SBS gains ISO 9001 accreditation

Smith Brothers Stores are proud to announce we have been awarded ISO 9001:2015 certification in Quality Management systems.

In order to achieve this globally recognised award, SBS have actively demonstrated our quality management systems and high levels of quality customer service comply with the certifications criteria.

What is ISO 9001?

ISO 9001 is the internationally recognised Quality Management System (QMS) standard that can benefit any size organisation.

The accreditation is key for any organisation seeking to monitor and improve quality whilst consistently meeting their customers’ requirements. It provides us and our customers with evidence that we have all the standards in place to achieve internationally recognised accreditations and best practices.

The benefits of ISO 9001 

The internal benefits of our ISO 9001 Certification include the following:

  • Increased efficiency.
  • A factual approach to decision making.
  • Better supplier relationships.
  • Improved customer satisfaction.
  • Greater employee morale.

Why go for ISO 9001?

Despite Smith Brothers previously having quality assurances in place, it was important as a fast-growing business to review our existing policies and procedures, so we could implement improvements where necessary. 

We also wanted to commit ourselves further to our customers so they can be sure that when they deal with Smith Brothers Stores, they are dealing with industry excellence.

The journey

Last April, our ISO task force, led by SBS Quality Manager Dale Vincent, began to work with BSi guidance to thoroughly inspect the business’s existing policies and procedures, ensuring that what is written in our practices are followed and aligns with the certifications criteria.

The next few months would consist of a companywide effort. Gaining feedback and making improvements wherever necessary in preparation for our stage 1 & 2 audits. We are delighted to have passed the audits with flying colours, having officially gained the accreditation on the 22nd of March, less than a year on from when we began the journey.

ISO 14001:2015

Our journey does not stop there, as Dale and the team have already begun preparing to acquire and retain ISO 14001:2015 accreditation.

Focussing on Environmental Management systems, this certification will further help SBS to achieve the intended outcomes of our environmental goals, which will provide added value to the environment, the business and other interested parties. The intended results of achieving ISO 14001:2015 includes the following:

  • The enhancement of our environmental performance
  • Fulfilment of our environmental compliance obligations
  • achievement of environmental objectives