Latest News

Don’t let operational efficiency go to waste

In the highly competitive world of waste management, continuity of service is vital for any successful business. Rob Shepherd looks at the role that a Competency Management System (CMS) plays in allowing operators to organise their employees more effectively, and explains how time and money can be saved as a result of certification.
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Economic uncertainty means SMEs have difficulty planning for the future

According to new research commissioned by npower, 57 per cent of the UK's small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are only thinking between six and 12 months ahead. Most of this is due to the uncertain economic climate and income holding them back from making future plans. Despite this, 55 per cent of them wish they could plan further in advance, recognising the benefits of longer-term business strategies.
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Proper consumer targeting is key to green take-up

UK homeowners are being sent inappropriately targeted marketing information across different industries, according to exclusive research from the Energy Saving Trust. A third are receiving junk mail, cold calls, spam emails or calls from salesmen on a daily basis, while 80 per cent are receiving this information at least once a week.
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Industry Apprentice Council (IAC) launched to give learners a voice

Industry apprentices are being given a unique opportunity to add their voice to the national debate on vocational learning.
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Research highlights BYOD dilemma

Organisations that use mobile working services are almost unanimous in their belief that it has brought benefits to their businesses, yet three quarters think that the bring your own device (BYOD) model poses an increased security threat, according to new research from Claranet.
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Clearwater Technology makes OHSAS 18001 certification a liquid asset

The stiff penalties faced by companies that fail to implement processes and procedures to reduce the risk of stakeholder injury have led to greater awareness of OHSAS 18001. Rob Shepherd explains the benefits of integrating this health and safety standard with existing management systems and talks to Clearwater Technology about how it has successfully adopted this approach.
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Riskskill highlights corporate risk hotspots

Leading corporate risk prevention consultancy, Riskskill, has opened the New Year with a list of what it believes are the eight biggest corporate risk hotpots faced by management in 2013 – fraud, cyber crime, social media, the silo mentality, big data, credit risk losses, legal claims, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) issues.
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Electronic cigarettes spark workplace smoking row

The rise in popularity of 'electronic cigarettes' has fuelled workplace smoking rows, according to HR and health and safety expert, Croner.
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More than one in four workers unaware of phishing threat

Research from PhishMe has uncovered the scale of the phishing problem in UK businesses – with more than a quarter (27 per cent) of office workers not knowing what phishing is, yet more than three quarters (78 per cent) responding said that they had never fallen for a phishing attack.
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Global employment survey shows stability in market for professionals and managers

An international survey of almost 17,000 organisations in over 50 countries has found that job markets for professionals and managers around the world appear to be relatively stable.
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Businesses urged to get ready for an open water market

Organisations that run multiple sites need to start analysing water usage data in order to reap the financial benefits that an open market will offer, according to Kyle Duckett, energy savings analyst at IMServe Europe, the UK's largest independent energy management provider.
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New leadership analysis tool lets employees rate management's bottom line performance

Inspiring Business Performance (IBP), a UK management consultancy, has announced the launch of its Leadership Employee Index (LEI) application, an online tool that lets companies measure the impact of a leader's behaviour against likely business success or failure.
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New green measures will push many companies to the financial brink

Many businesses will struggle to afford a three-fold increase in charges to pay for the government's environmental reforms, according to the Energy Advice Line.
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Only 34 per cent of managers that work outside HR believe it should be represented at board level

A survey by Advanced Business Solutions in partnership with SourceforConsulting has revealed that only 34 per cent of business managers that work outside the human resources (HR) function believe that it is critical to have HR representation at board level.
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Keeping Business Moving…

NQA Assessor and BCM Consultant go head2head on the new BCM Standard: ISO 22301
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Forewarned is forearmed

With ISO 14001, ISO 9001 and OHSAS 18001 all set to undergo significant revisions over the next couple of years, keeping up-to-date with any changes to standards can be a confusing and time consuming task. That's why access to reliable sources of information is crucial for keeping abreast of the latest developments, as Rob Shepherd explains.
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Employee Relations Institute launches to address skills gap

An innovative new membership organisation has been created to promote and improve employee and workplace relations in the UK. Underpinned by a programme of professional qualifications from a leading UK Business School and a set of minimum standards, the Employee Relations Institute (ERI) aims to enhance the practical skills and competence of managers and employee representatives in all sizes of employer, across all sectors.
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Protiviti study finds massive gaps in companies’ IT audits and risk assessments

Although companies continue to increase their investment in IT resources, many are not doing enough to protect themselves, according to a new survey from global consulting firm, Protiviti.
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£20m ETI carbon capture project announced

The secretary of state for energy and climate change, Ed Davey, has launched a new technology project which could see up to £20m being invested by the Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) to develop and verify advanced carbon capture technology. The announcement, which was marked by a visit to consortium member Howden Group's global head office and UK factory in Renfrew, could help cut carbon dioxide emissions cut by up to 95 per cent.
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Unilever’s new Open Innovation portal receives over 1,000 ideas after six months

Unilever, one of the world's largest consumer goods manufacturers, has released a new set of challenges to the world's innovation community to help the business deliver on its sustainable growth agenda.
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The NQA Assessor approach to auditing: ISO 14001

For ISO 14001 certified companies a visit from an auditor is often approached with a sense of trepidation. They might have a reputation for being austere and unfriendly but as Rob Shepherd found out from talking to NQA's Richard Walsh, not all auditors are the same.
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Winners of NQA Prizes Announced

Health and Safety practitioners pre-registering to attend Health and Safety Midlands in September and Health and Safety North in October were given the chance to enter prize draws to win either a 32GB iPad 2 or a Blackberry Playbook Tablet, courtesy of NQA. The lucky winners, who were drawn at random after the event, were Karen James, head of health and safety at Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, and Rupert Webster, IMS manager – responsible for building construction health and safety – at Carillion plc.
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NotFound 404 page messages can enhance corporate social responsibility

Missing Children Europe, Child Focus, and the European Federation for Missing and Sexually Exploited Children have instigated the NotFound project, which places pictures and information on the 404 pages that we all see when we search for web pages that have been deleted.
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Businesses accused of ‘passing the buck’ on energy efficiency

Business energy users are missing out on crucial savings because employees and managers frequently 'pass the buck' when it comes to saving energy at work, according to a new survey. Only one in 10 employees acknowledge workplace energy efficiency as their role and most small and medium sized firms have no guidelines on energy efficiency at all.
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One in 10 employees in Europe has missed work due to depression

One in 10 working people surveyed in Europe has taken time off work because of depression, according to a new survey from the European Depression Association.
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Meet the new head of NQA

Mo Ghaus is the new head of NQA. As the previous manager of its international arm Mo has years of experience in the industry. Here we take a look at his aims and visions for NQA and discuss what he believes will be the key issues affecting businesses over the next few years.
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Taking care of business

As one of the nation's leading integrated waste management operators, Biffa provides unrivalled collection, treatment, recycling and energy generation services. The company is also committed to leading the way in stakeholder health and safety which, as Rob Shepherd discovers, is why OHSAS 18001 is at the very heart of its business activities.
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What are the actual benefits of an Energy Management System?

Energy efficiency experts NQA will be at this year's Energy Solutions, 10-11 October at London Olympia, to highlight the benefits of implementing an Energy Management System (EMS) within an organisation.
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Olympic Delivery Authority shares safety secrets at Health and Safety North

One of the most eagerly awaited seminars at Health and Safety North, which takes place at The Reebok Stadium, Bolton on the 10th and 11th of October, is 'The Greatest Show on Earth – Preparing for London 2012', delivered by Lawrence Waterman, Head of Health and Safety, Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA).
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Employers to benefit from launch of new electronic sick notes

Electronically generated sick notes were launched across the UK at the beginning of July. The new electronically generated documents will include the same information as the previous handwritten versions – however, they will have the addElectronically generated sick notes were launched across the UK at the beginning of July. The new electronically generated documents will include the same information as the previous handwritten versions – however, they will have the added benefit of being tamper proof.
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New calls for firms to lock in business electricity prices

The Energy Advice Line has called for small and medium sized firms to seek out and lock into the best available business electricity deals as energy prices become more volatile. The call comes as one of the Big Six suppliers announced a nine per cent energy price rice while another supplier declared a 14 per cent cut in tariffs.
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Norland awareness campaign makes finals of IOSH awards

Norland Managed Services has been announced as a finalist in the 2012 Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) awards.
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‘Trough of disillusionment’ over cloud is nothing new

Disillusionment with cloud computing, as expressed by Gartner's analysts in the firm's latest Hype Cycle Special Report, is not new and dates back at least a year, according to Claranet.
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Jacuzzi: certified to Quality Management Standard ISO 9001

Internationally known for its manufacture of spa baths and hot tubs, Jacuzzi employs some 300 staff at its Bradford head office and manufacturing site. The company is part of Jacuzzi brands worldwide. The UK facility also supplies kitchen sinks, taps and accessories under the Astracast brand for distribution in the UK and export.
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Onwards and upwards with ISO 50001

ISO 50001 certification has been a resounding success for Costa Coffee by helping it to significantly reduce its energy consumption, lower its carbon emissions and save money and resources. Rob Shepherd grabs a cup and finds out how the company is continuing to implement energy management based activities across all areas of its operation.
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CBI claims green or growth is a ‘false choice’

The debate over whether the 'green' economy is a good or a bad thing for UK PLC has been given a positive boost by one of the country's most influential groups.
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Energy issues must be taken out of the plant room and into the boardroom

Power Efficiency has released The Energy Dilemma, a 10 point guide that will help board directors of UK companies understand why they need to take the energy issue out of the plant room and into the boardroom.
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More than half of employees fail to protect their data

A new poll carried out by ComRes has revealed that whilst 71 per cent of employees have been able to see or read what someone is working on over their shoulder, 53 per cent do not always take precautions to protect the private, confidential and sensitive information that they are working on from being overlooked – either in the office or in public places. This is leaving individuals' personal data and organisations' commercially sensitive information vulnerable to theft and abuse.
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Businesses urged to adopt sustainable energy to boost CSR credentials

As the environment is an increasingly prominent issue to both individuals and businesses, choosing sustainable energy for the good of the planet offers a double whammy in terms of benefit to businesses, according to Green Energy UK.
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Workers give 23 extra days a year

The average UK worker now puts in more than three weeks of overtime a year just by answering calls and emails at home, a new study has revealed.
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World energy supplies on an ‘unsustainable path’

In an attempt to refocus attention onto the world's dwindling supply of fossil fuels, the UN Environmental Program (UNEP) has published a dramatic fifth edition of its Global Environmental Outlook. The report says that the world is failing to make any significant progress towards its environmental objectives and is on an 'unsustainable path'.
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Just two per cent plan to buy electric cars in next five years

They may represent our motoring future, but only two per cent of people are likely to buy an electric vehicle (EV) in the next five years according to a new survey by Adrian Flux Insurance Services.
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SMEs must use technology to save costs and increase efficiency

The latest British Chambers of Commerce quarterly survey of 8,000 small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) says that the current pace of activity is too slow for a sustainable recovery. The survey found a small rise in exporting activity among both the service sector and manufacturing firms in the three months to the end of June, however, domestic activity showed little net overall change.
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NQA partner regional Health and Safety 12 events

NQA has become an event partner of the regional Health and Safety events beginning in the Midlands on the 12th and 13th September at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham.
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Glenmorangie beats the dram for ISO 14001 certification

When world famous whisky producer, The Glenmorangie Company, decided to embark on certification to ISO 14001 it saw it as an opportunity to put a strategy in place that could continually improve its environmental management credentials. Rob Shepherd discovers the benefits it has brought the company and why it feels that others should follow its example.
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Leading Scottish organisations take the high road to enhanced environmental management

NQA recently helped three leading Scottish institutions enhance their environmental management credentials by becoming certified to ISO 14001. Rob Shepherd heads north to find out why Edinburgh Zoo, Nairn’s Oatcakes and Glenmorangie decided to embark on this process and the benefits it brings to their operations.
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Productivity stifled by companies overlooking their environmental responsibilities

According to a recent study, companies that don’t take their environmental responsibilities seriously are less likely to benefit from a productive and motivated workforce.
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Managing a healthy ageing workforce is a business imperative

The current downturn is camouflaging the fact that the UK faces a severe skills shortage in the coming decades, and businesses must look after their ageing workforce to fill it. This was the conclusion of a year long study conducted jointly by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and the Scottish Centre for Healthy Working Lives.
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Bring your own device will free employees

Employees should be liberated and given the opportunity to use their own devices at work, according to communications specialist and cloud computing company, Qubic.
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Almost 60 per cent of UK workers will take time out to enjoy major national events this summer

Major national events this summer threaten to disrupt office productivity with almost 60 per cent of UK office workers planning to enjoy the benefits of having a worldwide sporting event on their doorstep. A significant five per cent also admitted they would call in sick to watch their favourite event, according to a new survey by Jabra.
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NQA puts energy management in the spotlight at Sustainabilitylive! 2012

NQA’s expertise in energy management certification took centre stage at the Sustainabilitylive! 2012 event, which took place at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham between 22 - 24 May.
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Lush enlists CloudApps to help report on sustainability

Lush is known for its efforts to campaign on environmental issues and to reduce its environmental impact in product design, manufacturing and selling. It has now chosen CloudApps as its sustainable software provider to help organise data collection and improve reporting.
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Being green doesn’t mean higher electricity costs

During recent discussions at the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) Meeting in London, David Cameron commented that green energy will be ‘cheap within years’.
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Northern Ireland's largest pig farmer given record corporate manslaughter fine

Robert Wilson died on a pig farm owned by JMW Farms at Tynan, County Armagh, on 15th November 2010. Wilson was washing the inside of the large metal bin that was being carried by a forklift. When the bin was being moved away he jumped on to the side of the bin, it toppled and he fell to the ground, with the container landing on top of him. The forklift, a replacement for the normal machine that was undergoing servicing, had forks that did not correspond with the position of sleeves on the 200kg bin designed to prevent it from falling.
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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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