NEWS
Why certification can help a business grow
WORDS : JULIE BURNISTON PICTURE : TOM BANKS
Family firm - NVQA ' s Paula Willoughby with dad Norman Venus .
Paula Willoughby of Middlesbroughbased business management consultancy NVQA is a onewoman powerhouse when it comes to certification .
Paula knows how important it is to be ISO-certified to achieve best business practice , and with major players such Wilton Universal Group , D R Caswell , Cleveland Cable Company , Mobile Mini , CL Prosser & Co , Thompsons of Prudhoe , Cleveland Land Services and Tomlinson Hall using her services for more than 20 years , there ’ s nothing she doesn ’ t know about her industry .
“ An ISO standard is the industry equivalent of Ofsted ,” Paula explains . “ It shows customers that you are a creditable company which works to a high standard .
“ Having been assessed by a UKAScertified assessment body also gives customers confidence that you are being audited by a reputable third party .”
Bill Scott OBE , CEO of Wilton Universal Group , has worked with NVQA for more than 25 years .
“ When Wilton Engineering was established in 1994 , we engaged with NVQA to assist with developing our quality system as well as our quality culture , which proved to be one of our best business decisions ,” he says . “ It ensured we were driving along the right road from the start .”
Established in 1994 , NVQA is a family business , with Paula and dad Norman Venus - now 76 but still taking an active role - having more than 70 years ’ experience between them , implementing management systems for companies of all sizes , in industries as diverse as oil and gas , construction , demolition , IT and retail .
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WHERE QUALITY IS A CERT
“ I provide our clients with support through the whole process , from initial enquiry to implementation and assessment ,” explains Paula . “ I assist with the development of the policy statement and , where appropriate , create a manual incorporating the relevant process checklists and necessary pro-forma .
“ I also offer awareness training to employees , develop and implement a risk-based internal audit programme tailor-made to the organisation , offer support with problems arising from identified issues , liaise with the chosen body for certification and attend to give accountability during the assessment process .”
What makes NVQA different from many other certification offerings is its individual attention .
“ ISO standards are not just a certificate on a wall to me ,” said Paula , who was one of the youngest women to qualify as a lead auditor and who has five standards to her name .
“ I create a bond with my clients , which means they benefit from my knowledge and experience . I keep abreast of all new certification requirements and changes in legislation . I have a 100 per cent success rate and I genuinely do care .”
Once certified , Paula works with clients to determine how they can collectively streamline each process to make their jobs easier , while adhering to the requirements of the ISO standard .
“ The maintenance of an ISO standard shouldn ’ t feel like additional work ,” says Paula . “ Its implementation is so bespoke to each client that the high level of requirements that the standard in which it is designed become normal business practice .”
Working predominantly on Teesside , Paula has continued her personal service throughout the pandemic , prompting glowing words of thanks from clients such as Peter Caswell , managing director at D R Caswell .
“ Paula has been a constant support to our organisation ,” he says . “ She ensures we are continually reviewing and improving our internal processes and that they are effective to our business , while maintaining the requirements of the ISO standards . The service she provides is second to none .”
Andrew Thompson , managing director of Mobile Mini UK , also has only praise for NVQA ’ s work . “ Paula ’ s knowledge , expertise and professionalism , coupled with a uniquely tailored approach , always exceeds our expectations ,” he says .
As Paula ’ s role encompasses quality assurance , health and safety , environmental and information security and business continuity , she is classed as an essential worker and has therefore been allowed onto site for visits during the pandemic , but companies working from home have still been able to utilise her services .
“ I can put everything together and create a full case study remotely ,” she confirms . “ But if you ever need me , you only have to pick up the phone .”
nvqaltd . co . uk LinkedIn : Paula Willoughby M : 07795 966815