IMPACT
ISSUE 46
The Benefits of ISO certification ...
CONSTRUCTION EDITION
Building a quality future Businesses in the construction sector and its supply lines are increasingly valuing ISO 9001, as they can enjoy quantifiable benefits. As you can see from the case studies below, ISO9001 saves time completing tenders, (in many cases a compulsory requirement) and enhances the company's market image. Immediate cost savings are achieved by better resource planning and effective monitoring, while improved employee efficiency and reduced customer complaints deliver longer term rewards.
The perfect start... As a new business IMSM customer Rox Interiors wanted to get things right straight from the start by ensuring they had optimum, internationally respected procedures in place through ISO certification. Based in Harrow, Rox Interiors are a sub-contractor who supply and install bespoke interior fit outs for bigger developers such as Chorus, OD Projects and Mansells. Rox provides specialist “ISO certification has labour such as joinery or glazing for projects and view ISO definitely helped us to building certification as essential in the building industry as most larger contractors will win new clients…” only work with certified sub-contractors. IMSM were recommended to Rox Interiors and helped them to become both ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified and they are extremely pleased with the way both standards are helping to shape their business as Sital Lachhani, Company Director explains, “We previously owned a similar business where everyone had different procedures and systems in place. But this time from the beginning we followed the ISO procedures and are now confident that everyone is using the same first-rate processes. ISO certification has definitely helped us to win new clients and promote that we are a reputable business. As a new company we already have excellent procedures in place which should prevent any bad habits setting in. “IMSM's comprehensive and professional advice ensured the entire procedure was clear, easy to follow and relevant to our business. We are very pleased with the expertise and service provided by IMSM and would definitely recommend them!” www.roxinteriors.com
International Management Systems Marketing Ltd (IMSM) was founded in 1994 to add value to businesses around the world by providing structured management systems which increase their efficiency and competitiveness, through internationally recognised standards. From its UK headquarters, IMSM has developed a strong network in Europe, USA, Canada, South Africa, and the Asian Pacific region. IMSM’s fully trained and experienced team of auditors hold IRCA (International Register of Certified Auditors) qualifications. The company is an active member of business and quality organisations around the world. See website for details.
Cawarden Builds its Reputation with Two ISO Standards Cawarden Demolition, based in Ockbrook, Derby, chose IMSM to take them through the implementation process for both ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 because of IMSM's good reputation and value for money. The benefits to the construction industry of implementing ISO 9001 are manifold and include better resource planning, effective project management, improved efficiency, reduced customer complaints. ISO 14001 is also of paramount importance to companies like Cawarden because it improves safety, reduces liability and risk and generally controls the impact of a company's activities on the environment. Cawarden started in the 1980s as a reclamation company, salvaging every type of building material including timbers, bricks, slates, tiles and floor tiles etc. Cawarden Reclaim, a sister company, is still operating today. Based in Rugeley, Staffordshire, it is one of the largest reclamation companies in the country. Employing approximately 40 personnel, Cawarden Demolition “The standards certainly undertakes a range of services, enhance customer and including soft stripping of buildings, asbestos removal, demolition, employee perception of reclamation, crushing and site clearance. the business.” Explaining the company's decision to implement ISO standards, Daniel Johnson, Technical Manager said, “Although the company already had procedures in place, we needed a documented structure to back them up to enhance company performance and improve business opportunities. We now have in place specific documented procedures so we can monitor performance and identify areas for improvement. “The standards certainly enhance customer and employee perception of the business. The company is now recognised as complying with internationally recognised standards, which is something to be proud of.” “I would highly recommend IMSM to anyone as I found them helpful, polite and easy to work with.” www.cawardendemo.hostingbt.com www.cawardenreclaim.co.uk
To date, IMSM has helped more than 7,000 organisations around the world to achieve ISO 9001 certification
www.imsm.com – international standards are our business
IMPACT
ISSUE 46 www.imsm.com
Ardmore Makes a Constructive Standards Building Stronger Move With ISO 9001 Foundations for Success IMSM worked with Ardmore Construction (part of the Ardmore Group) to assist them in achieving ISO 9001 certification, which they decided to implement some 12 years ago in order to provide a recognised QA system in the construction marketplace. Based in Brimsdown, Enfield, Ardmore specialises in design and build contracts throughout the United Kingdom including high-rise residential, luxury hotels, commercial mixed-use schemes and schools. Ardmore Construction has considerable in-house capability including a plant fleet of 800 excavators, dump trucks, telehandlers, concrete pumps and associated machinery, based out of nine nationwide depots. The company, which runs three factories “ISO 9001 certification producing joinery, architectural metal work and prefabricated bathroom pods, greatly assisted the together with its large distribution warehouse and fleet of delivery vehicles, company when it has makes ‘just in time delivery’ to the been externally audited.” construction sites an everyday reality. This in-house capability allows the company to minimise sub-contracting and to closely control safety, quality, programme and costs. Conforming to ISO 9001 has become vital for the construction industry. Richard Hunt Technical Director commented, “ISO 9001 provides us with a single QA system company wide, provides identification to clients that we are Quality Assured and establishes a level of competency and professionalism. We have improved project management, accountability, achieved higher standards and attained greater client satisfaction with quality improvements.” Ardmore is also committed to health, safety and the environment and all of the company's managers and supervisors have undertaken the CITB five-day management health and safety training course and have acquired a CSCS cards. In addition, an extensive range of skills' training is provided to relevant operatives and a team of ten in-house professional safety advisers visits each site for a minimum of half a day per week. The construction industry consists of a host of professions, sectors and organisations, which are all responsible for delivering a quality project to clients. To alleviate problems that can arise from nonstandardised production processes, some local authorities have made ISO 9001 mandatory for all contractors who wish to tender for public sector projects. Richard said, “ISO 9001 certification greatly assisted the company when it has been externally audited. IMSM were very easy to work with and ready to assist.” www.ardmoregroup.co.uk
Recognised for Excellence IMSM has been awarded the “Recognised to Excellence” standard from EFQM. This follows an in-depth programme developed and implemented by the EFQM working party, comprising representatives from sales, marketing, operations, finance, call centre and administration.
Russell Bros. Builders, based in Lurgan, Co. Armagh, Northern Ireland chose to implement both ISO 9001 and OHSAS 18001 with IMSM's help because of their experience and genuine interest in the business. The company was established in1968 by Edward Russell and his eldest son Joe. George Russell joined a year later and is now the current Managing Director. Russell Bros. Builders specialise in Design and Build with over 300 commissions and approximately 2.5 million square foot of accommodation provided for clients operating in various sectors, from business and industry to sports and recreation. In the early 1970s, the company was responsible for introducing Butler Building Systems into the Province. The Lindab Butler bespoke building system is still popular today, but Russell Bros. Builders have subsequently diversified and also offer alternative building solutions. Russell Bros. Builders have seen a sustained and steady growth over the last 40 years, a principal that is core to “…we would have their ethos. Both Joe and George felt no hesitation in strongly that customer service was the number one priority and a steady recommending IMSM sustained growth means that the company remains focused on that to others.…” priority and will not sacrifice quality for quantity. Obtaining both ISO 9001 and OHSAS 18001 further demonstrates to clients that the company is backing its commitment to quality. When IMSM asked Russell Bros. Builders why they decided to pursue certification, Liz McCartan, Financial Director said, “We went for ISO9001 and OHSAS18001 to tighten and improve procedures and policies for the benefit of the company, its employees and clients. We also felt it would help expedite tenders by cutting down on paperwork involved in answering questions that are now covered by having both of these certifications.” Whilst clients are their priority, they regard their staff as their main asset because, as George Russell says, “Without a committed and stable foundation of workforce we would not be able to provide the level of service we strive to achieve, we feel strongly that Russell Bros. Builders are a family Company.” Russell Bros. Builders are also committed to responsibly managing aspects of their business that interact with the environment to avoid, reduce or control pollution and is continually improving its environmental performance. Commenting on IMSM's service, Liz said, “IMSM's representative was professional, helpful and easy to work with and we would have no hesitation in recommending them to others.” www.russellbrothersbuilders.com
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