Client Showcase

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

Violent and aggressive behaviour has become part of every day life. Violence in the work place causes immediate, often long term disruption to interpersonal relationships, working procedures and the overall working environment. Employers bear the direct cost of lost work and the indirect costs of reduced efficiency, loss in product quality and company image and a reduction in the number of clients.

On an individual level, the suffering and pain resulting from violence at work can lead to lack of motivation, loss of confidence and reduced self-esteem, depression and anger, anxiety and irritability. If the causes of violence are not eliminated or contained these symptoms may develop into physical or psychological illness and tobacco or alcohol abuse. They can culminate in occupational accidents, invalidity and even suicide.

The Health & Safety at Work Act (1974) says employers have a legal duty to supply a safe working environment - this includes protecting employees from violence. As well as verbal abuse, threatening behaviour and physical attacks, the definition of violence covers sexual harassment, bullying and mobbing. Workers at high risk include the country’s most caring professionals - social workers, teachers, doctors and nurses. In addition, traffic wardens, retail staff, air and train stewards, door supervisors, bar staff, meter readers, postmen, plumbers, taxi drivers, journalists, holiday reps. and even football referees are the subjects of verbal and sometimes physical abuse.

The Department of Health has launched a ‘Zero Tolerance Campaign’ to draw attention to the estimated 65,000 attacks per annum on NHS staff. Similarly, their ‘No Fear Campaign’ highlights the violence faced by social workers. The DfEE have issued guidelines to teachers on using reasonable force to restrain violent pupils. However, the recent case of the teacher in Gwent accused of slapping a pupil shows how careful people must be in controlling aggressors. Training in the safe, proper use of recognised ‘duty of care’ techniques is essential. The risk of being sued by staff who have not been given adequate help in handling workplace violence is adding to employers’ interest in MVA International Limited.

MVA specialises in the management of violence and aggression in the work place. It supplies a full service from policy development and risk assessment to training and related security services. With MVA training, most difficult incidents can be deescalated before they reach the crisis phase and physical attacks. Participants on MVA courses learn that their own attitudes and body language can trigger violence. All organisations with staff working with the public will benefit from MVA consultancy and training. MVA has many clients in the public sector and find that ISO 9000 accreditation is a major selling point. They gained their ISO 9000 Certification with QMS in January of this year.

For more information call Mr Brian Harrigan on 01432 268016.

Labels: ISO 9000

BSS International Limited is the first QMS client to take advantage of and successfully achieve both LawCert and the BenchmarQ Certifications.

Bss specialise in buying and selling salt for use in a range of industries and businesses including water softening, chemical and human food industry, winter ice and snow clearance, animal nutrition and water purification.

LawCert, the legal audit ensures that all major employment and health and safety regulations are being met. It is a cost-effective method ensuring that companies can concentrate on business rather than worrying about potentially costly legal minefields.

Philip Mapson, Managing Director of BSS International said: "We are delighted to be awarded the LawCert certificate, it proves that our commitment to provide the best possible working conditions for our staff is being put into practice. We firmly believe that if our staff are happy, they are more likely to deal with our customers in the right way and that is paramount to the success of our business."

BenchmarQ, the Customer Satisfaction award comprises an independent survey conducted by QMS and supports the new requirements of the ISO 9000 : 2000 standard. The award recognises BSS International's commitment to providing the best possible level of service and products. Their pro-active approach in monitoring their customers’ opinions enables them to adapt their business towards meeting their customer requirements. Philip Mapson stated: "We have received very positive feedback on the whole (through BenchmarQ) and the one customer complaint we have received, has allowed us an opportunity to speak to our customer and rectify the matter".

To contact BSS International Limited call 01780 784141 and for further information on either LawCert or BenchmarQ contact QMS Head Office on 01603 630345.

Labels: Benchmarq, BSS International, ISO 9000

Royal and Sun Alliance, Professional and Financial Risks (ProFin) is one of the UK’s leading providers of Professional Indemnity Insurance. Our policy holders range from the traditional professions, such as accountants and surveyors, through to management consultants, advertising agents, those in the construction industry and a myriad of “miscellaneous” professions.

Over the years we have, of course, seen many claims made against our policy holders, a good proportion of which could have been avoided by the application of good risk management practices. Examples of claims that could easily have been avoided include:
- Missing deadlines because the firm had no diary system
- Notes not taken at a crucial meeting meant there was no defence to allegations
made against our insured
- The lack of a contract or engagement letter resulted in clients expectations not being met
- Survey and valuation reports issued with vital details missing because the firm had no checklist to work from
- A job taken on by a junior member of staff became too complex resulting in a claim against a partnership for work they did not even realise they had undertaken
- The firm had no procedures for taking on new clients or reviewing the work of staff
- No professional is perfect and it is for that reason PI cover is purchased; PI Insurers are happy to defend and pay claims for professional negligence. However, they do not expect to have to pay for what really amounts to the failure of a business to properly manage itself. When rating a PI risk at Royal and SunAlliance, we firstly take into account factors such as the type of work undertaken, the experience and qualifications of the directors/partners and staff and, of course, the claims history. Once we are satisfied with these we will look at the overall quality of the risk. We place great importance on the existence and application of risk management procedures and, everything else being equal we will usually apply at least a 10% discount to firms who have obtained ISO 9000 Certification or something similar. Where it is obvious that no attention is given to these areas, we may not quote the risk, or if we do, may impose terms.

Of course, mere possession of a Certificate does not mean a risk will be claims free. We know, however, that by submitting themselves to the Certification process and building the results into their day to day professional activities, firms can reduce the number of easily avoidable incidents similar to those outlined above.

A Certified firm incorporating a risk management culture and their own industry best practice into the everyday delivery of professional services will not only save money on PI insurance but will reduce the time spent on dealing with complaints and allegations made against them.

For further information regarding the possible discounts contact your insurance broker or visit www.rsa-profin.co.uk. Steve Abrahams is the Worldwide Professional Indemnity Product Leader, ProFin, Royal and Sun Alliance.

Labels: ISO 9000, RSA

What the mind of man can conceive and believe, the man of mind can achieve.

The Managing Director and key staff of Focus launched their first Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) in 1988, this being the first EAP introduced to the UK by a British company.

Focus gained ISO 9000 Certification with QMS in 1996 and they currently provide tailored programmes for a wide variety of organisations, in both private and public sectors, with employees based throughout the UK.

Although many large firms have this kind of support system in place, Focus EAP Ltd also provides cost effective provision for medium and small businesses. What are Employee Assistance Programmes? EAPs are a form of employee support which helps them tackle both personal and work issues and therefore can be of great benefit to them. However, EAPs are not designed solely for this purpose. They are also designed and provided as an effective organisational resource aimed at supporting management as well as staff. In this respect, they will enable the organisation to identify and address issues which have a negative impact on employees' well-being and their work, through management information and analysis. It is worth noting that being an organisational tool to help tackle stress and promote employee well-being, an EAP is not taxable as a benefit in kind. EAPs provide a confidential forum through which matters can be dealt with, often without involving managers.

This can help reduce any stigma associated with seeking assistance to counter stress or alleviate personal issues that are distracting individuals, which may affect their work. This type of programme can also relieve pressure on human resources, occupational health and line managers who have time pressures and, in the case of line management, may not have the range of skills required to help employees who are experiencing problems. At the same time, managers who recommend the use of the service to one of their team would not be avoiding their responsibilities.

Another major advantage of this type of confidential support system is that it can provide direct assistance to managers who require guidance in handling difficult or sensitive staff situations. Where the HR or Personnel Department is under pressure, assistance can be obtained on employment law and the like and HR consultancy is available. How does an EAP work?

- A 24hr/365 day telephone service via an 0800 number, providing direct access to counselling, information, guidance and support for a range of issues. These include work, emotional, stress, relationship, family, alcohol, drug, financial, legal and others including health, child and elder care and consumer issues. Assessment for onward referral where appropriate is also made. The telephone service is unlimited in the number of times an employee may access it and the duration of the calls.

- Referral to face to face counselling (limited to an agreed number, usually 4 or 5) or specialist advice such as legal and debt, where appropriate.

- Account management including reporting, periodic review meetings and promotional activities.

- Consultancy for managers, HR advice.

- Service monitoring and evaluation.

- Monthly/quarterly reporting detailing usage data, issues and trends while protecting confidentiality. Reporting on critical issues as necessary.

For more information on Focus EAP services, call James Wright, Client Services Manager on 0208 441 9300.

Labels: Employee Assistance Programme, Focus, ISO 9000