The business experts at Midwest Rural Enterprises (or MRE) have once again completed their quality standard audit. The organisation has been using this to successfully monitor and improve their service to customers since 2008.

Margaret Gray, the associate at MRE in charge of the application, values the whole accreditation process to the consultancy business. “This isn’t just a paper exercise” she explained, “it means that MRE have checks and balances in place to deliver great customer service and, in the unlikely case that we receive a complaint, that the organisation deals with it fairly and learns from the experience. The quality mark means our customers feel confident about hiring us and that we don’t mind having an independent check on all our work”

Sue Fry, another director, also feels the benefit keeping abreast of current thinking. “It’s important that management consultants stay up to date with the latest developments in their field of expertise” she says “ and following the ISO 9000 standard keeps MRE staff focussed on relevant CPD and personal development. When funders, such as Worcestershire County Council, agree contracts with MRE, they too are looking to see that our work is assessed and continues to follows best practice.”

Their assessor for ISO certification is Colin Watkins of QSL Quality services in Worcester. “Midwest Rural Enterprise worked fantastically well to achieve the ISO 9001 Quality Management Standard” according to Colin, “since its implementation in 2008, members of staff have time and again successfully illustrated how to utilise the management standard for the benefit of both the business and its clients. A massive congratulations to the whole team”.