BSI Event at the House of Lords

Press release: 24 November 2010

In light of today’s volatile economic environment, BSI recognizes the need for companies, governments and other organizations to build solid business partnerships to drive growth and innovation. Co-operation across different markets and sectors has proved remarkably advantageous. Several case studies show that corporate partnerships not only encourage the circulation of ideas, they also inspire strategic growth with potential expansion through long-term relationships, and increased trust within the industry.

To help businesses and other organizations create solid and profitable partnerships, BSI has published the first-ever standard on Collaborative Business Relationships, BS 11000-1, and will officially launch the certification programme on Tuesday, 7 December 2010, at the House of Lords, in London.

Industry managers, visionaries and thought leaders will convene to gain a deeper understanding on how this unique standard can help them stay ahead of the curve by generating and implementing practical, innovative solutions through effective business relationships.

The event begins at 12.15 pm. The leader of the House of Lords and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Lord Thomas Strathclyde will give the welcome address. The event also features key speakers from BSI and Partnership Sourcing Ltd (PSL), with an additional session from NATS, one of the five organizations that achieved certification under PAS 11000 - the precursor to BS 11000 - during the certification pilot programme earlier this year.

“We are delighted to host this event,” says BSI’s CEO Howard Kerr. “Building strong relationships both within and outside a company is fundamental to organizational growth and innovation”.

“Collaborative working offers an alternative and enhanced capability to build new value propositions which are beyond the capabilities of an individual organization,” says PSL’s Operations Director David Hawkins. “Moreover, it offers the opportunity to share the flow of knowledge and experience between individuals and organizations to deliver benefit and add value.”

BS 11000 is a breakthrough standard – not just for BSI, but for the whole of industry. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has already committed to adopt it. Building on PAS 11000, which presented an eight-stage approach to successful business collaboration in the public and private sectors, BS 11000 has expanded the scope of this approach to address a wider audience, including small and medium-sized enterprises.


About BSI Group

BSI (British Standards Institution) is the business standards company that equips businesses with the necessary solutions to turn standards of best practice into habits of excellence. Formed in 1901, BSI was the world’s first National Standards Body and a founding member of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Over a century later it continues to facilitate business improvement across the globe by helping its clients drive performance, manage risk and grow sustainably through the adoption of international management systems standards, many of which BSI originated. Famed for its marks of excellence including the instantly recognizable Kitemark®, BSI’s influence spans multiple sectors including aerospace, construction, energy, engineering, finance, healthcare, IT and retail. With over 64,000 clients in 147 countries, BSI is an organization whose standards inspire excellence across the globe.