Firms endorse quality standard
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Your support makes all the difference.THE MUCH-criticised BS5750 and ISO 9000 quality standards - the benchmarks against which companies' procedures are increasingly measured - are much better received by businesses than expected, according to a survey published by Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance, a certification body.
The study, Setting Standards for Better Business, based its findings on a sample of 400 companies of varying size, location and sector and found that 89 per cent of companies that have gained approval under the British BS5750, or its international equivalent, ISO 9000, say it has either met or exceeded their expectations.
Most companies seek the standard to sharpen their perceived competitive edge in order to increase market share and bid more effectively for tenders, but the internal benefits for companies were seen as greater. Eighty-six per cent of companies said the standard had brought better management control, with 69 per cent claiming it increased productivity and efficiency and 40 per cent saying it reduced costs. External benefits were still important, however, with 69 per cent saying the standard had led to new opportunities.
Perhaps more surprisingly the study found that the standards were beneficial to small firms of up to 25 employees. More than 80 per cent reported improvements in management control and 70 per cent better customer service.
Only 3 per cent of all organisations reported that the standards led to increased paper-work, while just 6 per cent said gaining approval was too costly.
Linda Campbell, general manager of Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance, said the research showed that the standards were an investment that could yield big returns. 'Winning new business, streamlining activities and reducing costs are some of the many dividends organisations can reap from certification,' she added.
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