Why Small Businesses Should Get ISO or PAS Certified

While these certifications can often be associated with larger enterprises, you’ll also find that they offer significant advantages to smaller businesses as well. 



Read on to find out why, if you’re an SME, you should consider achieving certification.

1. Enhanced credibility and reputation

Both ISO and PAS certifications are globally recognised standards that show a business’s commitment to quality, safety, and efficiency. When a small business achieves certification, it instantly enhances its credibility. Customers, partners, and stakeholders view certified companies as more reliable and professional, which can lead to increased trust and more business opportunities.

2. Improved quality and consistency

Standards require businesses to implement processes and procedures that are designed to ensure consistent quality in their products and services. By adhering to these standards, small businesses can significantly reduce errors, duplication and improve overall efficiency. This not only leads to higher customer satisfaction but also minimises waste and operational costs, ideally contributing to better financial performance.

3. Competitive advantage

In many industries, certification can often be seen as a prerequisite for doing business or creating partnerships. Small businesses that implement and follow standards can gain a competitive edge over those that do not. It opens doors to new markets and allows businesses to bid for contracts and tenders that require certified suppliers. 

4. Enhanced customer satisfaction

A core principle of the majority of ISO standards is a focus on ‘customer satisfaction’. By achieving certification small businesses are better equipped to understand and meet customer needs. Continuous improvement processes mandated by these standards also ensure that an organisation is able to consistently deliver high-quality products and services with the aim of creating customer loyalty and positive brand recognition.

5. Better risk management

Standards require organisations to identify potential risks and implement steps to mitigate them. This proactive approach to risk management helps small businesses better prepare to handle unexpected challenges. It leads to more stable and sustainable operations, which is crucial for long-term success.

6. Employee engagement and efficiency

Achieving ISO certification is something that should involve the entire organisation. It requires input and collaboration from all levels of staff. This engagement fosters a culture of quality and continuous improvement. Employees are more likely to be motivated and committed when they see their efforts contributing to the company’s success. Clear processes and defined roles also lead to increased efficiency and job satisfaction.

7. Compliance with regulations

Many industries have regulatory requirements that businesses must comply with. ISO and PAS certification/verification help small businesses ensure they are meeting these legal and regulatory requirements, reducing the risk of penalties. Staying compliant not only protects the business but also builds trust with both regulators and customers.

8. Global recognition

Because ISO certifications are recognised worldwide, SMEs that have achieved them are more easily able to expand internationally and therefore discover new markets. It demonstrates to international customers and partners that the business adheres to globally accepted standards.

9. Sustainable Growth

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in today’s business environment and NQA understand the importance and impact that it has on organisations of every size.. ISO and PAS standards often include elements that promote environmental responsibility and sustainable practices. By achieving certification, small businesses can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, attracting eco-conscious customers and partners, and contributing to long-term, sustainable growth.

What do the experts at NQA say?

“Attaining ISO accreditation can set a SME apart from its competitors, its often a belief that ISO standards are too complex for SME’s to relate to. If you speak to someone who can help you, such as a colleague at NQA or a consultant, you’ll probably find that it’s not as daunting as originally expected and certification will benefit your organisation in multiple ways.” Claire Harling, Regional Assessor.

“It is important for every organisation to be effective & efficient. Especially smaller organisations. Resources will be limited so ensuring you utilise your resources to maximum effect is very important.  An efficient management system can help you to achieve this and having a certified management system will ensure that, on a regular basis your management system is tested, via a value adding audit, to ensure not only compliance but also to help you identify opportunities for improvement and mitigate risks, which will give you an even bigger bang for your buck.” Martin Little, Field Operations Manager.

“Small businesses are just as at risk from cyber-security threats as large organisations. Holding ISO 27001certification ensures that a tried and tested framework is in place to help you identify and mitigate incidents and puts out the message to your business partners that you take the issue seriously." Matt Barker, InfoSec and Privacy Certification Manager.

“Try not to overthink things. ISO standards are designed for all sizes of organisations, so don’t feel like you will not be able to meet requirements. You can meet the requirements in a way which adds value to your business and make the standards work for you.” Maria Constable - Food & Medical Devices Certification Manager.

“With any organisation whether small or multi-national, the implementation of any ISO standard is designed to improve your company. Having an ISO certification will add value to any organisation through continual improvements.” Clare Braham, Regional Assessor.

“Certification of a management system will support and assist an SME in product or service delivery and can help prevent bottle necks in process and the creation of undue pressure on individuals.” Terry Fisher, Occupational Health and Safety Principal Assessor.

“When looking specifically at my area of expertise, medical devices, the main thing I’d say is that in the UK the industry is seeing more interest from regulators and medical device manufacturers to have their key suppliers for components to be ISO 13485 certified to demonstrate compliance. If you want to be able to tender for all business and set yourself apart, certification is the way forward.” Tam Rowell, Regional Assessor.

Conclusion

Obtaining ISO or PAS certification may seem like a daunting process for small businesses, but the benefits far outweigh the challenges. From enhancing credibility and competitive advantage to improving quality, customer satisfaction, and risk management, these certifications provide a solid foundation for growth and success. 
For small businesses aiming to thrive in a competitive market, certification is a worthwhile investment that can lead to substantial rewards.

By prioritising quality and continuous improvement, SMEs can not only meet but exceed customer expectations, ensuring their place in the market for years to come.


Ready to make the first step towards certification and success? Get in touch with our team.


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