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Prevention is better than cure

In light of a number of recent prosecutions for serious breaches of health and safety legislation, businesses are being urged to develop relevant processes and procedures to reduce the risk of personal injury. Rob Shepherd explains the benefits of certification to OHSAS 18001 and how it can create a safer working environment.
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Wake up and smell the coffee

ISO 50001 certification is a highly effective way for organisations to minimise energy consumption and reduce carbon emissions. Rob Shepherd examines the importance of having an energy management system in place and finds out how Whitbread’s Costa Coffee Roastery has benefited.
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New guide will help businesses manage social media risks

Internet marketing and social media consultancy, Octave Online Communications, has launched a new guide for businesses and organisations on social media policy.
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Government launches youth contract scheme to tackle unemployment

A £1bn scheme that aims to tackle youth unemployment has been launched by the government. The Youth Contract Scheme will offer incentives worth more than £2,275 for each 18-24 year old that an employer offers a paid position to and will also create 250,000 work experience places.
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Laundry service provider makes massive CO2 reductions

Sunlight, the UK’s market leader in textile rental and laundering services, has cut its annual carbon dioxide emissions by 21.5 per cent in six years, and has reduced its water usage by more than two million cubic meters per annum over the same period.
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Listed Victorian mill transformed into solar power station

A listed Victorian cotton mill in Oldham has become probably the first in the country to switch to solar energy in a project that aims to revitalise the best of industrial age architecture with cutting edge green energy.
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Health & Safety Sector Manager set to engage Europe’s largest H&S exhibition audience

Jon Wilson, Health & Safety Sector Manager at NQA, will be explaining how businesses of all sizes, in all industries can be recognised for the delivery of world-renowned standards in Health & Safety.
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Brick by brick – how construction firms can benefit from sustainability based certification

Construction and building services companies are under increasing pressure to provide evidence of their sustainable practices. Rob Shepherd examines why proven environmental and corporate responsibility credentials are becoming so important in this sector and looks at how they can provide a competitive edge.
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Forewarned is forearmed – the importance of business continuity management

A business must possess the ability to react quickly and decisively to any situation it is presented with. Rob Shepherd explains why business continuity management (BCM) is essential in avoiding downtime and reducing the impact of an unexpected event.
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Flexible working emerges as ‘trump card’ for employers seeking best talent

UK companies are sharpening their focus on softer workplace benefits to attract and keep the best talent, according to new research published by Vodafone UK.
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The Law Society claims tribunal fees will be a barrier to justice

The Law Society has described government plans to introduce fees for taking claims to employment tribunals and employment appeals tribunals as creating a barrier to justice.
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Budget promises new loan scheme for small businesses

Amidst the rather lukewarm response to the chancellor of the exchequer’s third budget on 21st March, there was a glimmer of hope for small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) looking to secure business loans.
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Research identifies rapidly growing mobile work culture

IT departments need to evolve to meet the needs of a new generation of multi-tasking, mobile workers who want a bigger say in the communications devices they use at work, according to a report published by Jabra.
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Energy Advice Line calls for watchdog to help businesses pushed to the financial brink

An independent energy watchdog with teeth is urgently needed to help UK businesses resolve lengthy and financially crippling disputes with energy suppliers, according to the Energy Advice Line, which claims that some firms have been turned away by the Energy Ombudsman resulting in some disputes going unresolved for years at significant financial cost.
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SMEs are embracing renewable energy generation

New research from Opus Energy suggests a growing level of interest among small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in generating renewable energy from their own businesses, with one third (32 per cent) expecting to introduce solar PV, wind turbines or anaerobic digestion, and 38 per cent expecting to be generating their own renewable energy within five years.
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JTL says more must be done to encourage greater take up of apprentices

A poll conducted by JTL, the training charity for the building services engineering sector, has found that 93 per cent of employers in the electrical, plumbing and heating sector would like to take on an apprentice if they had the resources to do so.
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66 per cent of the population suffer from nomophobia – the fear of being without their phone

First identified in 2008, it would appear nomophobia – the fear of being out of mobile phone contact – is sharply increasing in the UK. A recent survey of 1,000 people in employment discovered two thirds of respondents fear losing their mobile phone.
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Getting to know you who assesses, your work

In light of the current economic climate, the need for productive and mutually beneficial business relationships is greater than ever. Rob Shepherd finds out how the ‘Meet the NQA Assessor’ Consultant Suppers are an innovative and enjoyable way to develop new business opportunities.
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Sizing up the case for energy management

It’s a common misconception that only certain types of companies can benefit from a certified energy management system. Rob Shepherd explains why ISO 50001 is suitable for businesses of all types and looks at how one forward thinking organisation is seeing real business benefits as a result of certification.
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NQA ‘Meet the NQA Assessor’ Consultant Suppers

Are you looking to implement a new management system at your firm, but unsure about the best way to progress?
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‘Proving Sustainable Practice’ Webinar

NQA is hosting a live webinar to launch its latest Sustainability Assessed Scheme for Businesses.
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EU helps businesses deliver green growth and environmental benefits

Eco-innovation is crucial to delivering the Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. The Eco-Innovation Action Plan (EcoAP) launched by the European Commission will boost innovation that reduces pressure on the environment, and bridges the gap between innovation and the market.
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Number of winter ‘sickies’ plummets as workers fear for jobs

The winter ‘sicky’ – the age-old term for when workers exaggerate cold and flu-like symptoms to get time off work – looks to be on the decline.
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Businesses must do more to secure their corporate data

Companies are still not getting to grips with the security dangers of mobile computing and they are risking their reputation and business on a single point of failure - their most careless employee.
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IT decision makers lack confidence in business continuity ahead of London 2012

The ability of organisations to maintain ‘business as usual’ during London 2012 is in serious doubt, with three out of four IT decision makers admitting that they lack total confidence that their continuity plans will be effective during the Olympics.
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UK companies face highest ever level of prosecution because of corruption and bribery

Interchange is warning UK business leaders that 2012 will be the year where they face their highest ever level of prosecution because of corruption and bribery. 2011 has been an unprecedented year of actual and alleged corruption and bribery in the UK and internationally.
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Health business fined after worker loses finger

A leading health company has been fined after an employee lost his finger in a machinery accident. The incident took place in a factory in East Yorkshire when the worker was operating a blending machine to mix products. However, the employee was unaware that a fixed guard on the machine had been removed along with a valve that needed a maintenance work.
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Business group calls for energy watchdog

The UK’s leading energy price comparison and switching service for businesses has joined calls for a watchdog to be appointed to police Ofgem’s shake-up of the small business energy market.
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Companies-must-do-more-to-tackle-sickness-absence-and-benefit-culture

The UK lags behind other industrialised countries when it comes to helping sick and injured staff back to work and will continue to do so until it develops a more effective approach to rehabilitation. The UK Rehabilitation Council (UKRC) is urging the government to take the lead in encouraging employers to develop proactive return to work strategies for staff who become unwell.
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Duty of care to employees is critical for business stability

The results of a global benchmarking study on how companies care for their employees abroad has been published has found that 95 per cent of those surveyed sent employees on business trips to high-risk locations.
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Half of all organisations consider social business to be a key to success

Over 50 per cent of user organisations in a recent AIIM survey now consider social business or Enterprise 2.0 applications to be imperative or significant to their business goals. However, it also found that a risk-averse culture is a primary factor impeding wider adoption.
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80 per cent of students reconsider their university plans

With recent figures being released revealing that up to 80 per cent of students are re-evaluating their future education plans following the hike in university tuition fees, modern apprenticeships are increasingly seen as a viable alternative.
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SMEs are switched on to renewable energy but can’t afford it

A poll of 500 UK based SMEs by Opus Energy points to the sector being switched on to buying energy from renewable sources but put off by the cost and perceived complexity associated with it.
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ISO 50001 – Early adopters enjoy benefits

An effective energy management system (EnMS) is often a cornerstone of successful organisations. Rob Shepherd examines the benefits of ISO 50001 and looks at how those that have already become certified to this standard are reaping the rewards.
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No business like snow business

The heavy snowfall of the last two winters saw widespread disruption, with employees unable to travel into work and some businesses incapable of functioning properly. Rob Shepherd explains why now is the time to plan ahead and looks at how forward thinking organisations can use BS 25999 to weather the storm.
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The cost of mind over matter

Although good health and safety practices are vital in keeping people safe from harm, it is often physical safety that is given priority. However, as NQA’s Jonathan Wilson explains, OHSAS 18001 can provide a framework for addressing and managing mental health issues within the workplace.
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Mark of distinction

Demonstrating sustainable practice has just become a whole lot easier with the launch of NQA’s Sustainability Assessed Mark. Rob Shepherd looks at the development of this new initiative and examines how it will give those that have it a competitive edge.
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Franchising sector bucking the business trend

The franchising sector is bucking the downward trend in British business with record numbers of companies successfully franchising their businesses and individuals buying these business opportunities.
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Smartphones could be the weak link in the security chain

According to Gartner, sales of mobile devices in the second quarter of 2011 grew 16.5 per cent year-on-year. Smartphone sales grew 74 per cent year-on-year and accounted for 25 per cent of overall sales in the second quarter of 2011, up from 17 per cent in the second quarter of 2010.
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Bunzl Catering Supplies ensures continued safety of its drivers

GreenRoad has announced that Bunzl Catering Supplies is rolling out the GreenRoad service across its fleet of over 120 vehicles from vans to articulated HGVs to ensure the continued safety of its drivers, cut insurance claims, reduce vehicle damage and cut fuel and carbon emissions.
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World’s largest source of business sustainability data is launched

Ecodesk has profiled the sustainability strategy of 4,000 of the world’s largest companies and their cost savings, making it the largest free, public database of business carbon, energy, waste and water scores in the world.
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Changes in the workplace are impacting commercial property decisions

An independent white paper has been published that assesses how, technology, government initiatives and the mitigation of risk is changing the attitude of companies towards commercial property and the workplace.
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Former Virgin CEO warns companies not to pigeonhole talent

Companies are failing to make best use of their talent because they are still pigeonholing people on the basis of their age and experience. That’s the message from Simon Wright, former CEO of Virgin Entertainment and now a US based consultant to fast growing companies.
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IT company uses 2010 Equality Act to develop talent

Computacenter has used the 2010 Equality Act as a springboard to tap into the talents of all its employees. With a workforce spread across multiple sites, the organisation recognised the benefits of training over five hundred managers to a consistent standard in Equality & Diversity.
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Social networking websites seen as major risk to corporate security

One in six (17 per cent) UK employees consider social networking websites such as Face book and LinkedIn a major risk to corporate security, according to new research from global risk consultancy, Protiviti.
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Cloud technology could result in staff taking fewer ‘sickies’

Figures released by the TUC suggest there are now 3.7 million home workers in the UK and it is believed that this number will continue to grow as more organisations embrace cloud technology.
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Companies urged to adhere to health and safety laws

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) have highlighted the importance of adhering to health and safety regulations in the workplace.
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Energy risk is highlighted as major business continuity hazard

Energy has been identified as the top risk major business energy users are facing, above legislation, security and health and safety. Added to this, many believe it is the government's responsibility to help reduce instability through funding for self-generation projects and demand management tools to bridge the supply gap and keep the nation's lights on.
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SMEs lack duty of care to employees driving at work

Despite the fact that about a quarter of all vehicle miles travelled currently on Britain’s roads are for work purposes, less than five per cent of small businesses in the UK have a person designated to fleet management.
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Taking energy management to the next level

The introduction of ISO 50001 means that for many organisations the process of upgrading from BS EN 16001 will soon be underway. Rob Shepherd examines how the two standards differ, assesses the impact of this development and outlines what an organisation should expect from their chosen certification body.
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How green thinking can enhance the bottom line

With the help of NQA, Seacourt is enhancing its already impressive green credentials. Rob Shepherd finds out how one of the most environmentally conscious printing firms in the world is using its ISO 14001 and EMAS certifications to reduce its’ carbon emissions, attract new business and enhance its profit margins.
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Time to Learn?

For many individuals taking time out of a busy working day to attend a classroom based training course simply isn’t possible. NQA’s Darren Staniforth explains how its new suite of flexible e-learning courses addresses this issue and allows any training gaps to be quickly closed.
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Shout about your sustainable business practices

NQA’s Sustainable Development Management Scheme (SDMS) pilot project is now underway. NQA’s Neil Rotheroe talks to Les Milne of The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) about its success on the scheme and explains why other organisations should get on board.
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Travel industry lacks confidence in disaster recovery

A third of users and IT managers from the travel sector are unsure that their disaster recovery plans would work successfully should their IT fail, according to a survey conducted by City Lifeline.
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Companies urged to ensure bribery prevention policies are in place

With the Bribery Act 2010 now in force, many companies will need to take steps to ensure their bribery prevention policies and procedures are embedded and understood across their entire organisation in accordance with Principle 5 of the Guidance to the Act.
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BCS calls for a common standard for reporting power use

BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT believes a common standard for reporting power use, over and above simple energy costs is needed in order to enable the ICT industry to be more transparent in its reporting of energy used in running its data centres.
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Businesses are missing out on potential €46bn profit increase

Research published by Ricoh Europe reveals that European businesses could be missing out on potential profit increases of €46bn due to the existing, inefficient methods used to process information.
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Schneider Electric urges greater use of energy efficient technology

Although it has welcomed the government’s announcement to raise its environmental commitment and amend the UK’s target to cut greenhouse gases by 50 per cent by 2025 compared to 1990 levels, Schneider Electric has voiced its concern that not enough is being done to encourage greater use of energy efficient technology.
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Cloud adopting organisations are warned to carry out risk management tests

Organisations are being warned that they must have a clear understanding of the risks associated with the implementation of cloud computing, as the number of UK organisations adopting cloud-based solutions steadily rises.
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Managers with technical skills struggle to build productive relationships with staff

Managers who are technically and functionally competent are not getting the best results out of their staff, according to a leading business consultant.
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Over 50 per cent of EMEA government organisations lack an information security strategy

In a recent survey conducted across major cities in Europe, IDC Government Insights found that less than half of the respondents' organisations have an official strategy in place to overcome potential information security threats.
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Optimism grows as new youth unemployment measures are announced

The government has announced the launch of a £60m initiative designed to ‘change young people’s lives’ by prioritising and addressing rising youth unemployment.
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Research highlights how the economic crisis is creating greener offices

Following Green Office Week a YouGov poll commissioned by office products manufacturer, Avery, found that nearly half the UK’s office workers (47 per cent) said their offices have actively become greener as a result of the economic downturn as staff put more effort into recycling, turning off unused lights and saving on the heating and air conditioning.
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Sustainable business market set to reach tipping point in 2013

The global sustainable business market will reach a tipping point in 2013 triggering rapid market expansion, according to new research findings from independent analyst firm, Verdantix.
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npower announces Britain's first bespoke EV tariff

npower has confirmed plans to launch Britain's first bespoke electric vehicle (EV) tariff.
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New Zealand’s earthquake recovery prompts huge construction jobs intake

The earthquake in New Zealand cost 200 people their lives and dramatically changed the face of the South Island’s largest city. Although the recent tragedy in Japan has diverted attention away from the earlier natural disasters in New Zealand, the full scale of the rebuild task required in Christchurch has not diminished.
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Warning about the risks of using social networking in business

Social networking sites such as Facebook have gained popularity among the younger population, while LinkedIn, Plaxo and Xing have followed quickly in their footsteps to provide the business friendly social network opportunities.
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Nearly half of all employees claim to feel fear at work

A recent survey of 4,400 UK companies by The Curve Group has found that 45 per cent of employees are less likely to put their head above the parapet at work for fear of losing their jobs.
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Working together is the key to outsourcing success

Building an effective cross-functional team is a key factor in successfully outsourcing services, according to Efficio.
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Public sector finance professionals remain positive after CSR

Almost two-thirds of public sector finance professionals have a positive vision of their organisation’s future after the government’s Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR), a survey by Version One has revealed.
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Report reveals 48 per cent increase in fake universities

A report into the growth of fake universities and accreditations has revealed an astounding 48 per cent increase worldwide in the number of bogus accreditation bodies in the last year. As the Internet is their primary home it appears that little action is being taken to stop them from helping dishonest candidates deceive unsuspecting employers.
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Stagecoach makes investment in eco-driving technology

Stagecoach has announced a multimillion-pound investment in a hi-tech eco-driving system for its bus operations in Scotland, England and Wales.
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Government outlines plans to protect green energy scheme

Proposals to reduce the financial support available to larger scale solar-produced electricity have been published by the government as part of plans to protect financial support for homes, communities and small businesses.
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UK manufacturers encouraged to celebrate innovative successes

EEF, the manufacturing institute, is calling on UK businesses to share their manufacturing and engineering successes and gain national recognition by entering its annual awards scheme.
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MOD procurement condemned as “cycle of failure”

Soldiers lives have been risked and billions of pounds wasted due to the inefficiencies of the UK Ministry of Defence’s procurement programme, according to a committee of MPs.
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Carbon footprinting standard to be updated

PAS 2050, the world’s first standard to help businesses measure the carbon footprint of their goods and services, is to be updated and revised two years after it was first published.
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UK businesses failing to train staff on environment

Fewer than 25% of employees in the UK have received any training or advice on how to lessen their organisation’s environmental impact, according to the latest research from the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health.
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Recession results in dramatic drop in UK CO2 emissions

The amount of greenhouse gases produced by the UK dropped by 8.7% during 2009 due to the recession, according to figures published today (1 February 2011).
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ISO publishes guidance to ensure quality of standards

The International Organisation for Standardisation has published two new brochures to help ensure that its standards development process practices what it preaches.
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Contaminated exports endanger global food safety

The export of eggs and pork contaminated with a toxic chemical compound from Germany has put global food safety back in the spotlight.
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UK product recalls reach record high in 2010

Chinese-made goods accounted for 62% of the record number of consumer products recalled in the UK last year, according to research by London law firm Reynolds Porter Chamberlain.
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Health and safety fears at UK prisons

A riot on New Year's Day at a prison in West Sussex has sparked health and safety concerns for UK prison officers, who fear more riots are inevitable due to budget cuts.
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Western labels criticised over Bangladesh factory fires

Labour rights organisations have accused western brands of failing to push for improved safety conditions in factories in Bangladesh, following a fire that killed 26 workers last week.
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MoD inefficiencies waste £6bn a year

The UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) is wasting £6bn each year and putting lives at risk due to its inefficient and bureaucratic processes, according to an investigation by the Times.
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60% cut in UK emissions ‘achievable’

The UK can cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 60% over the next 20 years but only if the country’s energy sector is totally overhauled and consumers embrace hybrid cars according to a new report.
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Crisis not over at Toyota

Toyota has agreed to repair a further 650,000 Prius cars just days after its quality chief admitted the firm was not yet out of its quality crisis.
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First data protection fines issued

Hertfordshire County Council has been fined £100,000 for serious breaches of the Data Protection Act; one of the first such penalties to be issued by the UK’s Information Commissioner.
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Rolls Royce to replace engines after A380 fire

Rolls Royce is working with airlines to replace a faulty engine module that caused an Airbus A380 engine to catch fire mid-flight in November.
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Rolls Royce to replace engines after A380 fire

Rolls Royce is working with airlines to replace a faulty engine module that caused an Airbus A380 engine to catch fire mid-flight in November.
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World Quality Week launches

Organisations all over the world are hosting events celebrating the role of quality in their success for World Quality Week (8 – 12 November 2010) and World Quality Day on 11 November.
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World’s first CSR standard launched

ISO 26000, the long-awaited international standard on corporate social responsibility, was launched yesterday (1 November 2010) at an event in Geneva. In development since 2005, the voluntary guidance standard has been created with the aim of helping organisations of all sizes and sectors to ensure they are working in a socially responsible way.
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ISO 9001 certifications top a million as user survey is launched

More than a million ISO 9001 certifications have been awarded to organisations all over the world, according to the latest figures from the International Organisation for Standardization.
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Hungarian toxic sludge plant re-opens

The Hungarian alumina plant that caused the massive toxic sludge spill that killed nine people has resumed operations.
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UK government wastes billions through inefficiencies

Retail magnate Sir Philip Green has condemned government procurement practices as “shocking” in a review of government spending published yesterday (11 October 2010).
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IOSH hits back at ‘crazy’ safety stories

The Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has hit back at negative comments about health and safety from government advisor Lord Young saying that the 'crazy stories' he referred to were the result of a lack of advice.
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Students help manufacturers save AUS $1.5m

Engineering students in Australia have helped manufacturers to save AUS$1.5m over 12 months through onsite efficiency projects aimed at giving them a greater understanding of the working in industry.
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Advertising Standards Authority expands digital remit

Marketing messages on organisations’ own websites and non-paid-for material on social networks will soon fall under the Advertising Standards Authority.
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Financial auditors criticised over ethics

The quality and ethical practices of the UK’s four largest financial auditing firms have been heavily criticised by an independent watchdog.
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UK oil regulation is superior MPs told

The chief executive of the leading representative body for the UK offshore oil industry has today (7 September 2010) told MPs that UK regulations are “superior” to approaches of other nations and has argued against the creation of a pan-European regulatory body.
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Calls to improve accessibility for London 2012

Ministers are calling on UK companies to improve disability access to their premises ahead of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games by highlighting the possible business benefits.
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UK safety culture ‘a music hall joke’

A review of UK health and safety laws has been announced in order to stop the ‘growth of compensation culture’. Lord Young of Graffham, former trade and industry secretary under Margaret Thatcher, will lead the review aimed at putting ‘commonsense back into health and safety’.
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Immature quality systems threaten information security

Two new surveys have revealed shocking attitudes to quality assurance in IT projects, with 32% of companies admitting that they do not measure the effectiveness of their quality assurance and one in ten IT professionals admitting to cheating to pass audits of their firewall.
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