In 2004 the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures & Commerce (RSA) were commissioned by Morgan Stanley to gain an understanding of the perceptions of British values and characteristics in order to develop a set of criteria for Morgan Stanley Great Britons. Whilst our diverse list of past winners represent the ever-changing composition of the British population they are all linked by the way they have exemplified these traits whilst achieving greatness in their field.

The criteria are:

1. Adaptability

This characteristic stems from a seemingly contradictory combination of tradition and modernity. People who work within the system are sometimes perceived as more “typically” British than those who subvert it, but there is also a strong school of thought that Britain is fundamentally a subversive, revolutionary, challenging society – which is why we have such a strong record of invention and creativity.
Exemplified by Lord Foster and Laurie Pycroft

2. Modesty

A tricky characteristic since the more modest people are, the less likely it is that the public will have heard of them. But people who are a little reserved, who are not known to boast, who are perhaps even understated – these people are more “typically” British than those who are more vocal about their achievements.
Exemplified by Charles Dunstone and David Robinson

3. Sense of humour

Not in a slapstick way, but a clever sense of humour is a typically British characteristic. People who have a strong sense of humour often combined with reserve to appear self-deprecatory are more “typically” British than people who are humourless, or people who are too attention-seeking.
Exemplified by Nick Park and Stuart Rose

4. Strength & determination

Almost the bulldog spirit. People who are perceived to have achieved things despite the odds are regarded as more “typically” British than people who are perceived to have had an easier time of it.
Exemplified by Lord Coe and Dame Kelly Holmes

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