Lately, we’ve noticed a rise in businesses claiming they’ve achieved “certification” to well-known ISO standards like ISO 9001 Quality, ISO 14001 Environmental, ISO 27001 Information Security, or ISO 45001 Occupational Health & Safety. 🎯

At RKMS, (our consultancy team) frequently receives calls from companies who genuinely thought they had achieved ISO certification—only to find their certification rejected during a tendering process. We know how devastating and costly this can be for businesses, which is why we want to explain the crucial difference between UKAS and non-UKAS certification to help protect your business.

The Difference Between UKAS and Non-UKAS Certification

While the lower cost of non-UKAS certification might seem tempting, it often turns out to be more trouble than it’s worth. 😩 Many businesses quickly discover that non-UKAS certification lacks recognition and can result in lost revenue.

Let’s break down the key differences and why it’s crucial to make the right choice.

What is UKAS? Why Does It Matter?

UKAS (the UK Accreditation Service) is the only accreditation body recognized by the British government. 🇬🇧 Working under the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), UKAS ensures that any organization offering ISO certification does so by following strict guidelines. Essentially, UKAS is there to make sure that anyone claiming to offer ISO certification is actually legit. ✅

In contrast, there is no official accrediting body for non-UKAS certification. Many non-UKAS providers come up with their own certification processes, which means their certifications often hold no real value in many industries. 🚫 They might even be slow to update their standards when ISO guidelines change, meaning the certification could already be out of date!

Why Non-UKAS Certification Could Cost You More 💸

While non-UKAS certification may seem like a quick and cheap fix, many businesses soon find that it doesn’t deliver real value. Here’s why:

• Lack of Recognition: Clients, especially in tenders, often reject non-UKAS certification. This means lost contracts and missed opportunities. 🚪
• Higher Long-Term Costs: Some non-UKAS certifiers charge higher fees and lock businesses into long contracts, sometimes lasting up to 10 years! That’s a lot of wasted money for a certificate that might not be worth anything. 😤

UKAS Accreditation: Why It’s Worth It

When you opt for a UKAS-accredited certification body, you’re choosing a provider that’s been vetted and regularly checked to meet ISO standards. 💼 UKAS bodies must employ competent assessors and technical experts to ensure that any certification awarded is valid and recognized in the industry.

Here’s why UKAS certification is the smart choice:

• Competent Assessors: Certified assessors with the right expertise ensure your business genuinely meets ISO standards.
• No Long-Term Contracts: UKAS-accredited bodies don’t lock you into long-term contracts or charge outrageous fees. You can switch providers if you’re unhappy, as long as your payments are up to date. 🛡️

Non-UKAS providers, on the other hand, don’t have to meet these same standards. Many of their assessors lack the right qualifications, and their certification processes can be a little more than just checking boxes. 📝 That’s why they can offer cheap and quick certifications, but you end up paying the price in the long run.

Why Impartiality Matters

With UKAS certification, impartiality is a must. This means UKAS-accredited bodies can only act as assessors—they can’t offer consultancy services on the side. This keeps things fair and ensures that your certification is based solely on meeting the required standards. 💼

Non-UKAS providers, however, often bundle consultancy services with certification. This creates a conflict of interest, and many businesses end up paying high fees for consulting just to get certified. 💰

How the Certification Process Differs

Obtaining UKAS certification is no walk in the park, and that’s a good thing! 🏞️ The UKAS certification process is rigorous, involving detailed checks to ensure your business meets the latest ISO standards. Keeping your UKAS certification means that your processes must be regularly updated to stay compliant. 💪

Non-UKAS providers, on the other hand, create their own certification processes, which may not meet current ISO requirements. They aren’t bound to update their methods, which can leave you with an outdated and worthless certificate. 🗑️

Why Non-UKAS Certification May Hurt Your Sales 🚨

Many businesses get certified to meet industry requirements, whether for tendering, sales, or partnerships. However, non-UKAS certification is often not recognized by potential clients. This means you might be excluded from tendering processes, or worse, your potential clients might ignore you entirely. 😱

Working with a non-UKAS certificate tells potential clients that you might be cutting corners on quality elsewhere. They could see this as a red flag, leading them to question other aspects of your business. 📉

UKAS Certification Can Increase Profitability 💼💡

While non-UKAS certification might seem like the budget-friendly option, the hidden costs and lack of recognition could cost you more in the long run. Businesses that choose UKAS certification often see a boost in profitability, grow faster, and build better relationships with clients. 📈

Why? Because they’re showing a commitment to high standards. Clients are willing to pay more for services that come with the backing of UKAS certification, knowing they’re working with a company that has met rigorous international standards.

Conclusion: Choose UKAS for Long-Term Success

If you’re looking to prove that your business meets ISO standards, don’t fall into the trap of non-UKAS certification. It might seem like a great deal upfront, but in the long run, it can cause more harm than good. ⚠️

Choosing UKAS-accredited providers ensures your certification holds value, boosts your credibility, and opens doors to more business opportunities. 🌟 It’s one of the best investments you can make in your company’s future.

Ready to explore the benefits of UKAS certification?
Let’s chat! Issosmart can guide you through the entire ISO certification process, ensuring you make the right choice for long-term success. 🚀