ISO 9001:2000 is the international recognised quality management system standard. Third party certification, through accreditation by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), is used by companies as part of their competitive strategy and development of the International and European market places. Internationally based research confirms that certified companies are more efficient and cost effective than those that are not – (reference The ‘X’ factor published by the British Quality Foundation).
click here for a statement from UKAS
Accredited certification is considered to be a bridge toward achieving business excellence status. The standard is based upon eight management principles:
Customer focused organization
Leadership
Involvement of people
Process approach
System approach to management
Continual improvement
Factual approach to decision making
Mutually beneficial supplier relationships
What is “Accredited” Certification?
Too many of Britain’s flourishing small companies run the risk of undermining their long term success by purchasing services that are not UKAS accredited. Is it worth the risk?
About 80,000 ISO 9000 certificates have been issued in the UK. Of this number, it is estimated that 20% are not UKAS accredited and the number is probably rising. So, what are the dangers of purchasing ISO 9000 from a non-UKAS accredited source? It often comes as a surprise to learn that anyone can set themselves up as a certification body. Anyone could go into any company and issue an ISO 9000 certificate. The danger of using a certification body that isn’t competent is that it could result in an SME being less, not more, effective by requiring it to do things that are not necessary – just to get the certificate. It also means that the SME will not satisfy the requirements of their clients e.g. the MOD has a policy of only accepting contractors who can demonstrate UKAS accredited certification. If the ISO 9000 certificate hasn’t been issued by a UKAS accredited body, the SME is not eligible to tender.
Accreditation is important because it can help SMEs to reduce risks and increase opportunities. The two main benefits, that are of crucial importance, are market access and due diligence. Two opportunities, often overlooked, are impartial advice and innovation.
ISO 2000 Worldwide Ltd are offering a product which will give companies, (of less than 20 employees), a cost effective route to accredited certification and hence, the opportunity to streamline their processes, improve their effectiveness and compete in new markets.
ISO 2000 Worldwide Ltd
+44(0) 1249 460101
www.iso2000.ws
