ASH Integrated Services provides a joined electrical, plumbing and heating solution, reducing client stress by offering one point of contact. Their Integrated approach means clients benefit from a dedicated Mechanical & Electrical Supervisor on each contract and project.
Learn how British Assessment Bureau helped them achieve ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 in just 4 months.
The Challenges Facing ASH Integrated Services
ASH Integrated Services doesn’t stand still. They can’t, as like many, their industry moves too fast and they refuse to be left behind. They already understood the roots of the business were in place, but their next step was to strengthen the foundation, and the only way to do this was to obtain certification for ISO 9001 Quality and ISO 14001 Environmental.
Although they already held various accreditations required to help them qualify for tender bids, obtaining certification for ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 would certainly make it easier to qualify and would in an instant change the perception of how ASH Integrated Services is viewed during a tender process and within their sector.
What Experience of Certification Did They Have Before Working With British Assessment Bureau?
A few of the management team have previously worked for large companies with certification in ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 already in place. These large companies have teams of people to implement, train and manage.
As a relatively small company, and also a young company which was formed back in June 2019, they previously achieved other important industry accreditations required for their sector but recognised and respected that the ISO journey would be very different and a lot tougher to achieve.
What Were Their Expectations Before Seeking Certification?
They already held a lot of relevant and important information within the business, and the first British Assessment Bureau audit would highlight everything they needed to do in order to achieve ISO certification.
They appointed a lead operations manager, who focused 100% on their ISO journey and in turn was supported by a contracts manager. They recognised that as a smaller business, they didn’t always have the necessary resource, knowledge, experience and skills available, as business as usual must take precedence for their clients.
This was a massive investment, but they recognised this needed further investment if they really wanted to achieve ISO Certification and they contracted a specialist ISO Consultant.
From the first British Assessment Bureau audit, they had a clear starting point and their concern was that they could easily go down many different avenues, right, wrong or different, and achieve very little.
The working relationship between the consultant and the operations manager was key. Their knowledge, experience and understanding of their business were second to none giving them the confidence and providing the necessary energy and enthusiasm they needed for their ISO journey.
Why Did They Engage British Assessment Bureau To Help Them?
They made several enquiries to different companies whilst reviewing websites, but a quick response and follow up with one of the certification advisors sealed the deal. After a short consultation on the phone, they felt that British Assessment Bureau would be a good fit for the start of their ISO journey.
How Long Did They Expect Certification To Take?
They expected certification to take six months plus. They were aware from other companies that achieving certification had taken them up to 12 months! They in fact achieved certification in just four months, which was the target they set themselves when they started the ISO journey.
Were Their Expectations of Certification Met and Did They See Any Immediate Benefits?
Having only recently achieved certification for ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 it is too early to measure the benefits, but it has provided them with a more level playing field in competing for tenders against much larger organisations.
Achieving certification will certainly change the perception of how ASH Integrated Services is viewed during a tender process and within their sector.
Testimonial
“As part of ASH Integrated Services’ commitment to clients and employees, we set an ambitious target of securing ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 in just four months.
“Attaining the ISO certifications is a critical step as part of our growth plans, and we are already seeing the benefit of the accreditation. There is a huge sense of optimism for 2023 and beyond.”
