Business Breakthrough Coaching Franchise

Is it worth the cost of getting approval?

25th November 2011

QUALITY stamps and accreditation marks can help to raise the profile of a small business.

But seals of approval such as Investors In People, or International Organization For Standardization, which recognises quality business management, cost money to achieve.

So in tough times, how do owners decide which ones to pursue?

Steve Goodman, a business coach with Leicester-based Business Breakthrough Coaching, says: ‘You have to view these as tools for achieving outcomes for your business, primarily in the areas of business improvement and marketing.

‘As a sub-contractor, you may be expected to be ISO accredited, so you have to weigh up the costs of the accreditation process against those of being excluded from tendering opportunities.’

Martek Marine, based in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, which manufactures and supplies environmental and safety monitoring technology for the shipping industry, invested £12,000 in securing ISO and IIP accreditation a year after launching in 2000.

The standards were seen as important for reinforcing the company’s commitment to quality. ISO, which cost £10,000, helped them to pitch for bigger contracts in the early days, although chief executive Paul Luen, 41, admits they almost abandoned the accreditation process because of its ‘low perceived added value’, but he adds: ‘I’m glad that we stuck with it.’

Today the company employs 45 staff, turns over £3 million and exports to more than 60 countries.

Goodman says: ‘IIP accreditation is seen as a way of attracting good people, but isn’t just a merit badge. It will change your business.’

Everything Environmental of Bristol, which supplies personalised recycled and eco-friendly promotional and business gifts, recently achieved Forest Stewardship Council certification. FSC-certified materials can be traced from the forest to the consumer.

The company employs ten staff and turns over £2 million. The FSC process took eight weeks and cost £2,000. Founder Evan Lewis, 40, says: ‘It helped us through the recession and gave us a competitive edge.’

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Further Information

Franchise Information

BFA Membership Status

UK Years Established
3 years

Current UK Coverage
15%

Franchisee Support Staff
4

Personal Investment Req.
£6,000

Total Startup Cost
£12,000

Home-based business location

Business to business services

Franchisee operates individually

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