British Standards Institution (BSI)
BSI enables people and organizations to perform better. We share knowledge, innovation and best practice to make excellence a habit - all over the world, every day. Our purpose is to inspire trust for a more resilient world. Our solutions and services improve performance and support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. At BSI, our mission is to share knowledge, innovation and best practice to help people and organizations make excellence a habit. This is underpinned by our role as the national standards body and through our prestigious Royal Charter. For more than a century we have been challenging mediocrity and complacency to help embed excellence into the way people and products work. That means showing businesses how to improve performance, reduce risk and achieve sustainable growth. As a global leader in helping organizations improve, our clients range from high profile brands to small, local companies in 193 countries worldwide.
Company details
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- Business Type:
- Training provider
- Industry Type:
- Environmental
- Market Focus:
- Globally (various continents)
- Year Founded:
- 1901
- Employees:
- Over 1000
- Turnover:
- $100,000,000 US - $1,000,000,000 US
This company also provides solutions for other industrial applications.
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About Us
BSI has played a leading role in developing a new generation of standards to help organizations become better governed and more responsible such as anti-bribery, organizational governance and asset management. BSI has also increased collaboration with experts in new fields such as smart cities, nanotechnologies, cell therapy and Building Information Modelling (BIM).
British Standards continue to inspire international standardization: BS 8901 for sustainability management systems for events inspired ISO 20121 which was used in 2012 by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) and by the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games for truly sustainable events.
As a result of these strategic moves, and through more than a century of growth, BSI now delivers a comprehensive business services portfolio to clients, helping them raise their performance and enhance their competitiveness worldwide.
- 2000 - Present: BSI significantly increases its global footprint and service offering
- 1975 – 2000: Management systems standards
- 1946 – 1975: International consolidation and consumer concerns
- 1914 – 1945: Standardization grows
- 1901 – 1914: In the beginning
2000 - Present: BSI significantly increases its global footprint and service offering
BSI invested in new business areas, new offices and formed new partnerships:
- 2017:
- acquired Neville Clarke to strengthen BSI's position in Asia Pacific and broaden its training offering - 2016:
- with the acquisition of Espion Ltd and Espion UK , BSI entered the information security consultancy market
- with the acquisition of Info-Assure Ltd, BSI expanded this offering, reinforcing its authority in Information Resilience
-acquired Atrium, Creative Environment Solutions and Quantum Management Group to expand its Environmental Health and Safety Services and Solutions footprint to the US East Coast - 2015:
- with the acquisition of USA-based EORM and Hill Country Environmental Inc BSI entered the environmental, health, safety and engineering consultancy market
- acquired the management systems certification business of PwC in South Africa. - 2014:
- BSI inaugurated the BSI Standards Awards to officially recognize the outstanding contributions of the community of over 10,000 independent experts and the 1,200 committees, the heart of developing standards - 2013:
- acquired NCS International in Australia, enhancing its global product offering in the key sectors of agri-food and healthcare - 2011:
- opened a new Europe, Middle East, Africa headquarters in Milton Keynes, certified in line with BREEAM, the world’s foremost environmental assessment method for buildings. - 2010:
- opened new offices in Qatar and Saudi Arabia
- acquired gas certification body GLCS, the leading certifier of gas related consumer equipment in the UK and one of the top three in Europe.
- extended its presence in Italy and Indonesia through the acquisition of BSS Italia (BSI's partner since 2007), and Systems Management Indonesia. - 2009:
- acquired Supply Chain Security Division of First Advantage Corporation, USA and expanded into the Italian market through the acquisition of Certification International S.r.l.
- to strengthen its Healthcare business, BSI acquired EUROCAT, the German healthcare certification and testing company. - 2007:
- opened its Thai office to consolidate its presence in fast growing South East Asia - 2006:
- acquired Entropy International Ltd, a leading provider of performance and sustainability software solutions
- expanded into the German and Australian markets through the acquisition of German certification business NIS ZERT and Benchmark Certification Pty Ltd, Australia's second largest certification body - 2004:
- acquired KPMG Certification B.V in Holland to provide an enhanced range of services to businesses across the Benelux region and the rest of continental Europe - 2003:
- BSI became a Business Superbrand, a status it still enjoys today
- consolidated penetration of the immense Greater China certification market by acquiring 100 per cent of BSI Pacific Ltd - 2002:
- acquired KPMG's ISO Canadian and US registration business, making BSI number 1 in North American management systems assessment market - 2001:
- opened BSI Eurasia office in Istanbul, Turkey
1975 – 2000: Management systems standards
During this period, BSI helped shape many of the world’s management systems standards, including the three most widely adopted for quality, the environment and health and safety. BSI also began its international expansion.
- 1999:
- acquired Singapore-based certification organization
- opened offices in Brazil, India, Japan, Korea, Spain, Poland and France - 1996: published BS8800 which would inspire BS OHSAS 18001 Occupational Health and Safety Management, helping companies keep people safe and achieve the best possible working conditions.
- 1995: established its first Asian office, BSI Pacific Ltd, in Hong Kong
- 1992: BS 7750, the world’s first standard for environmental management systems, inspired ISO 14001, the international standard for environmental management systems that has helped organizations across the world improve their environmental performance
- 1991: established BSI Americas
- 1979: published the UK's first management systems quality standard, BS 5750 – it led to the ISO 9000 series of international standards. ISO 9001 has benefited millions of organizations globally, with users reporting increased growth and productivity and significantly higher customer satisfaction and retention.
Standards were published for subjects such as checking air pollution, nuclear energy, safety colours for use in industry, schools and office furniture and the carrying of live animals by air.
- 1955: BSI opened a new Kitemark testing facility at Hemel Hempstead. The same year Government regulations introduced the compulsory application of the BSI Kitemark for car seat belts and motorcycle helmets.
- 1951: the Women’s Advisory Committee was formed to advise on standards affecting the domestic consumer. It was the precursor of today’s Consumer and Public Interest Network which coordinates consumer representation on all BSI’s technical committees for consumer products.
- 1953: the BSI Kitemark was applied to domestic furniture, pressure cookers and motorcycle helmets to help consumers know whether goods were well produced.
- 1946: saw the first ever Commonwealth Standards Conference, held in London and organized by BSI, which led to the establishment of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
1914 – 1945: Standardization grows
During the 1920s, standardization spread to Canada, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand. Interest was also developing in the USA and Germany.
- 1945: a BSI Kitemark licences was issued for copper pipe fittings that is still going strong today – it’s the longest running BSI Kitemark.
- 1942: the British Government officially recognized BSI as the sole organization for issuing national standards.
- 1939-45: during World War II ordinary standards work was stopped and efforts were concentrated on producing over 400 ‘war emergency standards'.
- 1929: the Engineering Standards Committee was granted a Royal Charter. A supplemental Charter was granted in 1931 changing the name, finally, to The British Standards Institution.
1901 – 1914: In the beginning
Formed in 1901 by Sir John Wolfe-Barry - the man who designed London’s Tower Bridge - BSI was the world’s first National Standards Body. The original BSI committee met for the first time on the day Queen Victoria died – 22 January 1901. One of the first standards it went on to publish related to steel sections for tramways.
The BSI Kitemark was first registered by BSI on 12 June 1903 – the same year in which Harley Davidson, Crayola crayons and the Tour de France were born. Originally known as the British Standard Mark, it has grown into one of Britain’s most important and most recognized consumer quality marks.
Our people
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Our people
Our global strength is built on the experience, skills and sheer enthusiasm of our tutors, client managers and senior business leaders. And they all understand how to make excellence a habit. -
Our clients
In 193 countries, at more than 128,000 sites, we work with thousands of organizations, from the world's largest and most successful brands to local small businesses. Read their stories and find out how you too can benefit. -
Our partners
We have many varied partners. These include international standards bodies, such as International Standards Organization (ISO), and external consultants who help our clients and professional affiliations. -
Our members
We work with 12,200 committee members who help us shape best practice codes and standards. And our subscribing members benefit from this work with their commitment to achieving standards of excellence. -
UK national standards body
Our role as the UK national standards body reaches across the international standards community. You can get involved by helping to develop standards relevant to your industry, commenting on draft standards or becoming a consumer representative. -
Our Royal Charter
We were awarded our Royal Charter in 1929. It sets out what we do and why we do it – allowing us to be transparent about our purpose. -
Governance
We’re transparent about the way we run our business and we follow best practice when it comes to corporate governance. Our board is made up of predominantly non-executive directors who bring wide experience and independence. -
Social responsibility
Being socially responsible is about being accountable for the impacts of our decisions and activities on society and the environment through transparent and ethical behavior. -
Financial information
Have a look at our recent annual reports to see how and why our revenue and profits are increasing as more and more organizations recognize the value of working with us. -
Our accreditation
We have been assessed against internationally recognized standards and operate to the highest levels of quality and service. We are accredited by 20 local and international bodies.
BSI Impartiality
Impartiality is the governing principle of how BSI provides its services. Impartiality means acting fairly and equitably in its dealings with people and in all business operations. It means decisions are made free from any engagements of influences which could affect the objectivity of decision making.
The British Standards Institution (BSI, a company incorporated by Royal Charter), performs the National Standards Body (NSB) activity in the UK. BSI, together with its Group Companies, also offers a broad portfolio of business solutions other than NSB activity that help businesses worldwide to improve results through Standards-based best practice (such as certification, self-assessment tool, software, product testing, information products and training).
Our Accreditation
Accreditation means that we have been assessed against internationally recognized standards and operate to the highest levels of quality and service - providing further assurance to you that the certificates we issue are both credible and impartial.
This accreditation reduces the risk to you and your customers and gives you complete confidence that we have been independently evaluated for our competence and performance capability.
We are among the most respected and reputable management systems certification bodies in the world and are accredited by around 20 local and international bodies including:
- American National Standards Institute - American Society for Quality National Accreditation Board LLC (ANAB)
- China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment (CNAS)
- Raad voor Accreditatie (RvA) in the Netherlands
- United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS)
To enable us to provide a cost-effective service, we regularly review our accreditation schemes. We have decided to provide accreditation worldwide with ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB), supported by local well-known and credible accreditation as appropriate to our customer requirements and the local market needs.
Our Partners
Each of our partners has the same authority, knowledge and expertise as we do. And we believe in the services they provide to support us in raising standards. They include international standards bodies, industry associations and independent consultants who can help you implement standards.
We work with standards bodies around the world to help develop best practice codes and standards, including ISO, IEC and CEN.
Next Steps
Whether you are just starting out on your business improvement journey, or looking to enhance your current knowledge and capabilities, contact our expert team who will be able to give advice and guidance about options that will enable you to meet your goals.
BSI Group Financial Performance
- Strong global performance despite Covid-19
- Revenue just 2% below 2019 record level
- Solid delivery of underlying operating profit
- The implementation of our strategy continues as planned
- Revenue: £539.3m -2%
- Underlying Operating Profit: £67.4m +16%
- Net Asset Value: £249.3m +20%
The Annual Report consists of three sections:
- Strategic Report
- Corporate Governance
- Financial Statements
Our Purpose, Mission and Vision
Established in 1901, BSI is a world-leading national standards body that helps our clients operate in a way that is safer, more secure and more sustainable. Incorporated by Royal Charter, we’re truly impartial, and home to the ultimate mark of trust, the Kitemark.
Our unique combination of consulting, knowledge, assurance and regulatory services makes organizations more resilient, and in turn inspires trust in their products, systems, services, and the world we live in.
Our purpose
Inspiring trust for a more resilient world.
Our mission
To share knowledge, innovation and best practice to help people and organizations make excellence a habit.
Our vision
To be the business improvement company that enables organizations to turn standards of best practice into habits of excellence.
BSI Supporting the Fight Against COVID-19.
BSI has been working closely with partners, clients and communities to support the fight against COVID-19. As people globally live through these challenging times, we have been doing what we do best: helping keep people and organizations safe and secure. Inspiring trust for a more resilient world.
Inspiring trust in smart cities
Inspiring trust in smart cities
The BSI Kitemark for smart cities and communities validates a city’s commitment to adopt a citizen-centric approach, helping the population thrive and making it more attractive to inward investment. Being accredited to ISO 37106 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) gives cities evidence of success in their strategic approach to manage resource better, making an urban environment more liveable, sustainable and productive.
Inspiring trust in medical devices
Inspiring trust in medical devices
The Internet of Things provides a huge opportunity for the healthcare industry, but with the development of more complex and better-connected medical devices comes a greater need to incorporate stringent cyber security safeguards to avoid breaches that could put patient safety at risk. Through vulnerability and penetration assessments with BSI, medical device manufacturers can identify possible security risks.
Inspiring trust in food production
Inspiring trust in food production
Sustainable palm oil producers face ever-increasing demands on yield, transparency and compliance. BSI and partners vCapture have created an innovative cloud-based solution using drone technology that makes auditing and crop management more accurate, effective and efficient than ever before. Growers can now consistently monitor their fields, helping them to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, halt deforestation and manage crop health.
Values and Behaviors
Our values
Integrity, respect and expertise.
Howard Kerr talks about BSI's values
Our behaviors
Our three behaviors support our company values. They help us to ensure that we put our clients’ and the wider needs of our society at the front and center of all we do.
Client-centric
We put the client at the center of everything we do to deliver outstanding products and services.
Agile
In an ever-changing world agility is key, not just in terms of actions but in terms of thinking creatively and finding new and better ways of doing things, so that we continue to exceed our clients’ expectations.
Collaborative
To provide integrated solutions to our clients, we collaborate across our organization and with our clients.
Sustainability
Working with BSI
Are you working with BSI as a supplier or as a client?
Great place to work
Investing in our people
Communities
Engaging with our local communities
Environment
Protecting our environment
Sustainability is part of our purpose
BSI was established in 1901 with 'responsibility to society' as one of its main objectives and this has never been more relevant than it is today. We are a signatory of the UN Global Compact, the world's largest sustainability network, and are proud to support its principles, as well as the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Our approach
We are committed to advancing all the UN Sustainable Development Goals; making a positive impact both through our own actions and by helping clients to make sustainable choices.
Given the scale of our operations relative to the reach of our standards, stakeholders and clients, our greatest contribution to sustainable development is through the work we do with others. Recognizing that all the goals are interconnected, and that our Royal Charter requires us to co-ordinate efforts for the benefit of society, we make our most significant contribution through, Goal 17, Partnerships for the goals. Mapping BSI’s activities to the goals we identified an additional six goals that we will focus on to have maximum impact.
The goals we believe we are best positioned to advance are:
- Goal 17: Partnerships for the goals
- Goal 3: Good health and wellbeing
- Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy
- Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth
- Goal 9: Industry innovation and infrastructure
- Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities
- Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production
- Our efforts focus on advancing these goals in particular, recognising that all the goals are interconnected.
