ISO Quality Services – October 2015 Newsletter
20 Oct, 2015
Welcome to the October 2015 edition of the ISO Quality Services Newsletter, we hope you’re having a productive month!
The business news this month was dominated by the emissions scandal concerning the Volkswagen Group, unemployment is at a seven-year low and the 5p plastic bag charge was introduced to stores.
What’s in this issue?
Congratulations to our Newly Certificated Clients
Volkswagen Car Emissions Scandal
Car-free day in Paris shows pollution levels dropping by 40%
Apprenticeship Regional Award Winners
Be part of our LinkedIn community
Congratulations to our Newly Certificated Clients
We are pleased to announce that the following clients have had their presentation and received their certificates in the month of September:
Neville UK PLC
On Monday 7th September 2015, Neville UK PLC were presented with their ISO 9001 Certificate.
For over 45 years, Nevilles has provided tableware and catering equipment to the UK and Eire hospitality industry. They’re a family owned business and are dedicated to support the growth and progress of their customers.
They also aim to create a positive business experience. If you would like to know more them then please visit their website.
Neville UK obtaining their ISO 9001 certificate. Left to right: Lead assessor Rick Allard, managing director Andrew Neville, quality supervisor Emma Delahaye, quality technician Andy Scott, and operations director Tristan Jones.
Offsite Servers
On Thursday 10th September 2015, Offsite Servers Limited were presented with their ISO 9001 Quality Management Certificate. Offsite Servers is a specialist company serving quality businesses with professional Cloud Hosting solutions. With them believing in simple, direct and honest advice, they aim not to make customers buy new things that they don’t need but to help get the most out of the tools customers already own. If you would like to know more them then please visit their website.
Galaxy Computer Brokers Ltd 
On Monday 21st September 2015, Galaxy Computer Brokers Ltd were presented with their ISO 9001 Quality Management, ISO 14001 Environmental Management and BS EN 15713 Secure Destruction of Confidential Material Certificates. Galaxy Cl became a registered company in 1995 and are the only resident IT specialist in the Channel Islands.
They offer a secure, eco-friendly and confidential way of disposing of unwanted computer equipment and data. The company has also expanded into purchasing end of life and redundant equipment and as well as this the sale or rental of used, refurbished and new components. If you would like to know more then please visit their website.
Lead assessor Rick Allard presents Galaxy Computer Brokers with their new ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and BS EN 15713 certificates. Left to right: Rick Allard, with Stuart Moseley, Jamie To, Martin Lucas and Chris Coquelin of Galaxy Computer Brokers.
EOL IT Services Ltd
On Thursday 24th September 2015, EOL IT Services Ltd were presented with their ISO 22301 Business Continuity Certificate. EOL IT Services is one of the leading IT services, asset recycling and data security companies in the UK.
Established in 1996, EOL IT services was created to be secure and professional. They provide a range of extensive security focused range of IT lifecycle services. They pride themselves on the delivery of a unique, flexibly approach every time and always putting their clients first.
If you would like to know more then please visit their website.
Lead assessor Rick Allard presents Tanzin Deakin, contingency planning / business continuity manager, of EOL IT Services with their ISO 22301 certificate.
H Clarke & Sons Ltd and Clarke’s Environmental Ltd
On Monday 28th September 2015, H Clarke & Sons Ltd and Clarke’s Environmental Ltd were presented with their ISO 9001, ISO 14001 Environmental Management and BS OHSAS 18001 Health and Safety Management Certificates.
H Clarkes & Sons are working in a wide ranging market and they specialise in reactive maintenance framework contracts, including installing biomass boilers and anaerobic digestion units.
In 2006, they created Clarke’s Environmental Ltd after concerns that there was failing standards within the asbestos removal industry.
If you’d like to know more about both companies, then please visit their respective websites.
Central High Rise Limited
Central High Rise Limited were awarded their BS OHSAS 18001 Health and Safety Management certificate on 8th October 2015.
Based in Nottinghamshire, Central High Rise are able to offer their clients cost effective options for safely Working at Height, in what can be sometimes extreme but must always be a safe working environment.
Their engineers are trained in all forms of specialist access techniques including rope access, ladders access, abseiling, suspended scaffolds, cradles and MEWP access methods. If you wish to find out more about their services then please visit their website.
Lead assessor Peter O’Neill presents Ian Townsend, works director of Central (High Rise) Limited, with their BS OHSAS 18001 health and safety management system certificate.
Volkswagen Emissions Scandal
The news this month has been dominated by the scandal involving car maker Volkswagen. Software tweaks allowed diesel cars to achieve lower emissions under the guise of being more environmentally friendly.
A huge 1.2 million UK vehicles affected by the scandal will be recalled and are hoped to be fixed by the end of 2016 under the company’s three stage plan.
The VW group have been seen to be violating vehicle emission standards after installing a ‘default device’ to manipulate exhaust emissions tests by making their diesel cars appear cleaner than they actually are.
It was later revealed by the Environmental Protection Agency’s that some of these diesel engines in the US were emitting nitrogen oxides producing up to 40 times the legal limit.
The permanent fix will allow the VW group to initially recall all of the UK vehicles with the affected EA 189 TDI engines. 1.2 litre and 2.0 litre diesel engines will require a software fix. As well as this, vehicles with the 1.6 litre engines will need new injectors fitted.
Paul Willis, the UK Volkswagen boss, failed to answer any questions relating to whether or not the UK residents will be compensated for the recall and scandal.
It is suggested that 400,000 UK cars would require mechanical changes.
Sources: Autoexpress, This is Money, The Week, BBC, The Guardian
Do your customers actually care about your environmental impact?
With the VW scandal still fresh in everyone’s minds, what is the impact on your customers when your receive negative press concerning your environmental responsibility?
Two-thirds of Germans say they would still trust Volkswagen, according to a survey carried out in the country. But would your customer base be as forgiving and is this likely to change in the future?
In light of new legislation to combat climate change, what is the extent of the damage to a company’s reputation, even a company as big as Volkswagen? The finance damage alone is considerable, but also damage to customer confidence could be also enormous, with Volkswagen putting an estimated £4.7bn aside.
A recent study shows that customers are more aware now than ever of the ethical and environmental impacts of goods and services.
A new agenda that factors in the sustainability of businesses is reporting that according to the Ethical Consumerism Report, 50 per cent of consumers surveyed have avoided a product based on a company’s responsible reputation.
There is evidence to show that consumers are reacting more strongly to businesses that disregard environmental and ethical concerns.
It is more noticeable than ever before that companies are using their environmental practises as a marketing tool and as a sales aid.
Show of your commitment by implementing an ISO 14001 Environmental Management system, ensure your environmental promises are kept today.
Sources: The Guardian, Business Green
Car-free day in Paris shows pollution levels dropping by 40%
You might have seen that at the end of September, Paris became pedestrianised for one day only. On September 27th (many of) the streets of Paris were car free, the city’s famous eight laned Champs Elysées filled with bikes and the legendary traffic of the Place de Châtelet momentarily gone.
After a rise of nitrogen dioxide pollution in the past year in many areas in Paris, the city officials pushed for a “car-free day”, ahead of COP21, the world’s biggest climate change conference taking place in the city in November.
Airparif, an independent monitoring organisation, claimed that in the 2 weeks prior to the event nitrogen dioxide levels have reached a ‘very high’ point. Other figures collected show that this is not a rare occurrence as the city was briefly awarded the unfortunate title of “the most polluted city in the world”, with pictures of smog almost covering the Eiffel Tower circulated worldwide.
Paris is constantly exceeding the recommended legislation and international agreements for smog and pollution. It is reported that the city broke the European hourly limit 11 times in 2014.
Officials and Environmentalists said the event was a massive success, despite only 30% of Paris being off limits to cars.
The vehicle ban led to a drop in both noise and air pollution so impressive that the mayor has said there are more plans for the successful ban.
According to further information from Airparif, after the event nitrogen dioxide levels had dropped up to 40% in parts of the city.
Also, it was announced that noise levels had dropped by half in the city centre. A report from the French Senat, found that air pollution is costing France 101.3 billion euros a year (£75bn) in negative health, economic and financial consequences.
Members of the public also enjoyed the car-free zones, with one Parisian pensioner admiring the clear road, taking big gulps of air, describing it as ‘a headache lifting’. Another, claimed that ‘everyone seems to be smiling and not as stressed’.
After the impact, city leaders look set to plan for a secondary event. The car free fever is also spreading as other European cities look to host something similar, including plans to see if a car free day would be possible in Cardiff.
Sources: The Guardian, CityLab
Watch a video of a car free Paris here: BBC
Why should you pay 5p for a plastic bag?
With an estimated 7.6 billion plastic bags given to customers in the UK, averaging at 140 bags per person and causing over 61,000 tonnes of rubbish in total, England have followed the example set by Scotland and Wales with a 5p charge now accompanying the use of a non-reused plastic bag.
With an expected 80% reduction in supermarkets and a 50% reduction in high streets, there are many overwhelming benefits to this new charge being brought upon us, as seen in the UK countries where this charge is already in place.
This charge only comes into effect that for businesses with over 250 employees. As well as this, shops that are in a place of ‘transit’ such as airports and on board trains do not have to implement this charge either. Also, some selected items are allowed with a free plastic bag such as uncooked meats.
Companies that abuse any loopholes can be charged up to £5000 and will be named publicly.
So what are the benefits to the general public? In the next 10 years, there is estimated to be an overall benefit of £780 million to the UK economy, with up to £730 million raised for good causes.
As well as this, there will be expected £60 million saved in litter clean-up costs and carbon savings of around £13 million.
Apprenticeship Regional Award Winners
ISO Quality Services Ltd is delighted to be named as Small Employer of the Year, at the National Apprenticeship Awards 2015, West Midlands region.
As you may have already seen, last week we were invited to Birmingham to attend the National Apprenticeship Awards Regional Finals held at Edgbaston Cricket Ground.
Up next is the National Awards and our application will now be reviewed by a national judging panel!
You can read more about the award here, but we will keep you updated with our progress!
Strictly Worcestershire 2016 Announcement
It was announced earlier this month that our Operation’s Director Jennifer Appleton will be taking part in H1 Healthcare’s Strictly Worcestershire 2016. Taking to the floor with her will be Chris Orr from Handelsbanken, to support Worcestershire Breast Unit Campaign and Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer.
Together the two will be treading the boards at this fantastic event, which will be held in May 2016. The hard work and preparation starts now however; with the committed couple already in training for the glamorous event.
You can follow Jennifer and Chris’ progress on our twitter page and by following them at their exclusive twitter @JennifORR. We will keep you up to date with all their Strictly news and progress over the next 8 months; we’re already counting the days – are you?
To find out more about the event, read the article in full here.
Meet Our Team
While it is our job to find out lots about you and your business requirements, we thought that you might like to get to know us a little bit better. Each month we will introduce you to a member of our team, giving you opportunity to learn more about each of us!
Get to know Jennifer!
This month you can find out all about Jennifer, our Operations Director!
What is your role in the office?
I am currently operations director, which is basically a term for everything and anything! My role varies from recruitment, training and mentoring to business development, business strategy and facilities management.
What is your favourite thing about working at ISO QSL?
My favourite thing about working for ISO Quality Services is the feeling of helping the employees work towards their career goals and also in helping the clients with the building of their businesses, by helping them become more efficient.
Tell us something that nobody in the office knows about you.
I once went backstage at a Westlife concert and met the band – and it was that long ago even Brian was still a member!
What is your biggest success to date?
My personal biggest success to date is probably buying my own house when I was 21. Business wise it would be the recent awards that we have won for the implementation of an apprentice scheme.
Tell us about Strictly Worcestershire and why you decided to take part?
Strictly Worcestershire is a charity event organised by local, high profile Worcestershire Ambassadors. This year the main sponsor is H1 Healthcare, and the event looks to support Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer and the Worcestershire Breast Unit.
This is the third (and potentially final) year that the event has been running and has gained more and more attention and support each year. I decided to enter as a bit of a personal challenge – I’ve never been one for running so didn’t really fancy a marathon, so felt that this was a good opportunity to do something to raise money for Charity whilst also learning a new skill.
Myself and my (also) non-professional dance partner have to learn two dances to perform on the night, where we will get scored by the judges and go in for an audience vote! I attended the event last year and the atmosphere was amazing – we can only hope to replicate that this year!
ISO Icebreakers
What was the last movie you went to see? What did you think?
The last movie I went to was Everest, which is a true story about a group of mountain climbers. I loved it, and because it was based on a true story it made the film even more intense. What was even better was that I went to see it as the Everyman cinema up at the mailbox, where you get to sit on comfy sofa’s! It’s like the cinema in your living room!
If you could share a meal with any 4 individuals, living or dead, who would they be?
Well firstly it would have to be Marilyn Monroe and JFK – see if we could find out what really happened! Then (for the female vote) probably David Beckham. Finally I would invite Jamie Oliver – but only if he promised to cook for us all of course!
If you could witness any event past, present or future, what would it be?
I would really love to witness a rocket launch from the Kennedy Space Centre in Orlando, Florida – I’ve been to the centre a couple of times, but it would be amazing to actually see them launch one of the rockets.
If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
Well this one is easy – given that I am doing Strictly it has to be ballroom dancing!
New Additions to the team!
We have recently welcomed four new people to our team after a busy year for our business.
Firstly, is Kerrie Radburn, our new Digital Marketing Apprentice who is working towards a Level 3 Diploma in Web and Social Media. You can read more about Kerrie here.
Secondly is Ross Davis, a new Finance Assistant who is studying AAT Level 3. You can read more about Ross here.
Farah Akhtar is our new Client Relationship Administrator. You can read more about Farah here.
Hanna Woodward has also recently joined the company, taking over the marketing reigns from the departed Mike Haile, who has left the company to pursue a new career and life in London. You can read more about Hanna here.
We wish them all the best in their new roles and hope that they settle in well with the rest of the team!
We’re sure you will have the opportunity to learn more about them and work with them in the near future.
ISO Training Services Update
As an independent organisation, we understand how important training is to a company and have seen first-hand the boost to morale, profits, customer satisfaction and employee loyalty.
We are also aware that delivering high quality services, consistently, is a challenge for any organisation which is why we aim to make it easier for you.
Our courses are intensive but fully interactive sessions, which focus on the important element of training – the end application!
QUALITY MANAGER TRAINING
Our inaugural course in Central London!
Venue:
InTuition House
210 Borough High Street, London
SE1 1JX
Dates: 26th November 2015 (9.30am start)
Cost: £395 + VAT per delegate (Inc. materials & refreshments)
I have lots of questions; is this course right for me?
Have you recently implemented ISO 9001; are you new to the standard or are you not sure if ISO 9001 is for you? Then this is an excellent introduction for anyone involved in the development, implementation and management of ISO 9001.
This training course is designed to help your organisation demonstrate commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, as well as continuously improving your quality management systems (QMS).
Our friendly trainers will help you overcome any reservations you might have and enable you to understand the requirements of the standard, help you to improve your management processes and prepare your business for growth.
And finally it’ll provide an overview of the purpose and requirements of ISO 9001 as a tool for business improvement.
Course Content
Quality Manager training will cover the following topics, as well as allowing for question & answer sessions on the day:
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- Principles and elements of ISO 9001
- Role of the Quality Manager
- How to integrate ISO into the daily activities of the business
- Effective objective setting
- How to run a Management Review Meeting effectively
- Guide to internal auditing
- Focus on bench marking and its importance to quality management
- Continuous improvement
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![iso22301banA[1]](https://www.isoqsltd.com/wp-content/uploads/iso22301banA1-300x95.jpg)
INTERNAL AUDITOR TRAINING
Date: 18th & 19th November 2015
Cost: £395 + VAT per delegate
Why attend this course?
No quality management system can achieve its potential unless it is constantly monitored and audited. An audit is a review (or a check) of the Management System and its compulsory elements. It is a snapshot of the activities that a company undertakes that prove compliance to the standard at the time of the audit
This interactive 2 day training course will teach you the tools and techniques of the internal auditor.
How to conduct an effective audit and how to use these to achieve continual business process improvement and will assist your staff in identifying any gaps that may challenge the effectiveness of your quality management system.
Our Internal Auditing Training will cover the following key topics, as well as allowing for question & answer sessions on the day:
- Principles of ISO
- The role of the Management Representative
- Brief overview on the management system to be audited
- What is the purpose of an audit?
- How should an audit be approached?
- Maximise the benefits of monitoring that the procedures are regularly being controlled
- Find and rectify negative trends, maximise positive trends
- A practical auditing exercise is undertaken by the delegate on the business, which will be marked
RISK ASSESSMENT TRAINING![iso18001banA[1]](https://www.isoqsltd.com/wp-content/uploads/iso18001banA11-300x95.jpg)
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Date: 30th November 2015
Cost: £225 + VAT per delegate
Why attend this course?
A BS OHSAS 18001 health and safety management system is a systematic and process driven approach to controlling and monitoring risks that can arise from the company’s day to day activities.
This system is proven to enable the business to be pro-active rather then re-active, therefore more effectively protecting the health and welfare of your workforce on an on-going basis.
In support of this we are pleased to offer a half day Risk Assessment Course that will help your organization to understand the risks in a workplace, how to manage this and the relationship to the BS OHSAS 18001.
Our experienced trainer will be there to guide you through this challenging subject, dispelling myths and explain in very easy terms, how to approach them and answer any queries that you may have.
Our Internal Auditing Training will cover the following key topics, as well as allowing for question & answer sessions on the day:
- Concepts of risk and hazard.
- Concepts of a safe work environment.
- Hazard identification and differentiation between hazard and risk.
- Principles of risk control/s – workplace precautions.
- Safety law and risk assessment legislation.
- Risk assessment, risk analysis and risk management.
- Risk Assessment and the relationship with BS OHSAS 18001:2007.
- Question and answer sessions throughout.
Feel you or a colleague would benefit from this training? To attend this course or for more information, please call 01905 670303 or email debbie@isoqsltd.com.
REMEMBER IF YOU ARE A CURRENT CLIENT OF ISO QUALITY SERVICES YOU ARE ENTITLED TO A DISCOUNT ON ALL OUR COURSES…PLEASE CONTACT US FOR MORE DETAILS
Be part of our LinkedIn community
If you haven’t joined already – what are you waiting for?
ISO news, training updates and offers, meet the ISO QSL team and connect with other like-minded individuals.
Visit us at: ISO QSL LinkedIn Company page
Networking events in October- November 2015
Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce – Maximise your Membership
Date: 06.11.15
Cost: £0.00 Members / £0.00 Non members
Time: 08.30am
Venue: Worcestershire County Cricket Club, Worcester WR2 4QQ
Website: Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce
Event Description
This business breakfast is held monthly and draws in a wide range of businesses from Worcestershire and beyond. With lots of opportunities for networking and a thought-provoking business speaker, it’s the best breakfast most of us will have in a month. The early start will fit in nicely with your working day!
Kidwells Networking Event
Date: 29.10.2015
Cost: FREE
Time: 7.30am – 9.30am
Venue: Kidwells House, 4 Coldnose Road, Rotherwas Industrial Estate, Hereford, HR2 6JL
Website: Kidwells Group
Event Description
No Frills, No Fuss, No 60 second intro – just a good straight forward FREE networking event with coffee and croissants.
There will be the opportunity at each meeting for one business to give a 10 minute overview of their business and to bring brochures and marketing material. The business chosen for the following meeting will be drawn from the business cards provided at the event.
Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce – Chamber Expo
Date: 20.11.2015
Cost: FREE to attend
Time: 10.00am – 03.00pm
Venue: The Vox Conference Centre, Resorts World Birmingham, Birmingham, B40 1PU
Website: Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce
Event Description
Following on from the success of our previous Expo events, we are pleased to announce that we will be taking Chamber Expo to the latest conference venue in the area – the Vox Conference Centre, where we are looking forward to welcoming more than 500 SMEs from across the Greater Birmingham region to the event in November.
Chamber Expo offers you the perfect platform in which to build your network and promote your business all under one roof. There will be a member-only seminar programme running throughout the day, where you will gain knowledge and insight around the theme of business growth. The seminar programme will be announced soon.
There is also an opportunity to increase your brand exposure and company profile by exhibiting or having a promotional insert in the delegate bag.
Why exhibit?
- Stand out from the crowd and therefore increase brand awareness and raise your company profile
- Launch new products and/or services
- Meet new clients and network with a range of SMEs
- Generate new leads
- Gain invaluable delegate contact details by having a business card draw
Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce – Professional Networking Lunch
Date: 13.11.2015
Cost: £18.00 (+VAT) Members / £25.00 Non members (+VAT)
Time: 12:15 – 14:00pm
Venue: St Johns House Hotel, 28 St. Johns Street, Lichfield, WS13 6PB
Website: Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce
Event Description
This ‘Must Go to Business Professional Networking Lunch’ continues to be a success and many businesses continue to attend, whilst attracting those from a wider area. The comments speak for themselves which demonstrates this is definitely an Effective Recipe for networking.
Benefits: Attendees benefit from being personally introduced to others. Your business is highlighted on the delegates list, hard copy available to you on the day. As part of this working event, an excellent lunch is provided together with tea and coffee. Free car parking is also available.
Are you a client of ours? Would you recommend our services to your clients / suppliers…why not refer a friend?
Receive a free case of wine or a £50 Marks & Spencer’s Voucher…..the choice is yours!
(To qualify for this you must refer a successful lead).
To offer your referrals please contact – info@isoqsltd.com or call 01905 670 303
ISO Quality Services Ltd are proud to specialise in the implementation and certification of the Internationally recognised ISO and BS EN Management Standards.
Do you want to get ahead of your competition? Win more tenders or save time and money on reoccurring issues? Contact us today on 0330 058 5551 or email info@isoqsltd.com.
Alternatively, you can request a quote by filling out our enquiry form and a member of our team will be in touch shortly.
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