Clare firms keeping high standards

CLARE companies are alert to the benefit of investing in standards, according to the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI). The latest figures show that 59 Clare based companies are registered to NSAI standards, as they aim to increase their competitive advantage and thrive in key industries.

The NSAI approve a range of standards, including quality, environmental and occupational health and safety.

“Today’s figures prove that Clare based companies see the real benefit in standards and as a result of that benefit they are investing in standards for the future of their businesses. Standards are not always noticeable in everyday life but they are there in the background from the medical devices used in hospitals to the car seat you set-up for the school run,” said Maurice Buckley, CEO, NSAI.

Standards are applied to businesses of all sizes and just some of the Clare companies registered to NSAI standards include: Element Six Ltd., who are registered to Environmental Management Systems (ISO 14001); ARAMARK Ireland, who are registered to Quality Management (ISO 9001) and Banner Alarms Ltd, who are certified to the Security Systems standard (I.S. EN 50131-1).

The most popular standards for Clare companies include:
Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001), with over 31 Clare companies registered to the standard
Environmental Management Systems (ISO 14001) with 6 Clare companies certified to the standard
Security Systems (I.S. EN 50131-1) with 12 Clare companies certified to the standard

“It’s great to see that Clare companies are taking advantage of the wide range of standards available, from Quality Management Systems, which is a system for minimising risk and maximising opportunity, to Environmental Management Systems, which helps organisations identify, manage and control activities that have an environmental impact. More and more SMEs are seeing that without adopting some of the recognised standards for their sector, they are excluded from markets and opportunities, they are losing business, they are limiting growth – and potentially, risking the survival of their business. Standards help grow your business. They help your company to live longer,” said Mr Buckley.