Case Study: Apex Holdings
Apex is a construction and development company operating in the private, public and insurance sectors, as well as developing residential and mixed schemes. Apex specialise in fit out refurbishment and maintenance and have twice featured in the Sunday Times Fast Track 100.
In a bid to reduce the environmental impact of its activities and drive out inefficiencies, Apex has achieved and continues to maintain an impressive trio of certifications to three key management system standards: ISO 9001 (quality management), ISO 14001 (environmental management), and OHSAS 18001 (occupational health and safety management).
Why ISO certification?
Many of BAB’s customers choose to combine their management system standards. OHSAS 18001 is designed to be compatible with standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 27001 (Information Security). All or any combination of these complementary standards can be integrated seamlessly. They share many principles, so choosing an integrated management system can provide outstanding value for money.
Stewart Thornton, Health, Safety and Environmental Manager at Apex, is responsible for providing guidance on policy and procedures on all safety related issues for the company. Stewart explains the benefits and importance of maintaining a formal management system in his industry, “These standards provide a framework which ensures a clear, transparent and cohesive system that is easy to follow and implement. Our certification sends a clear message to our clients that we are professional and accountable in everything we do.”
Why BAB?
BAB believe it is essential to work with their clients as a true partner. Their maxim ‘without fear or favour’ typifies their ethical approach to such partnerships; they will never allow the fear of consequences or the promise of favour to influence their professional judgement. Stewart tells us his experience, “I had used BAB before [in a previous company] and found them to be very helpful - before, during, and after certification. The relationship with BAB is more of a partnership, rather than client and provider.”
The certification process
BAB undertakes an initial gap-analysis, to assess an
organisation’s readiness for certification. The organisation is
then provided with a detailed pre-audit assessment report and is
required to work through any required actions. Stewart says of
this process, “A first class service from
the first meeting with our Lead Assessor, through to the visit
from the Auditor, who I must say is excellent in the way he goes
about his job. There were no problems, just solutions.”
Once an organisation is ready for a formal Audit Assessment,
a Lead Assessor will make the required arrangements for the
Audit to take place. Stewart says, “The
audits were very good and extremely helpful. The tips and
suggestions will certainly ensure that all future surveillance
visits are less stressful.”
Benefits of implementation
Successful organisations recognise that their quality and its assurance are most credible when validated by a respected third party. The benefits include a more motivated workforce, less re-work and increased client satisfaction. Our clients tell us that gaining certification can also help to access external finance, qualify for tenders and set them apart from competitors. Stewart says, “A robust system that anybody can follow, which is allied to opportunities to tender for more work with selective clients. Achieving certification has certainly opened up more business opportunities for the company.”
Contact
Clare Tiley
The British Assessment Bureau
Research and Analysis Manager