British Waterways the best name

Published: Monday, 07 March 2011

BRITISH Waterways followed by British Waterways Trust had the greatest appeal as a name change for the new charitable status we are told.

But British Waterways admitted that the included comments by people suggested the key reason was that people did not want money wasted on re-branding.

Potential names

British Waterways has today (Monday) released an update on research into potential names for the new waterways charity planned to take over the running of its canals and rivers in 2012. This research will now be included in Defra's upcoming consultation about the formation of the charity, giving members of the public a further opportunity to influence the new name.

Seven names were tested between December 2010 and February 2011 with over 2,500 people taking part, including boaters, waterway visitors, British Waterways' staff and a representative sample of UK adults.

The names

The names chosen were: British Waterways; British Waterways Trust; Waterways Trust; National Waterways Trust; Canals and Rivers trust; National Canals and Rivers Trust and; National Waterways Charity.

However, a spokesman tells us  a similar number suggest that many people would prefer the new charity to have a fresh start with an entirely new name, with these votes split between the other suggestions.

Simon Salem

Simon Salem, Marketing Director for British Waterways, comments:

"We would like to thank everyone who has contributed so far to the question of a name for the new waterways charity. The organisation that is being created now will serve the waterways throughout the century ahead and it is important that whatever name is chosen has longevity and resonates amongst the widest possible audience."

There will be further research into the development of the new charity, including the Defra consultation, before a final decision on its name is made by the interim trustees later in 2011.