What are the benefits of using UKAS-accredited services?

Making the right choice and selecting a competent supplier is very difficult without the appropriate information or knowledge. UKAS accreditation is an assurance to businesses like yours that your suppliers meet internationally recognised requirements for integrity and competence through conformity assessment. A UKAS-accredited company has been evaluated independently for its competence against International, European or British standards as appropriate. This enables you as a business to buy with confidence and trust.

Improved financial performance

UKAS accreditation removes the number of audits that you are subjected to. There is no need to test and re-test your products at each stage of the supply process, as the UKAS mark demonstrates that your management of procurement is best in class.

De-risk your procurement process

The UKAS mark ensures that your chosen supplier possesses excellent technical competence to deliver accurate and quality results. This reduces the likelihood of potential (and costly) product failures.

Win new business

More and more specifiers are stipulating the use of accredited services, whether as a legal requirement or a preferred solution. Using UKAS-accredited services will better position you to win this business, particularly Government tenders.

Lead the market

Differentiate your business by promoting your supply chain as a marketing tool.

Make your business international

UKAS-accredited test certificates are recognised internationally, ensuring that your products or services are accepted overseas.

Potential risks of using non-accredited services

  • Loss of larger contracts / tenders (and Government tenders)
  • Increased product failure
  • Limited market access
  • Damaged reputation
  • Market share eaten into by competitors
  • Potential legal action
  • Potential Health and Safety problems

UKAS has a proven track record having accredited around 2000 laboratories, certification bodies, and inspection bodies as competent to perform specified tests and calibrations to support your needs.

"The number of customer audits of the Overseal site has vastly reduced since obtaining UKAS-accredited certification, from 20 in 2000 to only 7 in 2004.

Procedures required by the standard link directly with the requirements of ISO9001, where Overseal has been registered since 2000."

Andrew Wainwright, Overseal

To find details of UKAS accredited laboratories, a full listing can be found on www.ukas.org