is the online magazine of BSI Group, highlighting the vital role that standards play in today's business environment by helping organizations improve quality, save money, reduce risk and be more sustainable. Features include interviews with leading business figures, as well as news on the latest developments in management systems, standards, testing, healthcare and certification.
Start your engines
30 Jan 2009
Topics: Automotive, PAS 125, Kitemark®, Thatcham
More than 200 bodyshops in the UK have now achieved the Thatcham BSI Kitemark after Mill Lane Accident Repair Group in Aldershot and D Walton Ltd in Manchester both achieved certification.
This Kitemark scheme is the result of a collaboration between BSI and Thatcham, the motor insurance repair research centre and repairers. It was created as a consequence of the growing complexities involved in crash repair, as well as changing materials and manufacturing practices. Vehicle body repair companies have been under increasing pressure to keep up with changes and the Thatcham BSI Kitemark scheme was designed to help. To qualify, vehicle body repair companies must prove that they conform to a range of standards including skills, repair methods, equipment and materials. They are assessed by BSI inspectors and must meet stringent benchmarks in order to achieve Kitemark status.
"We worked hard for this but it has been well worth the commitment, time and money," says Derrick Walton, director of D Walton Ltd. "There is no doubt that having the Kitemark is giving the company an advantage in terms of our growing reputation. In addition, having both manufacturer approval and the Kitemark has opened more doors to business that we were previously excluded from."
"We're already seeing benefits from having the Kitemark including qualifying for the approval of repairing vehicles for the Hampshire Police Constabulary," adds Tony Rimmel, director of Mill Lane Accident Repair Group.
For more information on Automotive Kitemark: www.bsigroup.com/jan09automotive
Business Standards © 2010. Editorial produced by Caspian Publishing in association with The British Standards Institution. Editorial opinions expressed on are not necessarily those of BSI Group or Caspian Publishing. Neither Caspian Publishing nor BSI Group accept responsibility for advertising or editorial content, nor for that appearing on linked third-party websites. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden without written permission from BSI Group or Caspian Publishing.
Until now, there has been no strict guidance in the UK relating to how audiovisual (AV) installations are carried out. This includes everything from computers and projectors to interactive whiteboards, plasma screens and loud speakers. For AV installation companies, processes can vary significantly.
While there was a time when companies would never consider working alongside the competition, today's marketplace demands a more flexible approach. Collaboration is fast becoming par for the course. For example, large government contracts often require expertise that goes far beyond any one company's capacity to deliver. Forming a consortium brings together the right experience in the right place, and it can mean the difference between winning or losing a tender.
Monarch Airlines chooses BSI for its European Union Emission Trading System (EU ETS) verification
Monarch Airlines has selected BSI as its provider of verification services against the requirements of the EU ETS directive. This comes in response to the industry's requirement to monitor its CO2 emissions and demonstrate compliance with the directive by submitting a verified annual emissions report by 31 March every year from 2011 onwards.
Airbus in the UK has achieved certification to BS 25999, the Business Continuity Management (BCM) standard, following an audit from BSI. The certification covers Airbus? wing manufacturing site in Broughton, North Wales and becomes the first aerospace manufacturing company to receive certification to this standard by BSI.
Rising waters: revising PAS 1188
For those living in areas that are prone to flooding, having the right protection resources available is essential. While images of emergency sandbags holding back rivers of water may fill the media, there is a much wider range of products available for flood protection.
We are under increasing pressure to comply with a growing number of regulations and to maintain growth - while under greater scrutiny than ever before. How can this be good for business?
We are all in the risk management business. In the current climate, as consumers we are encouraged to claim compensation or sue for damages for almost any negative incident we encounter.
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