BSI’s Asian ambassador recognized in New Year’s Honours

Press release - 22 January 2007

BSI Group – the national standards body of the UK and an international provider of business improvement services – is delighted that one of its senior staff members has been awarded an MBE in the New Year’s Honours list for services to standardization and the transfer of UK best practice to support international trade in Asia.

Tom Harland, who is Director of Strategic Development, Asia Pacific for BSI Management Systems, has worked for BSI Group for over 18 years. During that time Tom has contributed hugely to a positive perception of BSI by clients and the UK export business community.

Particularly over the past five years, Tom has been a key player in promoting an integrated approach to standardization and breaking down barriers to international trade by encouraging the transfer of UK best practice, particularly in China, Korea and Japan. Tom has also been responsible for the promotion of the benefits of the UK model of standards to a wide variety of trade delegations from these countries, often through close liaison with Government officials from UKTI and FCO.

An excellent ambassador for BSI Group

Commenting on the award, Stevan Breeze, BSI Group CEO said: “Tom has been able to establish many invaluable senior management contacts with key overseas companies of strategic interest to the UK, notably in Asia. His ability to engage with a wide variety of companies in such diverse fields as finance and manufacturing has benefited the dissemination of UK standardization in these key target countries and served the interests of UK plc as a whole. In particular his ability to promote the integrative framework wherein standards can positively contribute to companies’ competitiveness has been of particular importance.”

Mr Breeze added: “Tom has always been an excellent ambassador for BSI Group, his positive approach and tactful diplomacy have enabled best practice within UK industry to be well received in Asia. As a result, the BSI Group, but also UK industry’s ability to gain a foothold in Asia has been significantly enhanced. We congratulate him warmly on his richly deserved MBE”.

Tom Harland himself says of the award: "In my work with BSI I'm involved with businesses right across the globe, spreading the message of the business benefits of standardization. I feel extremely honoured to be awarded an MBE and I am highly delighted for myself as well as all my colleagues at BSI."