BSI: Strategic Partnerships to Succeed in the Current Economic Climate

LONDON, October 25, 2010 - Strategic partnerships are critical to business success. This is true
both internally and externally; the development of strong relationships with
employees, clients, partners and suppliers is vital to the life of a company.
Yet how does one create trusted business partnerships for mutual benefit? The
new British standard - BS 11000-1 Collaborative Business Relationships -
clearly defines the path to effective business to business affiliation.

With businesses and sectors worldwide looking to move forward from
economic recovery, organisational partnerships are becoming increasingly
attractive. The global financial shock of the past two years forced
businesses to realise the vulnerability of certain business models, due to
complex issues which require the support and strength of a cooperative
approach. Important questions of how to finance growth and investment against
this backdrop of uncertainty have directed our sights to a more collaborative
- less transactional - business future.

In light of this, BSI has recently published the new standard, BS 11000-1
Collaborative Business Relationships. As with all relationships, a framework
of boundaries is crucial to protect both parties involved and secure mutual
satisfaction. Designed to build off the PAS 11000, BS 11000-1 will address a
wider audience, including small and medium-sized enterprises.

Among various provisions, the new standard equips businesses with the
means to assess internal objectives, select the most suitable partners,
attain clear "additional" value, and stick to an effective dispute and exit
resolution. The standard is designed to strengthen the foundations of
strategic partnering, by relationship management, the sharing of knowledge
among businesses, and the promotion of mutually-agreed objectives.

Cooperation between businesses across multiple sectors has proved
remarkably advantageous. Several case studies show that corporate
partnerships not only encourage the circulation of ideas, they also inspire
growth workshops, strategy sessions, potential expansion through long-term
relationships, and increased trust within the industry.

"People have been collaborating in various ways for many years, but with
recent difficult market conditions organizations increasingly need to look at
new ways of diversifying and partnering," explains BSI market engagement
manager Antony Barrett.

"In some instances the nature of the work absolutely requires
organizations to partner effectively," he concludes. "In a lot of tender
situations we're now seeing businesses pitching together rather than
individually. This standard can really help to set them apart from the
competition."

Collaborative approaches are the way forward, and compliance with this
British Standard is the first step, enabling partners to meet mutual
objectives effectively and provide new levels of value creation.

BS 11000-1 is the first of two-parts with BS 11000-2, due in early 2011,
providing further guidance such as case studies designed to inform
implementation of the collaborative framework.

If you are interested in the new BSI standard on Collaborative Business
Relationships and related opportunities including management systems
assessment and certification, and training services, please contact Chiara
Carella, PR Manager, BSI Group, at chiara.carella@bsigroup.com.

About BSI Group

BSI Group is a global independent business services organization which
enables businesses, governments and other organizations to increase profits
and market access, and to enhance reputation with its standards-based
solutions and assurance services. From its origins as the world's first
National Standards Body, BSI Group draws upon over 100 years' experience to
partner with 66,000 organizations in 147 countries from its 50 offices.
Today, through its independence, innovation and integrity, BSI continues to
improve the lives of millions by raising standards worldwide. To learn more
about BSI Group, please visit www.bsigroup.com

    Contact:

    Chiara Carella
    PR Manager
    T: +44(0)20-8996-7248
    M: +44(0)77-6835-8730
    F: +44(0)20-8996-7277
    E: chiara.carella@bsigroup.com

    www.bsigroup.com

Contact: Chiara Carella, PR Manager, T: +44(0)20-8996-7248, M: +44(0)77-6835-8730, F: +44(0)20-8996-7277, E: chiara.carella at bsigroup.com