Architecture PLB

Director, Nick Mirchandani, responsible for overseeing implementation of the ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, explained the importance of maintaining formal Quality and Environmental Management Systems in their industry:

“Quality and environmental assurance are standard questions in completing PQQs when bidding for projects. It’s generally not essential to be ISO certified but evidencing good practice is difficult, time-consuming and risks being marked down in evaluation. Certification helps to make our bid process more efficient and effective.”

A PQQ is a questionnaire that suppliers or contractors must complete when bidding for work, applying for an approved supplier list, or when applying for an accreditation scheme. They’re very common in the public sector, but are sometimes used for private sector tenders too.

ISO 9001 certification, in particular, enables organisations like Architecture PLB to meet the ‘Quality’ requirements stipulated by PQQs – therefore saving valuable time and resources in proving credentials and omitting duplication in repeat submissions.

In fact, 30% of the British Assessment Bureau’s ISO 9001 clients started tenders as a primary motivator in seeking the certification, and a further 44% found that they won business as a direct result of achieving certification.

Having researched the competition, Nick told us why he favoured the British Assessment Bureau:

“We considered and interviewed a number of Auditors. Having developed our Quality Management Systems for some years, but never having quite got it ready for ISO certification, we were looking for an external body to assist us in getting ‘past the post’. We felt that BAB had the kind of people we could work with and who would assist us in the process.”

BAB first conducted a conformity assessment and delivered a detailed report describing all of the required actions prior to the formal Audit. The British Assessment Bureau’s uncomplicated approach worked well for Architecture PLB.

“BAB de-mystified the process for us and helped us through its subtleties.”

Once Architecture PLB are ready for their formal Audits, their Lead Auditor makes the required arrangements for the Audit to take place. Nick commented:

“Audits have been straightforward and efficient. Discussions and actions arising have helped us to improve our systems and their implementation.”

Certification to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 has made the bidding process for new projects more straightforward and efficient for Architecture PLB. It also provides a thorough review of operating processes.

Nick explained how implementing and maintaining both standards has helped the business externally:

“Externally, it means we can tick the ‘Quality Assurance’ and ‘Environmental Assurance’ boxes when bidding.”

Architecture PLB have also benefited internally, as Nick continued to comment on the improvements they’re making:

“Internally, it has helped us to consider and improve how and why we do everything.”

Since 1969, we’ve been helping organisations stand out with our assessment and training services. Today, we are an award-winning Certification Body, we have certified thousands to the ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 27001 and OHSAS 18001 internationally recognised standards; achieving an average 99% recommendation rating.