As a manufacturing business, you know how vital QMS's are to helping you stand out in the market place. From British Retail Consortium (BRC) to Safe and Local Supplier Approval (SALSA ), if you want to access high-end supply chains your business needs to meet these standards. With over one million businesses in 170 countries certified, ISO 9001 is arguably the most recognisable of all standards, which is why it is vital if you want to compete.

What is ISO 9001 and why is it important? 

The ISO 9001 standard is the internationally recognised assurance of quality management systems, enabling businesses to be more efficient and improve customer satisfaction. The certification gives your customers confidence that you can provide consistently quality products, via a compliant and systematic approach to quality management. 

The change from the 2008 to the 2015 accreditation is needed as businesses continue to navigate more complex supply chains and respond to a more knowledgeable and demanding customer base which is able to access more and more data about you. 

What are the differences between ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 9001:2015? 

1. ISO 9001:2015 will now follow the same ‘High-Level Structure’ as other ISO management system standards, which is helpful for businesses with multiple certifications or sector quality standards, including automotive and aerospace.
2. The focus is less prescriptive and firmly on processes rather than documented procedures and records.
3. The new certification will give more prominence to ‘risk-based thinking’ and will employ the manufacturing principle ‘Plan-Do-Check-Act’.

There is funding available to help you do this 

The cost of implementing ISO 9001: 2015 is not a simple tick-box exercise. Not only does it require you to develop or improve your internal processes and procedures, but crucially you need a plan to roll this out to your workforce in order to pass the assessment and ensure quality across the board.

Manufacturers in the North West of England can access grant funding through the Manufacturing Growth Fund in order to meet this challenge. The grant offers 30% of the project cost to help manage the expense of this and, in addition, a specialist manufacturing advisor will work with you to ensure this investment is right for your business and help you to find the best provider to deliver the project.

If your business is reliant on ISO 9001 in order to access new supply chains or retain your existing client base get in touch today and find out how the Manufacturing Growth Fund can help you.

Visit the website to find out how to access the Manufacturing Growth Fund or contact the GC Business Growth Hub on 0161 359 3050 to find out more.

For more information on moving from ISO 9001:2008 to ISO 9001: 2015 visit the ISO website.