Minister Breen highlights the real business value of investing in standards
Minister Breen says Certification to Standards will be Crucial in Post-Brexit Era
- Minister Pat Breen advises Irish firms to be prepared, as certification to international standards will be crucial in a post-Brexit era
- Ireland exports 80% of its goods, accounting for €112 billion in 2015
- 24 organisations who achieved certification to international business standards in recent weeks were honoured at a special ceremony in Dublin today
The Minister of State with responsibility for Employment and Small Business Pat Breen is advising Irish businesses to operate to the highest quality standards and to consider certification to international standards, in order to remain competitive in a post Brexit era.
Minister Breen’s comments came as 24 organisations from the private, public and SME sectors gathered at NSAI (National Standards Authority of Ireland) offices in Dublin today for a special ceremony marking their achievement in becoming certified to world class standards.
All of the organisations who achieved certification were independently audited by NSAI inspectors in order to ensure they complied with the standards.
They join an elite group of over 3,000 organisations who are currently NSAI certified to a variety of internationally recognised standards such as Quality Management Systems, Environmental Management Systems and Occupational Health and Safety.
Pictured are (L-R) Ciara Higgins, Eastway Global Forwarding; Liam McMunn, Central Bank of Ireland; Mairead Portley, syncreon; Chris Quinlan, Dublin Bus
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Minister Breen highlighted the real business value of investing in standards.
“Ireland is a small country, open economy, exporting 80% of what we produce, so it is extremely important that Irish organisations are competitive and operate to the highest quality standards. Those who buy Irish products and services, not only here at home, but also across the world, expect nothing less.” said Minister Breen.
“Certification to international business standards will be crucial in a post Brexit environment, especially if you are exporting to Britain or tendering for British contracts. It will also give you that competitive edge when seeking opportunities in new markets,” he added.
According to research conducted by Behaviour and Attitudes 88 percent of Irish firms are now using standards within their organisation. That’s 19 per cent more than in 2012.
Of the 250 organisations surveyed, 87 per cent of those certified said they believe independently certified standards offer businesses a competitive edge, while 83% said they believe the application of standards has enabled them to get easier access to international markets. 85% of respondants agreed that multinational firms are more likely to do business with an Irish company that adheres to internationally recognised standards.
“With over 1,500 standards published each year and a vast array of EU regulations to contend with, it can be extremely difficult for organizations to stay abreast of trading requirements, and ways to ensure their businesses remain competitive,” said Maurice Buckley, Chief Executive of NSAI.
“That’s why NSAI is here to help. As Ireland’s economy recovers and companies look to expand, NSAI has the technical knowledge to provide your firm with information and expertise to ensure your company not only has a more cost-effective way of complying with regulations and standards, but also is more equipped to grow and secure more tender opportunities,” he added.
NSAI invites members of the business community and the general public to get involved in the development of standards by visiting Your Standards, Your Say on www.nsai.ie. All standards are also available from www.standards.ie
For further information, visit NSAI.ie or follow us on Twitter @NSAI_Standards
Full list of companies certified at today’s NSAI certification ceremony;
- Aalto Bio Reagents Ltd, Dublin 14
- Abbott Diagnostic Longford
- Airpacks Ltd, Cavan
- Auto Air Conditioning Ltd, Meath
- Balfour Beatty Rail Ireland, Dublin and Kildare
- Berendsen, Cork
- Central Bank of Ireland, Dublin 1
- Collen Construction, Dublin 3
- Drumderry Aggregate Ltd, Wexford
- Dublin Bus –Procurement Department, Dublin 7
- Eastway Global Forwarding Ltd, Limerick
- Excel Electrical, Kilkenny
- Gilmore Clarke Electrical Ltd, Cavan
- Iarnród Éireann, Dublin 8
- Label Tech, Dublin 9
- McNally Handy and Partners, Dublin 2
- New Century Engineering Ltd, Co. Dublin
- North Cork Co-Op Creameries Ltd, Cork
- PM Group, Boston
- SDL Portugal Unipessoal Lda.
- SDL USA, Plano, Texas
- Shanette Sheds Ltd, Westmeath
- Smarttech, Cork
- Tipperary County Council (Library Service)
