Last week we revisited used car sellers Imperial Car Supermarkets, whom we helped to achieve ISO 9001 certification back in January 2016. The purpose of this visit was to assist the Imperial team with an ISO 9001 surveillance audit - their first since obtaining ISO 9001 accreditation last year - and we are happy to report that our client came through the audit with zero non-conformances raised.

Back at the beginning of last year, NPT Management Systems helped Imperial Car Supermarkets to plan and implement an effective QMS (Quality Management System), then apply for ISO 9001 certification via a UKAS-accredited body. However, we didn't fall out of touch with them over the intervening period - throughout 2016, we helped Imperial Car Supermarkets with:

• Conducting internal audits
• Providing internal auditor training
• Chairing management review meetings

Last week's surveillance audit was just the latest success in our working relationship with ICS, and we believe there are many more successes still to come.

If you require any assistance with your quality management system and/or the ISO 9001 certification process, please don't hesitate to contact NPT Management Systems today.

We've often spoken about the way in which ISO 9001 certification can instil confidence in consumers and encourage them to purchase from you instead of from your competitors. But this globally-recognised accreditation can also be a huge boon to organisations who rely on B2B (business-to-business) custom. An ISO-accredited quality management system will give your clients a little extra peace of mind when they choose to do business with you, but beyond that, ISO 9001 certification is actually a requirement for many contracts across a variety of different sectors.

Here's just one example. Early in 2016, we helped Gecko Metal Works to implement a new quality management system and achieve that all-important ISO 9001 certification. Gecko provide specialist sheet metal work services such as laser profiling and folding, and now that they are ISO-certified, they are able to bid for lucrative government / military contracts that they were previously locked out of.

ISO 9001 accreditation is a mandatory requirement for many different contracts nowadays, so no matter what industry you're in, we're confident that achieving ISO certification will help you to win new business for your company.

The experienced quality consultants here at NPT Management Systems can help you to get certified, and we can also help with pre-qualification questionnaires - please contact us today to discuss your organisation's requirements.

Handshake image by Flazingo Photos

Some time ago, we helped Anchor Systems (International) Ltd to overhaul their QMS (Quality Management System) and get the new, streamlined system certified to the ISO 9001 standard. Today, we are proud to announce that Anchor have successfully transitioned to ISO 9001:2015 with zero non-conformances raised.

Anchor Systems are based in West Sussex, where they supply ground anchoring systems for all sorts of different works and applications. The Anchor team are dedicated to providing a quality service, and they were determined to attain the latest ISO 9001 standard in order to demonstrate that dedication to both existing and potential customers. NPT Management Systems helped them to achieve this by providing an expert consultation service that focused on bringing Anchor's QMS in line with the latest ISO standards as quickly as possible and with minimal disruption to the company's operations.

Here's what Anchor's Operations Director Hadley Smith had to say after his company's transition had been confirmed:

"We were very impressed when we worked with NPT Management Systems the first time around, and so we knew that Neil Peattie was the man to call when we decided to transition to ISO 9001:2015. As expected, he made the process go very smoothly, and we are very happy with the outcome: a successful transition with zero non-conformances.

"NPT Management Systems have proven that they are consistently capable of getting the job done to the very highest standard, and I would be more than happy to recommend them."

ISO 9001:2015 is the current version of the internationally-recognised ISO 9001 standard for quality management systems worldwide. If you would like to implement a compliant QMS that gets results for your business and complies with all ISO 9001:2015 requirements, please get in touch with NPT Management Systems today.

ISO 9001:2015 is the latest revision of the ISO 9001 standards. These standards are designed to assist any organisation - no matter the type or size - to administer and operate an effective quality management system. ISO 9001 focuses on the principles, goals and objectives that drive every business, to ensure that your operation is designed to meet customer requirements and expectations. The latest update takes in to account the latest trends and changes, whilst at the same time ensuring the compatibility with ISO 14001 and other modern management systems. To put it simply, ISO 9001:2015 will herald a new generation of quality management standards. 

What Does This Mean For My Business?

ISO 9001-certififed businesses will have three years to migrate their quality management system and meet the new standards. Upgrading to the new standards will help you function alongside other management systems, reducing risks and ensuring that your business is more efficient.

If you're looking to migrate your existing management system, NPT are here to help! We can help migrate your existing system and get you certified to ISO 9001:2015 standards as quick as possible, to ensure that your business is running as efficient as possible. For assistance or if you're looking more information on ISO 9001:2015, give us a call on 02380 659 867 or email enquiries@nptmanagementsystems.co.uk - we'd be happy to assist you. 

Today we congratulate Sterling Defence Limited, who have been recommended by BSI for ISO9001:2015 certification with zero non-conformances being raised. This is a true testament to the company's dedication to quality management and customer focus.

Located in Eastleigh. Hampshire (not far from Southampton), Sterling Defence is a NATO-registered company that was specifically established to provide the equipment and services required by military and security forces worldwide.

Here's what Sam Alassad, Managing Director of Sterling Defence, had to say after his company was recommended for ISO9001 certification:

"We take quality extremely seriously. Being an early adopter of ISO9001:2008 and now ISO9001:2015 is a demonstration of commitment to our quality management system. We use Neil Peattie from NPT Management Systems to help us manage and improve our QMS and - most importantly - maintain our ISO9001 certification. Neil is considered a quality management expert within the defence industry, so there is great synergy between our two companies."

In addition to our ISO9001 consultancy service, we at NPT Management Systems also have extensive experience in writing quality plans for the defence industry. We are familiar with:

• AQAP 2105 NATO Requirements for Deliverable Quality Plans
• AQAP 2110 NATO Quality Assurance Requirements for Design, Development and Production
• AQAP 2120 NATO Quality Assurance Requirements for Production

If you work in the defence sector, please contact NPT Management Systems today to find out how we can help your company.