Don’t just take our word that we’re good at what we do. Have a look at our real case studies to see how we have delivered real business benefits to our clients.
PROJECT 1
Ongoing support to achieve speedy accreditation in the healthcare sector
The challenge: Spectrum Regulatory Services help companies in the healthcare sector – including pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers – meet mandatory regulations. They were preparing for ISO 9001 accreditation and asked us to undertake a Gap Analysis to identify where they were meeting the standard and where they needed to concentrate their resources.
The solution: Our Gap Analysis demonstrated that Spectrum Regulatory Services had been approaching the process from a regulatory perspective, rather than a quality analysis. We were able to explain to them how they needed to develop their quality management system to meet the standard. Over the next few months the client was contacted several times by the regulatory body; they were able to call us a sounding point to make sure they had understood the communication correctly and were still on track with developing an appropriate quality process.
The benefits: The client gained a better understanding of Quality Management Systems and achieved speedy accreditation at the first attempt.
Services supplied:
- QMS Gap Analysis
- QMS consultancy
- Problem solving
Testimonial
We engaged Ian Edwards to guide us through the process of obtaining ISO 9001:2008 certification. Ian was quick to understand the nature of our business and his deep experience was evident in the advice he gave and the way in which he got us thinking about our approach to quality management. After the initial consultation he remained close to us and was always ready to clarify issues and answer questions. He provided practical help with the logistics of the application and on stage 1 day he got in touch to wish us luck. We are now well on the way to obtaining certification, thanks to the professional and friendly service provided by Ian. I would not hesitate to approach him on any quality issue, nor to recommend his services. He is a true asset. Many thanks again Ian!
Angela Gisby, March 2013
PROJECT 2
Comprehensive QMS consultancy improves customer experience
The challenge: Grafton Services are a family run cleaning firm. They had commissioned independent Gap Analyses to help them prepare for ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, but were not able to interpret the results. They employed us to steer them through accreditation for both standards.
The solution: We provided a comprehensive service to explain the standards, where they were near the mark and where they needed to improve to achieve the benchmark. As well as providing full QMS consultancy, we prepared their documents, helped them develop their Key Performance Indicators, carried out their internal audits and ran training sessions so managers and staff could embrace the standards and contribute towards achieving it.
The benefits: The company developed a comprehensive Quality Management System that enabled it to improve its understanding of its processes and refine them to deliver a better, more consistent customer experience that met the customers’ requirements. They achieved both ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 accreditation at the first attempt, enabling them to demonstrate to customers their commitment to quality and the environment.
Services supplied:
- QMS Gap Analysis
- QMS set up
- QMS consultancy
- QMS maintenance
- Document writing
- KPI development
- Internal auditing
- Quality training
- Attended assessments
Testimonial
Grafton Services originally took Mr. Ian Edwards on to be our advisor when applying for ISO 9001 and 14001 because from the first instance he seemed like a kind, genuine and honest person and we were happy to work with someone who’s character shone through to achieve these standards.
Over these two years, whilst working with Ian on a close contact basis, we have found that not only our original assumptions of him were true but we found many more qualities such as determination, drive and perseverance, which have helped to accomplish ISO 9001 and work towards 14001. All these aspects allow the whole company to feel more confident in achieving and maintaining these standards.
The service Ian provides is always executed on time and found to be of a very high standard. He has not only helped us with regards to our standards but also he has put us in contact with some highly trusted contacts when we have needed their services.
I feel that he has also educated and inspired us with all his knowledge and past experiences in various business sectors.
All in all I can say that we are extremely happy to have decided to take on Mr. Ian Edwards as our advisor and we have not only found ourselves a long term business partner but a true friend as well.
Joanne Voychick, December 2011
PROJECT 3
Double accreditation with no non-compliances wins new customers
The challenge: Specialist supplier of laboratory products, Triple Red, were pursuing simultaneous ISO 9001 and ISO 17025 accreditation, however they were starting from a point that was significantly below the requirements of the standards.
The solution: We provided a Gap Analysis to establish Triple Red’s starting point and then worked with them to develop their Quality Management System and documentation, managing their accreditation tendering process and running training sessions for the sales team so they could understand the benefits of accreditation.
The benefits: First-time accreditation with no non-compliances led immediately to improved customer service and success in winning new tenders.
Services supplied:
- QMS Gap Analysis
- QMS consultancy
- Accreditation tendering
- Document preparation
- Quality training
Testimonial
We instructed Ian to act as a consultant to guide us through gaining accreditation to ISO 9001 and ISO 17025 standards in 2010. The knowledge and expertise of ISO ‘lingo’ that Ian offered can only be remarked as being ‘priceless’. Ian quickly got to grips with how our business runs and worked alongside us to write our QMS to achieve accreditation with absolutely ZERO non-conformances which is virtually unheard of!
We are very happy with our new systems and have already started to reap the benefits in providing stronger levels of customer service and our success in winning tenders within our market has increased substantially with ISO accreditation in place.
We would strongly recommend Havard to any business looking to gain ISO accreditation.
Leanne Halson, January 2011
PROJECT 4
Outdated Quality Management System revised to meet new standards
The challenge: Office supply company Colvin had been ISO 9001 accredited for 15 years. During that time, the standard had been updated twice, but their assessor had not informed them. When she left, they were failed by the new assessor.
The solution: We worked with the company to upgrade and re-write their documentation and processes to comply to with the revised standard.
The benefits: Improved documents and procedures enabled Colvin to gain re-accreditation at the first attempt.
Services supplied:
- QMS Gap Analysis
- QMS consultancy
- Document preparation
- Quality training
Testimonial
We called upon Ian’s services to upgrade and re-write our entire ISO9001 certification. We found Ian to have a vast knowledge of the requirements needed to upgrade our Quality and Procedure manuals. What Ian produced exceeded our expectations. We have no hesitation in recommending Ian for any quality consultancy requirements you may have.
Gary Streets, March 2010
PROJECT 5
Freelance auditing services enable private accreditation firm to work eco standard
The challenge: Probus Sigma, a Portugese finance company, was authorised to provide accreditation for private voluntary carbon standard 14065, set up after the Kyoto protocol to certify projects designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But they didn’t have an accredited quality auditor to assess the projects.
The solution: We provided auditing services on a freelance basis to enable them to work the standard.
The benefits: The client was able to fulfil its remit by being able to call upon a reliable, flexible, cost-effective, qualified freelance auditor with the necessary scientific qualifications.
Services supplied:
Testimonial
At Probus Sigma Lda, we provide technical services for some of the leading Standard owners and developers in the world; quality, accuracy and on-time delivery are the benchmarks that have enabled our business to grow at over 100% annually. We have benefited from our association with Havard Quality Systems.
We have found Havard Quality Systems, flexible, and cost efficient. We look forward to HQS being part of the Probus Sigma Technical Team on into the future.
Chris Yates-Smith, June 2009
PROJECT 6
Quality documentation enables security firm to make key suppliers’ list
The challenge: Beacon Security required quality documentation to make it onto the preferred suppliers’ list for a large contractor on Canary Wharf. Their quality manager had tried three times – and failed three times – to create the required documentation.
The solution: We visited the company on a Thursday and discussed their requirements. We worked on their documentation and their tender document over the weekend so that by the Monday they had all the documents they needed. By the end of the week they were a preferred supplier for a major new client.
The benefits: After three failed attempts, the company made it onto the preferred suppliers’ list for a major new client in one working week.
Services supplied:
- Document preparation
- Tender preparation
PROJECT 7
QMS consultancy enables pharmacy to become first in the UK to gain ISO 9001 accreditation
The challenge: A pharmacy in Littlehampton wanted to achieve ISO 9001 accreditation – something that had never been done in the UK before.
The solution: We provided a thorough Quality Management System consultancy, from initial Gap Analysis, through accreditation tendering to document preparation and internal auditing. As part of our review of their processes we suggested innovative solutions to ensure consistent standards and remove the margin for error. For example, the pharmacy works a lot with local care homes: we introduced a photo identification system, whereby a picture of the patient the drugs had been prescribed for was printed on all the paperwork and the drug packaging, making it easier for carers to ensure the medication was given to the right resident.
The benefits: The pharmacy became the first in the UK to achieve ISO 9001 accreditation, enabling it to demonstrate the quality of its services to customers and potential new clients.
Services supplied:
- QMS Gap Analysis
- QMS set up
- QMS consultancy
- Document preparation
- Accreditation tendering
- Internal audits
PROJECT 8
Quality training and consultancy help Lebanese laboratories widen their horizons
The challenge: Private laboratories in the Lebanon need quality accreditation to enable them to compete effectively within the European market, but the state lacks a history of quality certification.
The solution: We were invited to run a five-day training mission to provide an awareness of the requirements of ISO 17025 for nine testing and calibrating laboratories as part of an ongoing EU-funded project. The positive feedback from the delegates in Beirut meant we were invited back to run the same training course again to make it available to other delegates, as well as a new training mission on how to carry out internal audits. We have now begun providing QMS consultancy for 4 of the private laboratories, assessing their progress and helping them develop their project and action plans so they reach the standard. We have also been invited to provide QMS consultancy and training for the not-for-profit Institut de Recherche Industrielle on ISO standards 17020 and 17021.
The benefits: All delegates acquired a good understanding of the requirements of the standard and have started implementation projects towards achieving ISO 17025, a business essential if they are going to compete effectively within a wider market. Our on-going support through QMS consultancy is enabling them to implement effective procedures and documentation, raising standards and consistency across their operations.
Services supplied:
- Quality training
- Internal auditing training
- QMS consultancy: ISO 17025, 17020 and 17021
Testimonial
I have gotten to know Ian, as an expert in Quality Management, while he was providing a number of training sessions in Quality Management and ISO 17025 accreditation for the team of Oil Installations Laboratories in Lebanon.
Ian is an excellent trainer. He has professional credentials and credibility of the trainer. His excellent command of the subject of quality management and ISO 17025, his clear way of conveying the message, in a simplified but interesting way, and his great communication skills has made the training an enjoyable experience for the whole team.
Ian has a pleasant personality to top it all and a great deal of knowledge on many other subjects.
I highly recommend the work of Ian, both as a trainer and a consultant…
Dima Haydar, Director at Tripoli and Zahrani Oil Installations
June 2014
Testimonial
Ian is an extremely effective communicator with a keen understanding of the quality systems and specially ISO 17025.
I had the pleasure to attend many trainings that he delivered and I appreciate fis outstanding presentation skills. Each of his presentations demonstrates his depth of understanding, his clarity and his teaching skills along with an entertaining charisma…
Gloria Hanna, Quality and New Product Development Manager Zahle Chamber of Commerce
May 2014
PROJECT 9
Quality management expertise helps new Lebanese standards institution develop national framework
The challenge: Libnor has been set up as the National Standards Institution in Lebanon, yet it lacks the expertise to define standards or assess a suitable accrediting body for its own certification.
The solution: We are providing ongoing consultancy to help Libnor develop their national standards and create a domestic kite-mark scheme. Part of the process is to find an international accrediting body to verify the standards Libnor creates: we are applying our international accreditation and tendering expertise to identify the most suitable body
The benefits: Libnor is getting the assistance it needs to develop a framework that will enable it to run effective national standards across all products and services to improve the experience for Lebanese customers and give domestic companies the chance to compete more effectively in the global market.
Services supplied:
- Quality standard development
- Document preparation
- Finding appropriate international accreditation body
Testimonial
have worked with Ian over the last year and during that time Ian has delivered four very successful training courses and undertaken a number of consultancy assignments. Ian’s work has also been very good, he has proved to be a very good technical trainer who has the ability to clarify and explain the most difficult concepts, in a very easily understood way. I have no hesitation in recommending Ian…
Richard Collyer, Resident Adviser, Contracted to BSI for a Twinning Project
June 2014
