BSI heads south for global coverage

The Australian government, conscious that its growing presence in two stations could be damaging and seeking the comfort of an ISO award signalling that its behaviour and practices were not disturbing the delicate balance between man and nature, called in the British institution to make its assessment.

A BSI inspector from NCS International, a new acquisition in Australia, spent one week on location and six weeks travelling by boat to examine the Australian “footprint”. He examined vehicle tracks, kitchens, waste storage, living quarters and surrounding areas before handing over ISO 14001, the all-important certificate that showed the Australian presence was environmentally friendly.

Howard Kerr, chief executive, said: “We accelerated organic growth and acquisitions to ensure longer-term growth. This year has started well and we are continuing to look for acquisitions and are increasing our marketing effort.”

BSI, with 67 offices in 27 countries, 3,000 employees and 72,000 clients, is targeting key business areas, from aerospace to motor vehicles, health care and IT, in its development programme.

Last year the company also signed an “historic agreement” with China’s Standardisation Administration on mutual recognition of standards and increased collaboration in new fields such as future cities and building modelling information.

Mr Kerr said there were no plans to float the business because there was no need for extra capital. The company is also anxious to protect its Royal Charter and “unique ownership structure”.

He said: “Our business remains in robust financial health with no external debt, £43.4m in cash and enjoying growth in underlying revenue for a fourteenth consecutive year.”

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