A Tribute to
Rear Admiral Derek Garland 'Spike' Spickernell CB

The 'father' of today's quality assurance standards, Rear Admiral Derek Garland 'Spike' Spickernell, has died at the age of 87. From his illustrious Royal Navy career to his time at the British Standards Institute and beyond, he worked to improve the quality of military and industrial equipment, and later played a pivotal role in the introduction of BS 5750, the basis for the now internationally renowned ISO 9000 quality management system. His achievements have helped to protect people and improve their lives with higher quality goods and services across a broad spectrum of industries, including the building and glass and glazing sectors. 

Following his retirement from the BSI in the mid 1980s, Derek Spickernell became a director and then chairman of Ritec, the pioneer of glass surface protection technology. Ritec's present Chairman, Stephen Byers, says Spike brought outstanding business acumen and enthusiasm to Ritec during the development of the ClearShield System — now the leading, tried and tested technology that converts ordinary glass to Low-M® (Low-Maintenance) Glass. He comments: "He was a great 'front man' for ClearShield during those early days, adding credibility to what was a new concept for the glass and glazing industry. He worked closely with the GGF (Glass and Glazing Federation), spoke at industry seminars and worked on technical committees." 

From his experience in setting new industrial quality standards at the BSI, Derek Spickernell helped to establish quality control for ClearShield components and quality assurance standards for the whole system. "He always said that one of his proudest moments was when Ritec achieved ISO 9000. I will remember him as a great mentor and friend and for his invaluable contribution to ClearShield's success," concludes Stephen Byers.