A LITTLE HELP FROM OUR FRIENDS How the support and guidance of business management consultancy NVQA has helped Caswells build impressive suite of certification
FEATURE
One-stop shop – Craig Watson , Paula Willoughby , James Platt , Dave Roebuck and Paul Murphy at Caswells .
A LITTLE HELP FROM OUR FRIENDS How the support and guidance of business management consultancy NVQA has helped Caswells build impressive suite of certification
Billingham-based workplace supplier DR Caswell has been supplying UK industries for more than 50 years , priding itself on building long-term supply relationships and providing industryleading delivery performance .
In 2005 , forward-thinking managing director Peter Caswell identified that ISO 9001 would provide a strong foundation for the growth of his business .
He saw it would also enable the organisation to adopt a systematic approach to identifying and exploiting future opportunities , consolidating supplier relationships and providing new and existing customers with the confidence that Caswells works to high levels of business standards .
Under the guidance of business management consultancy NVQA , the company adopted the requirements of ISO 9001 using UKAS-certified SGS for the assessment of its ISO 9001 Quality Management System . It was achieved at its first attempt in June 2006 .
With each revision to the standard , Caswells has embraced the additional requirements , enabling the firm to continually improve its services and systems , and maintain a high standard of quality and reliability that satisfy customers ’ requirements .
Since 1972 , the organisation has evolved , and customers can now take advantage of greater single-sourcing opportunities . Caswells has become a one-stop shop for all workplace needs .
The product range includes personal protective equipment , janitorial and personal hygiene products and equipment , workplace safety and storage equipment , hand and power tools , lubricants and
140 | Tees Business lubrication equipment , signage , hoses and hydraulic fittings and welding consumables and welding equipment .
It also operates a trade shop and offers a range of in-house associated services such as hose and hydraulics pressure testing , design , signage , workwear embroidery services and the supply of office essentials and furniture , plus office consumables and business machines after the recent acquisition of Jarreds Office Supplies .
The requirement for the wellbeing and safe working of employees has always been paramount to the company ’ s activities .
With the ever-increasing demand for high standards of health and safety compliance , Caswells embarked upon the inclusion of health and safety operational controls into its existing ISO system , operating a quality , health and safety ( QH & S ) management system .
Supported by NVQA , the company incorporated a second ISO standard into its business activities and successfully achieved ISO 45001 by UKAS certification body SGS at the first attempt in August 2020 .
A family-owned business , Caswells recognises that the protection and preservation of the environment is an integral part of its business activities .
It is committed to reducing its impact on the environment and works with customers , suppliers and other interested parties to achieve high levels of environmental performance .
With the support of NVQA , the incorporation of environmental controls into the existing QH & S management system and the achievement of ISO
PICTURE : TOM BANKS
14001-2015 in April 2021 was confirmation that Caswells is committed to continual improvement of its environmental performance .
To endorse the three standards , and again with the help of NVQA , the company added Planet Mark to its suite of certification in January 2023 .
This cemented the organisation ’ s commitment to the fundamental importance of promoting a wider sense of sustainability beyond environmental matters , driving change to address economic , social , and environmental challenges , from fostering a positive workplace to achieving net zero , tackling climate change , and nurturing environmental regeneration .
Peter Caswell says : “ The vision and investment into our ISO systems , coupled with recognition by a UKAS certification body , has paid huge dividends .
“ For 18 years NVQA has been a constant support to our organisation . They ensure we are continually reviewing and improving our internal processes , ensuring we are health , safety , environmental and sustainability compliant and we are proactive in our approach .
“ This , in turn , gives our customers the satisfaction and confidence that we are providing high-quality products and services while adhering to and promoting a positive health , safety , environmental and sustainability culture .
“ NVQA ’ s knowledge of ISO standards and associated legal requirements , coupled with their personable yet common sense approach , and their willingness to share ideas and best practice , make them a very valuable resource to any organisation .”