GNBS NQA 2021 – ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES TO BE SHOWN TO MEET QUALITY OBJECTIVES
STANDARDS IN FOCUS
Kaieteur News – In recognition of businesses for their commitment to quality systems and best practice, the Guyana National Standards Office (GNBS) will, this year host its third National Quality Awards Program (NQA). The NQT, set for October 2021 (as part of National Quality Week), will be another opportunity for businesses to demonstrate that they are meeting quality requirements. Successful businesses will be rewarded for producing goods and providing services.
Participating businesses will be evaluated against the ISO 9001: 2015 Standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization to help businesses and organizations implement an effective quality management system. Participants will also be graded based on the nine Principles and Quality Control Criteria for good environmental and safety practices.
Importantly, the NQA Program was launched by GNBS in 2017 to improve quality and promote the competitiveness of Guyanese products and services. It enables businesses to strive for excellence, be at the forefront, enhance growth and development and encourages sustainability.
The awards are held every two years and are open to businesses in the Manufacturing, Services (Financial, Tourism and Hospitality, Professional Services, etc.) and agro-processing industries. The Awards cater for both large and small businesses. Small Businesses, according to the NQT’s Criteria, are classified as any business with 25 or less employees, earning $ 60M or less in revenue and owning assets worth $ 20M or less.
At the NQT, Agro Processors are distinguished from other small businesses and put into a separate category to promote and recognize quality in these businesses. Eligible participants are enterprises involved in the production of small-scale agro-processing products (Jams and Jellies, Sauces, Fruit Mixtures, salty fish and seafood, juices, packaged eggs, local sweets, chips, etc.) .
Some might ask what are the benefits of participating in the NQT? Or, what’s in it for me? Well, apart from recognition for quality, the NQT provides a comprehensive business assessment to assist with a more structured approach to performance management. It also increases consumer confidence and satisfaction in the goods and services provided by the umpires, thereby increasing sales. Winners can also use the awards as a promotion tool. From an internal perspective, the awards allow businesses to go on a path of continuous improvement, implement good health and safety practices, and increase their desired quality, customer service, leadership and sustainable practices.
From a national perspective, the NQT improves the quality and competitiveness of Guyanese products and services.
With so many benefits, local businesses should be convinced to compete for the awards. The application process to participate in the NQT is simple and free of cost. In addition to a completed application form, applicants are required to submit a copy of valid Business registration from the Registry of Deeds, valid tax compliance from the Guyana Revenue Authority, Valid National Insurance compliance from the National Insurance Scheme. An assessment of each participating business will also be conducted to reach the winners.
All businesses must also have at least one of the following or be in place by the end of the application period: Documented Standard Operating Procedures, Quality Manual / Policy Manual or Best Practice Manual.
Finally, GNBS will notify businesses when the application process opens and the deadline for completion.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper.)
For further information, contact GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0065, 219-0066 or visit the GNBS website: www.gnbsgy.org.