What Does ISO Mean?
ISO stands for the International Organisation for Standardisation. It develops internationally recognised standards to ensure high-quality products and services, enhance health and safety procedures, and promote eco-friendly practices.
Why Do Businesses Need ISO Standards?
ISO certification provides a structured framework that helps businesses improve efficiency, meet legal requirements, and gain a competitive edge. Each ISO standard offers different benefits depending on your industry and business goals.
While some companies require specific certifications, ISO 9001 (Quality Management) is widely beneficial across all industries and is highly recommended.
Key ISO Standards and Their Benefits:
ISO 9001 – Quality Management
✅ Ensures product and service consistency
✅ Enhances customer satisfaction
✅ Increases success in winning tenders
✅ Identifies and mitigates business risks
ISO 14001 – Environmental Management
✅ Reduces waste and operational costs
✅ Improves energy efficiency
✅ Strengthens company reputation
✅ Ensures compliance with environmental legislation
ISO 45001 – Health and Safety Management
✅ Helps meet legal health and safety requirements
✅ Identifies and reduces workplace risks
✅ Improves employee well-being and reduces absenteeism
✅ Enhances corporate reputation
ISO 27001 – Information Security Management
✅ Protects sensitive data from breaches
✅ Reduces downtime in case of security incidents
✅ Ensures compliance with GDPR and other regulations
ISO 22301 – Business Continuity Management
✅ Safeguards company assets and operations
✅ Reduces downtime in the event of an incident
✅ Minimises financial losses by managing risks effectively
Accredited vs. Unaccredited ISO Certification: What’s the Difference?
Accredited ISO certification is issued by a UKAS-accredited certification body. This ensures that the auditing process meets strict quality and impartiality standards.
Unaccredited certification does not go through the same rigorous checks, meaning there is no guarantee that the assessment was conducted correctly. While some organisations offer unaccredited certifications, they do not hold the same credibility and may not be recognised by key stakeholders, clients, or government bodies.
How Much Does ISO Certification Cost?
The cost of ISO certification depends on:
✔ The size of your business (number of employees and locations)
✔ The complexity of your operations
✔ The specific ISO standard(s) being implemented
Although certification requires an initial investment, it delivers a strong return on investment (ROI) through cost savings, risk reduction, and increased business opportunities.
Getting Started With ISO
If you want to receive the benefits which ISO certification supplies, get a Free Quote with us.
