15 Oct, 2014

Welcome to the ISO Quality Services October 2014 Newsletter, we hope that you’re having a marvellous month!

Europe beating the USA to retain the Ryder Cup started the month in emphatic style but it has also been a month of worrying news stories. The rise of Ebola, not only in Africa but in the US and Europe has never left the headlines and on top of that, the severity of the situation in Syria and Iraq with regards to ISIS has also worsened. A little more close to home, the past month has also seen the first ever UKIP MP being elected in Clacton-on-Sea.

Congratulations to our Newly Certificated Clients

Two Counties Cleaning Services Ltd

Two Counties Cleaning Services Ltd are situated in Hampshire and for over 30 years they have built up an envious reputation based on their affordability, reliability and professionalism.

On Wednesday 3^rd September 2014, Two Counties Cleaning Services Ltd were presented with their ISO 9001 Quality Management and ISO 14001 Environmental Management Certificates.

They offer fully audited, professional contract cleaning and facilities management services across Dorset, Hampshire and the south coast.

If you would like more information, please contact them direct on 01425 613 860 or visit their website, http://www.twocountiescleaning.co.uk/

Left to right: Lead Assessor Rick Allard presenting directors Ruth Thornicroft and Trevor Jackson of Two Counties Cleaning Services Ltd with their ISO 9001 Quality and ISO 14001 Environmental Management System Certificates.

Dart Systems Ltd

Based near Bath in Somerset and founded in 2005, Dart Systems Ltd pride themselves on their products exceptional level of quality that are tailored to their customer’s wide and exacting requirements.

On Tuesday 9^th September 2014, Dart Systems Ltd were presented with their ISO 9001 Quality Management Certificate.

Dart Systems manufacture and distribute a comprehensive range of Industrial Endoscopes, Borescopes, Inspection Cameras and pipe and cable installation tools and equipment.

For further information regarding their products, call 01761 432 041 or visit their website, http://www.dartsystems.co.uk/

Lead Assessor Percy Beynon (right) presenting Stuart Arkell (left) Director of Dart Systems Limited with their ISO 9001 Quality Management System Certificate.

QS Unisolutions GmBH

With Offices in Stuttgart, London, Madrid, Paris and Boston, QS Unisolutions GmBH was established 2001. QS Unisolutions GmBH provides software to almost 400 institutions across 23 countries.

On Wednesday 10^th September 2014, QS Unisolution GmbH were presented with their ISO 27001 Information Security Management Certificate.

QS Unisolution offers a wide spectrum of solutions ranging from international relations management software to online recruitment, application and admissions handling.

If you think you might benefit from their services, you can contact them via their website, http://www.qs-unisolution.com/

Lead Assessor Rick Allard (right) presenting Software Architect Ejaz Arain (left) and Management Representative Caroline Phillips (middle) of QS unisolution GmbH with their ISO 27001 Information Security Management System Certificate.

Johnson Fleming Group Limited

Founded in March 2002 in Worcestershire, Johnson Fleming Group were established with the goal of putting client experience and customer service at the heart of financial services.

On Friday 12^th September 2014, Johnson Fleming Group Limited were presented with their ISO 22301 Business Continuity Management Certificate.

They are a leading, independent workplace pensions and employee benefits specialist, providing outsourced support to UK businesses as they navigate their way through the benefits landscape.

For further information, contact them on 01527 571 300 or visit their website, http://www.johnsonfleming.com/

Tom Claridge of Johnson Fleming Group Limited (left) being presented with their certificate by our Senior Lead Assessor Peter O’Neill (right). Johnson Fleming Group Limited was certificated to the ISO 22301:2012 Business Continuity Management Standard.

Somac Threads Limited

A family-run business with nearly 30 years’ experience, Somac Threads Limited is based in Chester and delivers high quality products and service.

On Friday 12^th September 2014, Somac Threads Limited were presented with their ISO 9001 Quality Management Certificate.

They are distributors of industrial threads to various markets. These include Carpet, Mattresses, Upholstery, Bedding, Safety Harness Webbing, Shoe, Embroidery and many others.

For further details, contact their office on 01244 680 506 or visit their website, http://www.somac.co.uk/index.html

Lead Assessor Richard Harber (left) presenting General Manager Paul Dunderdale (centre) and Management Representative John Schofield (right) of Somac Threads Ltd with their ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System Certificate.

Bayleaf Cleaning Limited

Situated in London, over the past 14 years they have built up a formidable reputation for their levels of care and attention that they provide to each and every client.

On Friday 12^th September 2014, Bayleaf Cleaning Limited were presented with their BS OHSAS 18001 Health and Safety Management Certificate.

Bayleaf Cleaning provides contract cleaning services to commercial, retail, educational, leisure and public sector clients across London.

For more information, contact them direct on 020 7240 6060 or http://www.bayleaf-cleaning.co.uk/index.html

Lead Assessor Rick Allard (left) presenting Richard Hepburn (right) of Bayleaf Cleaning Ltd with their BS OHSAS 18001:2007 Health and Safety Management System Certificate.

Coast2Coast Computers

This West Sussex based firm was formed in 2003 and is a family-owned business that offers a fast, cost effective and reliable service.

On Thursday 18^th September 2014, Coast2Coast Computers were presented with their BS EN 15713 Secure Destruction of Confidential Material Certificate.

Coast2coast Computers are specialists in all types of computer recycling, computer disposals; hard drive data destruction, computer re-use, and computer recycle of all types of IT hardware disposal.

If you feel like you could benefit from their services, please ring 01903 722 627 or visit them online at http://www.coast2coastcomputers.co.uk/index.php/home.html

Lead Assessor Rick Allard (left) presenting Ian Milton, Owner (right) of Coast2Coast Computers, with their BS EN 15713:2009 Secure Destruction of Confidential Material Management System Certificate

Penna Career Services

With a history spanning 40 years, Penna Career Services are ideally situated in Berkshire and have numerous offices throughout the UK.

On Monday 22^nd September 2014, Penna Career Services were presented with their ISO 9001 Quality Management Certificate.

Penna is a global HR Services Group. Through effective services and unrivalled expertise, help organisations improve their performance through their people.

For more information regarding how they can help your business, call them on 020 7332 7777 or go to their website, http://www.penna.com/index

What businesses need to know about cybersecurity

The topic of cyber security has become ever more important in the past 12 months, both in terms of business and personal which illustrates the fact that businesses of all sizes need to be proactive in raising their cybersecurity.

Research by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills found that 64% of small business suffered a security breach in the past year and examples of which include websites being hacked, high levels of dangerous spam and loss of data, in particular customer data.

Protecting against attacks can be expensive, sometimes too expensive for smaller businesses but there are still things that can be done which most are currently not doing. Here are a few activities that it is advised that businesses should start doing.

• Regularly check websites such as “Knowthenet” and “Cyber Streetwise” which may highlight new dangers before they affect your business.
• Make sure your software and systems are up to date. For example, any browser and security software that you may have.
• Ensuring that all employees understand the importance of being cyber aware is very important. There must be procedures in place so employees can report anything suspicious.
• Control whether employees are allowed to connect to the businesses IT systems and/or Wi-Fi.
• Be aware of people pretending to be customers in order to gain access to a customer’s account.

The implementation of processes and procedures to help tackle this growing threat is very important.

A method of doing just that is by implementing the ISO 27001 Information Security Management System.

For more information regarding what is involved in implementing such a system, feel free to visit our website here, or alternatively call the team on 01905 670 303.

Article source: http://www.techradar.com

7 tips for implementing an ISO or BS Standard

The implementation of such standards can appear daunting, especially when you are already extremely busy with other aspects of the business but it needn’t be so arduous. Here are 10 top tips that will be sure to make the process a lot easier:

1. Good communication throughout the whole of the business is a necessity. The more informed everyone is, the less resistant they will be to any proposed changes. It is always good to explain why the changes are important.
2. Commitment and support from senior management. This is important as senior have the power to make the process easier or more difficult if they are not fully on board.
3. Get feedback from customers with regards to which part of your service they may feel could be improved.
4. Map out and share roles, responsibilities and timescales. It is not ideal designating one person to carry out all the tasks for a number of reasons, one of which being including more people within the process will help get people on board and will be more effective.
5. Adapt the company’s core principles to align with the standard. For example, putting customer demands at the heart of what the company does.
6. Training and incentives for staff will ensure that everyone will know what is expected of them and hopefully feel more inclined to work with the standards.
7. Review the systems in place on a regular basis. Industries, as well as company practices require tweaking and adapting from time to time to keep up with demands and as such the different aspects of the standard must also be reviewed. Effective systems will ensure the company gets the most out of the processes and procedures involved.

Source: https://www.krypsys.com/

Ensure your workforce stays healthy this winter

It is now that time of year again when it is time to think about protecting ourselves from the predictable rise in the flu virus.

Public Health England (PHE) has strongly recommended that those who are more susceptible to the virus get the vaccination as soon as possible.

These people include pregnant women, young children, the over 65’s, as well as those people who suffer from conditions such as asthma and diabetes.

The virus mutates constantly so the HSE advise that people receive a vaccination every year.

The flu virus can prove fatal in some cases which is an illustration of its importance.

The vaccinations are available in the form of a jab or nasal spray.

It is also important for businesses because it can either mean colleagues being absent from work with illness or them having to take time off work to look after ill children or relatives.

For more information visit the NHS website HERE.

Are you utilising government finance and support?

Many companies are either unaware of the funding and support which they are entitled to or unsure where to find said funding and support.

The Gov.uk website is a wealth of information on the different methods of financial and practical support, types of which include:

• Recruitment assistance (E.g. Apprenticeship and Graduate recruitment),
• Regional financial support and assistance (E.g. Finance for Business North East),
• Industry specific assistance (E.g. Manufacturing Advisory Service),
• Training assistance (E.g. Training for Success) and,
• Technology related assistance (E.g. Broadband connection vouchers) etc.

This is support that providing you meet the requirements, your business is entitled to and can even be the difference between success and failure of some small businesses. Therefore, it is highly recommended that all companies explore and investigate what assistance is available to them.

For comprehensive details of the numerous initiatives, please visit the Gov.uk website: https://www.gov.uk/business-finance-support-finder

Top 4 Document shredding myths

The BS EN 15713 Secure Destruction of Confidential Material is a small but incredibly undervalued standard.

There are a number of myths or misconceptions that surround this area and here we hope to dispel these.

• MYTH ONE – Document shredding is only necessary for big companies. Identity theft can affect businesses of all sizes and the rules and regulations must be followed by all to ensure they are legally compliant.
• MYTH TWO – Shredded paper cannot be recycled. Once shredded and compressed, the paper is ready to be recycled, this can either be carried out in-house or by outsourcing the activity.
• MYTH THREE – Document shredding it time consuming. With an abundance of professional shredding companies it means that companies no longer need to undertake the removing of staples and shred 5 sheets of paper at a time!
• MYTH FOUR – It is impossible to ensure data security when outsourcing. With the introduction of standards that companies can achieve to prove their credibility such as the BS EN 15713, it is possible to ensure that data is secure.

The introduction of the BS EN 15713 standard proves to your client base that you can be trusted with their personal information. On top of this, it is also an opportunity to stand out from the crowd by marketing the fact that you have achieved this internationally recognised standard.

If you would like to receive further information regarding this standard, or any other of the standards that we help implement and certificate, please contact us directly on 01905 670 303 or click here for the associated webpage.

Source: www.gilmoreservices.com

Change in Data Protection Laws

Recently, changes to the EU data protection laws were given the green light by the European parliament and it is relevant to every business, no matter their size or industry.

The new legislation surrounds the use of digital technology and in particular data that is found online about an individual.

To be more specific, it will mean that any individual can request for information on them to be destroyed. Additionally, businesses must delete data held on a person once it is no longer required.

It is also strongly recommended that the procedures put in place for these activities are auditable.

All companies found to not be compliant face a severe fine that could be up to 5% of worldwide turnover.

‘Made in Britain’ has huge export value

Research carried out by Barclays Corporate Banking found that products branded as ‘Made in Britain’ are much sought after on the international market.

The report found that this was most evident in emerging markets as opposed to developed markets and what was more surprising is that it held more weight when compared to Made in England/Wales/Scotland.

Additional findings of the report include:

• Goods from Scotland and Wales are seen as “Standing for tradition”, whereas products branded as English or British are seen to be “Internationally recognised”.
• Calculating an average premium made by branding goods exports as Made in Britain shows gains from £22.8m in Ireland to £742m in China and £823m in the USA.

Source: Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

Bad weather threatening many SME’s

Many SME’s throughout the UK are running the risk of not being able to survive the winter due to not being in a strong financial position and the looming threat of flooding and bad weather.

An article by Green Wise cites the above reasons as creating a “Perfect Storm” whereby 118,354 small and medium sized businesses could be threatened.

London and the South East have been highlighted as being most at risk.

Last winter was the wettest winter since 1766 and in turn cost small businesses over £830 million.

Therefore it is recommended that all SME’s should undergo the required risk assessments so as to be able to ascertain the best ways of protecting their business.

Source: www.greenwisebusiness.co.uk

ISO Training Services update

ISO Training Kept Simple…….

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!

 

COMING UP NEXT MONTH:

We are pleased to offer the following courses:

Environmental Manager Training

Wednesday 22^nd October 2014 – Full Day Course

Our Environmental Manager training will cover the following key topics, as well as allowing for question & answer sessions on the day:

What is ISO 14001:2004?

• Principles of Environmental Management
• The role of an Environmental Manager
• Using the management system as a strategic tool to identify areas where cost savings can be captured
• How to monitor the effectiveness of the management system within the company
• How to integrate ISO into your daily business activities and strategic planning of the Organisation
• Continuous improvement
• A guide to internal auditing

Per Delegate £295.00 plus VAT*
LAST PLACES REMAINING!!! BOOK NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT…

 

Internal Auditor Training

Tuesday 18^th and Wednesday 19^th November 2014

This interactive 2 day training course will teach you the tools and techniques of the internal auditor.

Learn how to conduct an effective audit and how to use this to achieve continual business process improvement and assist your staff in identifying any gaps that may challenge the effectiveness of your quality management system.

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

Per Delegate £395.00 plus VAT*

 

Health & Safety Risk Assessment Training

Wednesday 26^th November 2014

The 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.

With that in mind we are offering a training course for you and your staff on

Health and Safety Risk Assessment, which will go towards dispelling myths and explain in very easy terms, how to approach them.

Our highly experienced trainer will cover the following topics:

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.
• Best Practice
• Question and answer sessions throughout.

Per Delegate £225 plus VAT*

 

To attend any of our courses, you do not need to be looking at a Management Standard or even be currently certified!

All prices are inclusive of course materials and refreshments and we offer a multi booking discount should you wish to book more than one place on a course. Please ask for details.

Sounds interesting? Want to know more? For further details of each course and others that we offer, please visit our website at www.isoqsltd.com/training

To book your place please call 01905 670303 or email our Training Co-ordinator 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.

Soon to be released……

We will soon be launching an ISO 27001 Information Security Training Course – this is currently in the planning stages and we are aiming to run the first course in January 2015. If you would like to register your interest – please contact us asap and be the first to know once the date is released!

 

 

 

We are a training provider who supports GrowthAccelerator.

GrowthAccelerator is where ambitious businesses go for new connections, new routes to investment and the new ideas and strategy they need to achieve their full potential.

Our role as a training provider is to help GrowthAccelerator clients develop their leadership and management teams, with match funding of up to £2,000 available per senior manager to undertake training recommended for their business.

We have a dedicated training website www.isotrainingservicesltd.com where all of our training information, courses and dates will be available, along with case studies, news articles and Meet the Trainer!

Please take the time to visit us!

We are also available on Twitter @TrainIsoqsl – so get following and tweeting!

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 and seminars we are attending in October 2014 – November 2014

Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce- Powered growth forum

• Date of Event – 16/10/2014

Cost: Free to members
Time: 4pm – 6pm

Venue: Worcestershire County Cricket Club

Website: Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

Event Description

The event will address specific challenges to growth faced by SMEs across all industries and offers an inspiring and informative networking event developed to support your growing business

 

Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce – Malvern Networking Breakfast

• Date of Event: 30/10/2014

Cost: £15.00 Members (excludes VAT) / £30.00 Non members (excludes VAT)

Time: 7.30am

Venue: Abbey Hotel, Malvern WR14 3ET

Website: Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

Event Description

The speaker at this event will be Debbie Tunstall, Centre Manager for the National Cyber Skills Centre in Malvern. Debbie will give delegates an introduction to the new cyber skills centre in Malvern including details of support for SMEs. Facts and figures of potential security breaches, how and why businesses should prepare.

 

Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce – Maximise your membership (In association with ISO Quality Services Ltd)

• Date of Event – 07/11/2014

Cost: Free

Time: 8.30am

Venue: Worcestershire County Cricket Club

Website: Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

Event Description

All members are invited to join us for a Maximise Your Membership Event in their first three months. This FREE event is sponsored by ISO Quality Services Ltd and offers members the opportunity to meet the Chamber team and find out some of the many ways to make the most of their membership. Attendees will hear from the Chamber membership team and Chief Executive as well as sponsors ISO Quality Services Ltd, about their experiences of membership and how they get maximum return from their investment. There will also be plenty of networking opportunities and tips for networking effectively.

 

Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce – Maximise your membership (In association with ISO Quality Services Ltd)

• Date: 19/11/2014

Cost: Free

Time: 9.30am

Venue: Burghill Valley Golf Club, Hereford HR4 7RW

Website: Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

Event Description

All members are invited to join us for a Maximise Your Membership Event in their first three months. This FREE event is sponsored by ISO Quality Services Ltd and offers members the opportunity to meet the Chamber team and find out some of the many ways to make the most of their membership. Attendees will hear from the Chamber membership team and Chief Executive as well as sponsors ISO Quality Services Ltd, about their experiences of membership and how they get maximum return from their investment. There will also be plenty of networking opportunities and tips for networking effectively.

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 – admin@isoqsltd.com or call 01905 670 303