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In today's competitive industries, more companies are seeking accreditation - official seals of approval proving that they have met with the requirements of national and international standards for their sector. The United Kingdom Register of Quality Assessed Companies currently holds more than 110,000 companies with United Kingdom Accreditation Services (UKAS) certifications for sites in the UK and throughout the world. But what kind of benefits does accreditation offer to companies and their clients, and does it give them any advantage over non-accredited competitors?

Many companies undergo stringent assessments because they realise the benefits that accreditation brings to their business. Gaining a stamp of approval from an independent authority in your industry or sector can provide you with an advantage over rivals. It allows companies to offer clients a specialised skill or expertise accompanied by a stamp of approval, thus giving the business a competitive edge and demonstrating competence and integrity to customers.

Going through the accreditation process does incur a fee, but it varies according to the complexity of accreditation being sought. It may impact upon a company's bottom line in the short term as resources are used to work on the project, but the business will reap the benefits in the long term. At AquaTerra Solutions, we were recently awarded accreditation by UKAS for our non-destructive testing inspection services, and the positive effects are already being felt.

Accreditation demonstrates our commitment to providing a competent, high standard service for our clients, and boosts our status in the NDT/inspection sector. We are already seeing many of the benefits of accreditation in relation to enhancing our business processes, and since gaining the award, we have been in discussions for two new contracts. It also means that we can get underway with future planned growth for the business.

A company may seek accreditation by choice, to reduce the risk of product faults, or it may be mandatory as a result of health and safety regulations. Without accreditation, you run the risk of providing a service or product to customers that may not be up to an acceptable standard. This can lead to additional costs to correct faults, and in worst case scenarios, legal action being taken by unsatisfied customers, damaged reputations and a subsequent downturn in business.

In the event of legal action being taken against your company, accreditation can give you a stronger case, providing evidence of your company's diligence. Accredited testing can also help companies to improve their products and services by divulging knowledge and impartial advice, leading to potential development opportunities. Businesses should ensure that any independent evaluations they undertake are endorsed by a recognised accreditation body, otherwise they may find that tests are not rigorous enough to carry any weight with customers.

There is no foolproof way for clients to find a trustworthy company who can be relied on to provide a quality service or product, but accreditation can help to reduce this problem. When choosing a company, customers tend to place their trust in businesses according to certain factors - past experience with the company, recommendations from others, and brand preference. Unfortunately it is not always possible to buy from known sources in today's competitive business market, but accreditation gives clients the reassurance that they are sourcing from a company who have met with accepted standards.

Accreditation can also boost business for new or lesser-known companies by giving customers the confidence to approach them for their services or products. As accreditation spreads across a sector, it improves the reputation of the industry, and creates healthy competition between companies vying for clients' custom.

UKAS accreditation has given our customers an assurance that we are meeting internationally recognised standards and lets them make an informed decision when choosing to use our services. By achieving accreditation we can increase our operational efficiency to create even happier customers, happier staff and improve overall company performance.

James Grosset is Operations Director at AquaTerra Solutions, an Aberdeen-based supplier of work at height and rope access related services. Having worked for the company for the past four years, James is responsible for all aspects of AquaTerra's onshore and offshore field operations, and looks after resource management, finance and planning.

AquaTerra Solutions specialises in work at height and rope access related services including NDT/Inspection, maintenance and construction services, work at height and rescue training, and work and rescue equipment supply. In addition to providing comprehensive services both offshore and onshore for the oil and gas industry, AquaTerra's client portfolio includes businesses and individuals in the petrochemical, pharmaceutical, power generation, marine, renewable energy, communications and civil engineering sectors. Log on to www.aquaterra.co.uk for more information.

AquaTerra Solutions Ltd

AquaTerra House, Tofthills Avenue, Midmill Business Park, Kintore, Aberdeen, AB51 0QP

Tel: +44 (0) 845 257 7570

Fax: +44 (0) 845 257 7572

info@aquaterra.co.uk

Registered in Scotland No. 262031,
Registered Office: 34 Albyn Place
Aberdeen, AB10 1FW