A FAMILY-run construction services firm is even better-placed to land vital contracts after gaining two key performance standards.
Milnsbridge-based Illingworth and Gregory has achieved the internationally-recognised quality management standard ISO9001 and environmental management standard ISO14001.
The company believes that gaining the two top-rated standards will give it an edge when tendering for public sector work.
Director Jez Illingworth said accreditation to the two standards, which were achieved after external audits, underlined the company’s commitment to quality and its customers as well as a willingness to work towards improving efficiency.
He said: “It has been a long process because we undertook to achieve both standards at the same time.
“Clients want contractors to have these standards and we feel it is essential to have them in place.”
Mr Illingworth said ISO14001 was “a major factor” in the construction industry – with companies expected to show how they were tackling environmental issues from how they avoid printing out emails to how they segregate and dispose of building waste.
He said: “We had systems in place, but they hadn’t been documented. We have not had to change too many of our systems and procedures, but having ISO14001 shows we are working to those standards.”
Wayne Dudley, who presented the award on behalf of external auditor ACS Registrars, said: “Illingworth & Gregory should be proud of their achievement in gaining ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. The company demonstrated a very high level of conformity to both standards.
“These awards, which are accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Services, will assure both new and existing clients that Illingworth & Gregory are a creditable company dedicated to achieving high levels of consistence in quality whilst looking after the environment.”
Mr Illingworth said the company had a satisfactory workload at present, despite general uncertainty and caution affecting the construction sector.
“Achieving these important accreditations will improve our opportunities to get more work from new and existing clients, who are looking for higher and higher standards,” he added.
Illingworth and Gregory has completed projects in ares including retail, offices, industrial, leisure, healthcare and education.
Recent contracts have included ones for work on magistrates courts in Oldham and Bolton on behalf of the Courts Service.
Previous work has included refurbishing council houses in Grimsby, refitting a Sheffield library and refurbishing the Yorkshire Museum and the Castle Museum in York.
