Standardization is a vital part of the UK business environment, enabling innovation and facilitating technological change. Standards make an annual contribution of £2.5 billion to the UK economy and account for 13% of the growth in labour productivity.
To ensure that all UK businesses gain the full benefits of standards, BSI can supply:
- any British, European or international standard
- products and services to help businesses use and apply standards
- supporting publications, training and software tools.
BSI British Standards
BSI British Standards is the publisher of the British Standards Institution, offering a wide range of products and services to aid the successful implementation of best practice. It provides access to a portfolio of over 45,000 products, including:
- standards documents
- online and electronic information
- interpretative guides and books
- a seminars and workshop programme.
Customized services include:
- expert help with drafting and delivering private company and consortia standards
- technical advice on import and export regulations and requirements
- assistance with standards collections management
- subscription services.
Introducing a standard
While the support of all employees and company representatives is needed, responsibility for compliance should be assigned to a senior manager. Once the requirements are thoroughly understood, it is wise to produce a ‘gap analysis’, identifying the changes necessary to comply.
Devise a plan that details how your business will achieve compliance. You should aim to achieve full compliance as quickly as possible, because only then will you be able to enjoy the full benefits that standards offer.
Read more about the benefits of standards.
Passing the test
Some companies seek independent verification that they have introduced a standard correctly, while product testing is sometimes necessary to compete in particular markets. This might require buying test equipment, or contacting an independent test organisation.
Visit Sectors and Services to find out more about independent testing.
