BMMI BSC : first in its field in the region to pass audits for ISO 22301 Business Continuity Management Systems

October 24, 2016

BMMI has successfully passed and achieved international certification for Business Continuity Management Systems (BCMS) for all various divisions and businesses in the Kingdom of Bahrain, becoming the first organisation in its field in the region to achieve this standard.

The ISO 22301 standard stipulates the requirements for a management system to protect against, reduce the likelihood of, and ensure a business recovers from disruptive incidents. The newest certification is the most recent addition to the BMMI Group's Integrated Management System (IMS), which also consists of certification in Health and Safety Management Systems (ISO 18001), Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001), Environmental Management Systems (ISO 14001) and Food Safety Management Systems (ISO 22000).

BMMI successfully proved to external auditors the efficiency of its business continuity initiatives and plans, confirming that all corresponding activities are adequately implemented in a controlled manner. As per the requirements of the standard, the Group demonstrated its capability in responding to business interruptions. The successful audits took place in BMMI Group's various locations in Bahrain, including BMMI's Sitra Headquarters, the BMMI Tower in Seef, Alosra Supermarkets, BMMI Shops, Nader Trading, La Vinoteca Barcelona, Café Amsterdam and Delilah's. The external auditors also commended BMMI's management support, openness and transparency of employees from all areas of the business during the audit.

Today's global business environment faces much uncertainty in both emerging and congested markets, with internal and external threats continuing to rise, said Suttish Boodoo, BMMI Vice President of IMS, Administration & Security. 'This achievement comes at a time when we are in the final stage of opening the new Alosra outlet in Janabiya, in addition to other strategic projects in 2017. We will continue to effectively grow and exceed stakeholder expectations by striving continually to be more productive, prepared and innovative especially in times of difficulty,' said Mr Boodoo.

'The BCMS certification will play an essential role in ensuring the effective continuity of BMMI Group's operations', said Ammar Aqeel Alhassan, BMMI Executive Vice President & CFO. 'BCMS will provide a solid framework for building on organisational resilience, in line with our existing capabilities of identifying vulnerabilities and tackling risks,' said Mr Alhassan. 'We are very proud to have reached this stage and we will remain focused on the continuous and rigorous improvement of standards and overall performance. The fact that BCMS will be the fifth addition to our international certifications and that we are the first organisation in our field in the region to attain it, is proof of our commitment to ensuring excellence and efficiency at all levels of operation,' added Mr Alhassan.