The UK’s first management systems quality standard, BS 5750, was published by BSI in 1979. In 1987, it was superseded by the ISO 9000 series of international standards. Today ISO 9001 is the world’s most successful standard, having been adopted by more than one million organisations in 178 countries.

Multiple industries: the BSI’s clients account for 77pc of the FTSE 100

On a day to day basis BSI equips businesses with the tools to turn standards of best practice into habits of excellence. According to BSI, quantified standards contribute £2.5bn annually to the UK economy.

BSI’s 3,000 staff – of which 58pc are outside the UK – help its clients manage risk, grow sustainably and drive performance. BSI publishes nearly 2,700 standards annually.

BSI developed a sustainable events standard for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games

These standards address the most pressing issues of today, from billing to cybersecurity and energy management. Sectors BSI covers include aerospace, food and drink, healthcare and IT.

BSI works with industry experts, government bodies, trade associations, businesses of all sizes and consumers to hone these standards.

It works with more than 80,000 clients in 172 countries worldwide to help them adopt and cultivate best practice. Its clients account for 77pc of the FTSE 100, 45pc of the Fortune 500 and 65pc of the Nikkei-listed companies. In 2014, BSI trained 105,000 people worldwide on how to implement and operate standards.

And BSI’s history of innovation continues to the present day. BSI developed a sustainable events standard (ISO 20121) for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with the London 2012 Organising Committee being the first of its type to achieve certification.

• To find out how the BSI can help your business, visit bsigroup.com