Why it pays to use an accredited supplier

Working within the construction industry can mean wading through a mountain of paperwork, often resulting in delayed projects and wasted money.

Now both buyers and suppliers are wising up to the benefits of robust industry accreditation which helps reassure buyers and speed up business transactions.

Fast-tracking projects

One industry bugbear is the duplication of PQQ (pre-qualification questionnaire) forms, which need to be repeatedly filled out by suppliers to prove their level of experience and financial standing in order to be invited to tender for a contract.

Gaining accreditation reassures private and public sector buyers that they are buying from companies that have been assessed in line with government and industry standards. The certification reduces the administrative burden for suppliers, enabling them to improve efficiency.

Raising standards

A number of accreditation schemes are available. Constructionline, the UK’s leading procurement and supply chain management service, allows companies to become certified members once they have demonstrated that they meet rigorous assessment criteria. During the certification process, a wide range of information is assessed and compiled, including financial information, proof of insurance, professional conduct, previous experience and references.

Another prestigious certificate is the ISO 9001:2015, an international standard replacing the 2008 quality system, which becomes obsolete from September this year [NB 2018]. It evaluates whether a company’s quality management system is appropriate and effective, while enforcing companies to identify and implement improvements.

Achieving Acclaim Accreditation requires a company to demonstrate compliance with health and safety legislation. Accreditation gives buyers confidence that a company has been successfully assessed according to the Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015.

Companies completing the SafeContractor health and safety accreditation process are added to a client portal, which is accessed by over 370 big-brand clients looking for approved contractors to work on their sites. SafeContractors receive a certificate and van stickers to prove they have attained the SafeContractor seal of approval.

Proud to be accredited

Achieving these accreditations can be a lengthy process, however the benefits to customers can be well worth it as one company has discovered. Scott Parnell Water Management, which specialises in the supply and installation of groundworks and drainage products and services, has recently achieved the full collection of accreditations and has found that in turn this has had a huge benefit to its customers. The company’s Operations Manager, Wendi O’Toole, says all the hard work was well worth it.

“We’ve noticed we’re saving a considerable amount of time now we don’t have to keep completing PQQ forms for every project. Instead, if clients are also registered, they can review the information on our Constructionline profile without having to go through the lengthy process of filling out forms,” she says.

“Accreditation recognises the high quality service we aim to offer our clients and provides reassurance of our professionalism. We’re very proud to have achieved this whilst being able to streamline the service we provide to our customers.”

To speak to one of our Water Management experts, call 01908 310453 or complete our contact form.