Absolute Quality - ISO 9001

Every organization has goals that it must achieve, and to be successful in achieving those goals, it is crucial to regularly measure the performance and efficiency of the business.

How a Quality Management System can help

A good Quality Management System can save time and money, as well as boosting staff morale through improved results and a more streamlined approach to work. To help put these systems in place – and to ensure that they are as effective as possible - ISO 9001 certification should be considered.

Newcastle-based Absolute Quality Consultancy and Training Ltd is a well-respected business which provides consultancy, business support and training, and is committed to driving continual improvement in business. Helen Short, who set up the business, prides herself on best business practice and believes that ISO management systems certification is a crucial part of this process.

“Absolute Quality is not just a name, it’s an ethos. It’s not just what we do, it’s how we do it and what we deliver,” explains Helen. “We have been implementing ISO management systems since 2000, and although no one has ever requested that we achieve certification as a condition of contract, we didn’t hesitate in going for certification this year. Our business is growing and businesses are changing so quickly and in so many different ways – ISO 9001:2015 offers significant value to our organisation, including a solid risk based strategy for growth and development.”

Absolute Quality had previously used BM TRADA to certify management systems for clients and, having experienced the high quality service provided, the decision on who to use for their own certification was simple.

ISO 9001 case study - Implementing Quality Management Systems Certification

The process of implementing ISO 9001 evaluates whether Quality Management Systems are appropriate and effective, which enables businesses to identify and implement improvements. The latest version of ISO 9001 – ISO 9001:2015 – puts greater emphasis on leadership engagement and assists with identifying risks and opportunities in a structured manner.

The certification journey for ISO 9001 is a straight-forward one, and can have an immediate impact on productivity. Helen explains: “We used the approach that we take with all of our clients. This includes well defined processes; clear authorities, responsibilities and accountabilities; a place for everything and everything in its place; visible, relevant and meaningful information; and robust decision making.”

This approach drives behaviors within the business, such as enabling understanding, developing ownership, addressing frustrations and empowering staff. Helen found that the outcomes within her own business were the same as those she sees with her own clients. The process resulted in improved morale; increased profitability; a better reputation; the opportunity to deliver vision and aspirations and it spear-headed a culture change in the office.

The result of implementing ISO 9001

“By taking the time to work on our business, as well as working in our business, it gave us strong foundations for growth,” says Helen. “We’ve been really surprised by how beneficial the process of certification has been to us – and given our area of business, that is quite something!

“We could immediately see the impact on the team, and also demonstrated to our clients that we are equally as committed to achieving certification as they are. Plus, by being certified by a UKAS accredited Certification Body, we show our ethos of Absolute Quality and prove that we ‘practice what we preach’!”

Learn more about ISO 9001.