The Stamp of Approval

SGS, a global certification firm, uses the tagline ‘when you need to be sure’. Andrew Parmenter, the company’s head of sales and marketing, talks to Ambition about why business verification in an ever-changing world of regulations is more than ticking a box.

SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. It is recognised in its markets as the benchmark for quality and integrity with a team of 93,000 including a focused Northern Ireland contingent.

Its history goes back almost 150 years, during which time it has evolved from an agri inspection service to a comprehensive service provider covering areas including health and well-being to environmental accreditations and dairy farming.

“There are more standards and more common standards changes than ever before,” Andrew, the company’s head of sales and marketing, begins.

“They’re growing, driving all the time to follow the trends of business and they’re also relevant for the overhaul of the economy. I’ve been with SGS just two years and already that growth is evident.”

With a £5bn turnover, SGS is a multinational powerhouse but it’s unique in that it has a network of provincial bases that offer a more tailored personal service.

Andrew looks after certification lines, managing processes correctly. That segment of the business represents one-fifth of the company’s mammoth turnover.

“The business is so big because it is so diverse. We test or inspect anything,” he continues.

“For example Arla, the largest dairy in the UK, we go out and audit their farms. It means sticking the wellies on and ensuring processes are being followed.

“We might also go out and test PPE in manufacturing, ensuring those businesses are following processes too.”

The company’s sophisticated labs in England are one of its many assets, having played a role in the AstraZeneca story during the pandemic, as well as supporting the drive to eradicate Ebola.

PCR testing also featured at its labs.

“The diversity of what we do is very interesting,” says Andrew. “We test oils on major rigs and ships, even airplanes, and we can tell from those tests what the deviation level of the engine is.”

Closer to home, in the corporate world, an influx of new certifications has allowed SGS to experience an upturn, despite the economic climate.

Andrew says: “What anyone wants during a pandemic or a period of uncertainty is reassurance that supply chains are running right and reliable systems are in place.”

He says that referencing a high demand for ISO 27001, a specification for an information security management system.

SGS says that specific certification allows businesses to demonstrate to existing and potential customers, suppliers and shareholders the integrity of their data and systems as well as a commitment to information security.

“It can also lead to new business opportunities with security-conscious customers; it can improve employee ethics and strengthen the notion of confidentiality throughout the workplace.”

The biggest growth areas in auditing and certification, Andrew says, are the environment and people.

“That drive to net zero by 2030 has created an urgency for businesses and we can understand where they are in terms of greenhouse gases and understand their emissions and how to work with that and put it out there to the marketplace what they’re doing.

“It’s about making sure you have the stamp and that has to be done independently. You can’t go out there and claim to be net zero unless you have been independently audited.”

The ISO 50001 is helping organisations to establish processes to improve energy performance. Implementation allows them to reduce their energy costs, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and other environmental impacts.

Another area of focus for businesses in the wake of the pandemic is ISO 45003 certification, Andrew says.

It is a relatively new certification and gives businesses guidance on managing psychological health in the workplace with an occupational health and safety management system.

It is intended to complement the ISO 45001 which was introduced to the industry in 2018.

Meanwhile in the social and sustainability arena, the company offers everything from the SA 8000 Certification for social accountability — one of the world’s most recognised in the area — to the ISO 55001 certification and training services to improve asset management systems and demonstrate the ability to meet stakeholder requirements and expectations.

Certifications such as the ISO 22301 – Business Continuity Management – will help improve the way any business manages crises. It ensures a planned effective business continuity management (BCM) system is in place, enabling them to respond effectively to any disruption.

“Some certifications are mandatory and they ensure a business adheres to standards but others make for really good management systems – they help business to become more efficient, more attractive and robust and while they cost, that cost is far outweighed by the benefits,” explains Andrew.

“In a changing and very protective world, if I was running a business I would begin with the standard ISO 14001. This Environmental Management System (EMS) supports your aims and objectives by documenting the processes, procedures and responsibilities for achieving effective policies and objectives.

“That’s the bread and butter of certificates and while we’re all moving towards a different working environment, a much more hybrid one, we need to consider health and safety and the ISO 4001 and 4003. They are the very key to showing how you value people. And while they are not mandatory now, I expect they will be.”

For those firms interested in elevating their certification hall of fame, SGS has a dedicated team here in Northern Ireland to support just that.

Andrew concludes: “We’ve a good reputation in Northern Ireland where we service and support our great clients.

“We are looked after and we look after our clients with that local support and while we have that big global reputation, the difference between us and other international bodies is we have local people employed in your region, looking after your business and sharing knowledge which is a really useful tool.”

“It’s about making sure you have the stamp and that has to be done independently. You can’t go out there and claim to be net zero unless you have been independently audited.”