Local businesses benefit from US-sponsored workshops

The United States Embassy in partnership with the Centre for Local Business Development in Georgetown along with the technical institutes in New Amsterdam and Linden sponsored a series of workshops on ISO 9001-2015 Certification. On Friday, in a release from the Embassy, it was noted that the aim of the workshops was to increase trade between the US and Guyana in accordance with US priority.
The workshops were held from December 17 to December 20 and were conducted by Humberto Hernandez from the American Petroleum Institute in Houston, Texas. Speaking to the nearly 200 business representatives on the benefits of developing quality management systems for their companies, Hernandez said it was interesting that a variety of businesses in Guyana were interested and exciting to see so much interest in quality management systems, in particular, ISO 9001-2015.
“The questions asked were on point with a lot of the requirements that are already being addressed within their businesses. I think it’s just a matter of continuing to educate and make the business community aware of how a quality management system can enhance their organisations and improve the success of their business. I think there are many opportunities for local Guyanese, and they’re very eager to learn and start implementing these requirements,” Hernandez expressed.
ISO 9001-2015 certification confirms a company’s commitment to quality in their management system, regardless of industry. It demonstrates consistency in products and/or services that meet statutory and regulatory requirements, as well as a focus on customer satisfaction. Requirements are generic and applicable to any organisation, regardless of size, or the products and services provided. Principles audited for certification include customer focus, leadership, engagement of people, improvement, evidence-based decision-making, and relationship management.