In today’s competitive business landscape, obtaining ISO certification has become more than just a badge of honour. It is also a testament to an organisation’s commitment to excellence in quality, environmental responsibility, and workplace safety.

The United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) plays a pivotal role in this process. As the UK’s official accreditation body, UKAS ensures that organisations meet strict international standards and maintain the highest levels of competence and impartiality.

For KR Group, the journey to ISO certification began in 2013, when it first obtained ISO 9001, focussing on quality management. Achieving ISO9001 accreditation allowed it to instil a culture of continuous improvement within the organisation, refining its processes and enhancing its product and service quality. This, in turn, translated into greater customer satisfaction and loyalty, reinforcing KR Group’s position as a regional leader in the steel and cladding industry.

As KR Group grew, it went on to gain ISO 14001, enabling it to demonstrate an unwavering commitment to sustainability. In an era where environmental responsibility is paramount, this certification has not only improved environmental performance but has also helped reduce waste and energy consumption, contributing to a greener planet. Taken with the company’s PAS2060 accreditation, it speaks highly of the company’s dedication to its environmental goals and carbon neutrality.

This year, KR Group decided to up its game and aim for ISO 45001, as a testament to its commitment to high standards of occupational health and safety. When researching specifications for ISO 45001, it came across AUVA. With an impressive 50 years of expertise in ISO certification along with being UKAS accredited, AUVA has built a reputation as a trusted partner for businesses like KR Group, seeking to attain and maintain ISO certifications.

Levelling up to UKAS standards and going after an additional accreditation was daunting for KR Group, especially with the concurrence of all three ISO audits. The implementation of new protocols as well as updating older ones helped them create an even safer work environment, reduce workplace incidents, and seek to protect their most valuable asset—their employees. All of this meant they were able to achieve their new certification, ISO 45001 and obtain all three ISO accreditations at a UKAS-accredited level.

KR Group’s intense two-stage, five-day audit with AUVA navigated them through the complexities of maintaining ISO 9001, ISO 14001, as well as gaining ISO 45001; reaping the rewards of enhanced quality, environmental responsibility, and workplace safety. In an increasingly competitive marketplace, ISO certification is not just a checkbox; it’s a strategic advantage. Achieving this new certification has unlocked new opportunities and embedded higher standards for KR Group, with the assurance of UKAS-accredited certification standing as a testament to their commitment to excellence.