Given the turmoil surrounding Brexit and the future for UK Businesses, we thought we would look briefly at Brexit and how certifications of ISO standards will be affected. The most popular ISO standards for Businesses are the ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management System), the ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management System), ISO 27001:2013 (Information Security Management) and the recently released ISO 45001:2018 (Occupational Health and Safety Management).

The various certificates held by companies in the UK are based on an International Standard published by the ISO which is not controlled by the EU.  The standard is an Internationally recognised certification, so certification in USA, New Zealand, China, France or the UK is regarded equally acceptable.

Certifications can be invaluable to companies when tendering for new business and can open doors to new markets abroad to win new business. Companies that already have transitioned to the new ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14500:2015 will already have risk registers in place. They will have looked at the impact, if any, Brexit may have. Indeed, many have already considered the “leave or remain” risks and opportunities. Simple things like firming up supply chains and having contingency plans can calm customer worries on what may happen simply by reviewing these more formally in their management systems.

With or without a Brexit deal by having certification you are giving your company a competitive advantage showing third party certification to your systems and procedures. This is a great Business tool to identify risk and improve your position within the global markets. Contact us today if you would like further information regarding Certification for your Business.