Client Showcase

The average organisation is data-rich but information-poor. In order to function most efficiently, organisations must have information available at their fingertips when they need it.

Business Intelligence is a combination of technology and business processes. It takes data and in a timely manner, turns it into information on which business decisions can be made. Through Insource's Business Intelligence products, Data Academy and Corporate Radar, decision makers can access and create relevant reports that deliver just the information that requires their attention. Data Academy is the solution to providing information management and is based on a data warehouse, accessed through a browser-based environment. Data Academy consists of complex data loaders, schedulers, built-in trackers, deduplicators, standardisation tools and search functions to ensure that the data on which management decisions are based are based on facts, not fallacy.

Corporate Radar provides the solution's reporting tool using the latest Microsoft .NET technologies to deliver powerful, multidimensional reports and charts. It provides accurate, up-to-date information on demand, via a browser, to anyone anywhere within the organisation. A combination of stable products, good people skills and a solid methodology (Insource System Deployment Methodology (ISDM)) ensure Insource's place in the Business Intelligence marketplace. A sure testament to the success of this methodology is the ISO 9001 certification Insource obtained in November 2003, which was issued to them by QMS International plc in one of the fastest times in QMS's history. If your organisation is unable to make confident management decisions based on data you cannot trust, contact us. You can feel confident in the quality of our products and services.
For further information contact Jackie Sawyer at 0118 921 1561, email jackies@insource.co.uk or visit www.insource.co.uk.

Labels: Corporate Radar, ISO 9001

RICHARDS HR Solutions is a Human Resources consultancy with a difference.

They form a long term relationship with their clients and in effect become their HR Manager assisting with the myriad of problems faced by employers from preparing Contracts of Employment to attending complex discipline and grievance hearings.

Formed in 2005 by Trevor Richards, an experienced HR Manager and former member of the Armed Forces, who has worked with firms of Lawyers and a national firm of Chartered Surveyors with 20 offices throughout England, Scotland and Wales before establishing his own business; he now has clients from a variety of industry sectors. Clients vary from those with just a handful of employees to those with several hundred members of staff; sole traders and partnerships to Limited Companies and PLCs. Typically clients come to Richards HR Solutions because they are expanding but are not yet at a size that warrants the employment of a full time HR Manager but who are increasingly aware of the vital role HR has within their firms. The provision of sound employment law advice forms a very important aspect of the work undertaken but at the same time this is given in a practical and pragmatic way; an approach that is much appreciated by clients who need to know what to do in a particular situation, not just what they should have done.

Whilst compliance with employment legislation is important Richards HR Solutions can assist businesses with other matters such as performance management and absentee management - all issues that have a direct bearing on the bottom line.

Since achieving ISO 9001 (2000) certification with QMS in 2006, Richards HR Solutions has noticed that many more enquiries are coming from companies who are also quality assured and want to use suppliers who have the prestigious ISO 9001 quality mark.

To learn more contact Trevor Richards of Richards HR Solutions on 01733-361800 or richardshr@btconnect.com or visit: www.richardshrsolutions.co.uk

Labels: ISO 9001 (2000), Richards HR Solutions

Started in the mid-eighties by a husband and wife team as a Business Consultancy, SMA grew and diversified into three distinct and highly successful divisions: Management Consultancy, Security and Global Logistics. The SMA Group currently employs more than 3,500 people around the world between direct employees and associate branches.

In May 2003 SMA Worldwide Ltd, the Logistics arm of the company gained ISO 9000 certification with QMS International plc. This certification revolutionised their internal and external procedures and in October 2005, the company was renamed SMA Worldwide plc. SMA Worldwide plc provide a full logistics service to many blue chip companies that demand on-time deliveries, bespoke software, secure transport and track and trace. Their individually designed IT caters for all their clients' auditing and accounting needs. It presents their invoicing exactly as they wish, even creating separate accounts for various divisions or departments within the same company. The rigorous procedures within the QMS ISO system encouraged their customer service procedures, accounting, after-sales care and shipment tracking to become the best in their field. SMA Worldwide plc provides a full logistics service capable of handling anything from an envelope to a multi-tonne steel shipment to and from all corners of the globe.

Additionally, they are fully certified Dangerous Goods packagers, handlers and shippers. The company also operates full storage and Pick & Pack facilities, Global Mail services and a Post Room Management service. By utilising their expertise in Management Consultancy, Security and Counter Terrorism they have a diversity of clients ranging from major hotel chains, educational establishments and manufacturers, through to pharmaceutical companies and e-commerce sellers. By combining its various disciplines, SMA Worldwide plc can provide a consultancy service offering a bespoke solution to all its clients. The
Plimsoll Sector analysis published in April 2006 ranks SMA Worldwide plc in the top 30 companies among more than 2,500 companies within the UK.

SMA Worldwide plc is now embarking on a new and highly relevant diversification by creating a fourth division with a new service to cater for a much wider client base. It will call on all the aspects of ISO certification to provide a much needed service for a growing niche in the Global market place.

For further information contact Dr Attia on 01923 290490 or visit www.smaconsultancy.com

TY NANT Natural Mineral Water, famed for its stylish cobalt blue glass, and curvaceous 'ice like' PET bottles is gearing up for yet another record-breaking year. With sales in the UK and worldwide growing at over double the market rate they have secured prestigious agreements with both Malaysia Airlines and Virgin Atlantic, thereby increasing still further, visibility and recognition across the world for TY NANT. Having implemented a major investment programme across 2001/2 and adding new production and warehousing facilities for the launch of the award winning PET bottle, TY NANT has now geared up still further with new plant and new staff to enable them to increase capacity. Their achievement of ISO 9001 Certification with QMS in November 2004 is recognition of their commitment to exceptional quality of service.

The team at TY NANT have a reputation for being passionate about outstanding design and regularly do things differently. In the past few years this has lead to the launch of the cutting edge clear asymmetrical PET bottle specifically designed to evoke the fluidity of water, and more recently the understated contemporary TAU Spring Water with its minimalist black & white design, both major award winners. This year sees the launch of the sexy red TY NANT 'too' in a new 330ml single serve glass bottle, which has already been listed by Harrods.

TY NANT 'too' in crimson glass bottles was originally launched in 'limited edition' 750ml bottles to celebrate TY NANT's 10th anniversary. It proved to be so popular that the bottle was kept in production and the smaller 330ml version now completes the range. Both colours of TY NANT in glass are available in still and sparkling variants. One of the UK's most successful bottled water exporters TY NANT will be showcasing this expanded range at major exhibitions including IFE London in March, NRA Chicago in May, and ANUGA Cologne in October.

A worldwide audience in TV and Film regularly sees TY NANT. Appearances in James Bond Die Another Day, both Bridget Jones films, The Italian Job, Ab Fab, and Friends, to name a few, have helped achieve a TV media value of at least £1.5M in the UK alone with still more the world over. Combined with exposure at major fashion & celebrity events such as The BRITs, MTV and prestigious sporting events such as The Stella Artois Championships and The Masters, ensures that TY NANT is one of the most visible brands in the market.

For further information contact: Laura Dodds, Brand Manager on 01974 272 111 or e-mail her: laura.dodds@tynant.com

Labels: ISO 9000, TY NANT

We enhance our services by working in partnership with business advice experts, Croner Consulting.

By teaming up with Croner Consulting, QMS is able to offer both employment and health & safety best practice solutions. For businesses that don’t have dedicated human resources or health & safety personnel, keeping up-to-date with legislation becomes the responsibility of the owner or manager. But managing compliance with employment and health & safety law can be a difficult, costly and time-consuming process that few companies can afford. Failure to comply leaves your business at risk of court action, which can cost time, money and even your reputation.

Our association with Croner Consulting gives you the opportunity to benefit from tailored employment law and health & safety professional advice, complimenting your existing quality management procedures. The flexible solutions offered can ease your legislative burden, whatever the size and structure of your business. Croner Consulting is able to provide comprehensive support to organisations across the whole of the UK and can ensure your business is compliant with employment and safety legislation. They will represent you at employment tribunals, offer advice via their telephone advice lines and carrying out on-site safety, risk & employment liability assessments.

The many benefits Croner Consulting offer include:
• Support and guidance all day, every day
• More time to concentrate on running your business
• Protection against legal challenges
• Excellent value for money with access to top business expertise at a small business cost
• Business critical issues handled by experts
• Immediate support from specialist advisers
• Support to improve performance productivity and of course profitability

The service will be tailored to the needs of your business and can include:
• 24 hour expert telephone advice
• Employment tribunal representation
• Up-to-date policies and procedures
• On-site support from experienced consultants
• Health & safety crisis support
• Training

Croner Consulting is the UK’s largest and most experienced provider of in-depth advice and practical support for businesses in the high-risk areas of employment, health & safety and other regulatory driven areas. For more information on the services Croner Consulting offer, call 0800 6341700 quoting reference number 496 or email qms@cronerconsulting.co.uk

A Tipton woman was named Social Entrepreneur of the Year in the West Midlands for contributions to the local economy and community.

Catherine Paterson Higgins of Tipton Homecare Limited was presented with her prize at a national social economy conference held in Dudley. She was picked from more than 20 people nominated in the awards which were sponsored by the West Midlands Co-operative and Mutual Council. She set up the community enterprise six years ago while working as a fundraiser for the RNIB. She saw a need for home-based care services and researched the market before opening the business with one other care worker. The non-profit making organisation was launched with the help of Tipton Community Enterprise and now employs 50 staff providing care services to 140 elderly and infirm clients in the Sandwell area of the West Midlands.

After her success, Catherine said: "I am overwhelmed and delighted that my work has been recognised and hope that other people will be inspired by this award to set up similar enterprises where there is a desperate need". She was also keen to acknowledge the contribution of everyone involved with the business: "Without good staff you can't accomplish anything" she said. She received a cheque for £2000 which, she says will be used to provide training for staff to ensure the current high quality of service is maintained. As for her tips for any budding social entrepreneurs: "Be determined, work hard and put in long hours - but the rewards are great."

Tipton Homecare Limited were certified by QMS in November 2000.
For further details call Catherine on 0121 557 3649.

Optical filters Ltd, Thame

A QMS registered company aiming to provide better viewing for TV and computer users has been named Oxfordshire’s Business of the Year 2001. Optical filters Ltd, based in Thame, aims to hike its turnover this year to £3 million with its new EmiClare screen shield. The filter, fitted to electronic displays, protects them from glare, loss of contrast due to sunlight, electro-magnetic interference and impact. Additionally, it can incorporate heat control to keep the displays at their optimum operating temperature.

Originally the Thame company’s technology was aimed at the relatively high value but low volume markets such as the military. Now, after four years’ research, its engineers have developed an improved filter that can be produced at lower cost to meet the demands of the growing commercial and consumer markets. The innovation has been used in applications such as wide-screen plasma displays, on the Leopard II tank and in new medical scanning technology.

The new product has already resulted in a 60% sales growth for Optical filters Ltd in the first full year of marketing and the workforce has subsequently grown from 28 to 40. Optical filters Ltd also won the Innovation category at the awards. The guest speaker at the ceremony was Mr Boris Johnson, Conservative MP for Henley, who paid tribute to all of the award-winners, saying that "they were risk takers in a world increasingly worried about taking any chance".

For further details contact Nichola Dent at Optical filters Ltd on 01844 260377 or visit www.opticalfilters.co.uk.