fears that the government's spending cuts will harm the quality, responsiveness and accessibility of public services.
The top performers (score out of 100)
1. John Lewis (89)
2. Waitrose (89)
3. BUPA (88)
4. Marks & Spencer (food) (87)
5. Lloyds Pharmacy (86)
6. Marriott (86)
7. SAGA Holidays (85)
8. Enterprise Rent-A-Car (85)
9. Boots (84)
10. P&O Cruises (84)
How the data was gathered
The Institute of Customer Service carries out an online questionnaire that is completed by a representative sample of 26,000 adults from across the country.
Customers are asked to rate organisations in light of important factors in a customer's experience with the company. The following are listed as priorities:
1. Overall quality of the product or service
2. Being treated as a valued customer
3. Speed of service
4. Friendliness of staff
5. Handling of problems and complaints
6. Handling of enquiries
7. Competence of staff
8. Ease of doing business
9. Being kept informed
10. Helpfulness of staff
It then assesses companies across sectors - ranging from automotives such as car manufacturers and dealerships to utilities such as gas, water and electricity suppliers - and gives each one a score out of 100 after collating the scores from individual questionnaires.
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