Sharp group achieves certification to world class business standards

Left to right: Geraldine Larkin, Chief Executive of NSAI; Jason Shields, Finance Director Sharp Group; Olivia Harrington, Compliance Management System Coordinator;  Pat Breen, Minister of State for Trade, Employment and Business

  • 20 organisations from around the country have been recognised for achieving certification to world class business standards at a special ceremony in Dublin
  • The majority of organisations achieved certification to the international ISO standard in Quality Management Systems 
  • Sharp Group, Brakes Ltd, Pobal and Neurent Medical Galway among organisations honoured at today’s ceremony

20 organisations from the private, public and SME sectors gathered at NSAI (National Standards Authority of Ireland) offices in Dublin today for a special ceremony marking their achievement in becoming certified to world class business standards. The companies are located throughout the country and include Sharp Group,  Brakes Ltd, FLI Global Ltd, Pobal, Gem Construction, Boland Steel and Whytes Concrete Ltd.    

All of the businesses and bodies that achieved certification were independently audited by NSAI inspectors in order to ensure they complied with the international standards.

The certification is a recognition of the work and effort Sharp Group has put in and underlines their commitment to working towards best practice. 

The ISO management system approach and certification, helps Sharp Group to improve our performance by…..

  • Managing the inter-related parts of its business in order to achieve company objectives including service quality, operational efficiency, environmental performance, health and safety in the workplace and information security management systems.
  • Creating an organisational culture that reflectively engages in a continuous cycle of self-evaluation, correction and improvement of operations and processes through heightened employee awareness and management leadership and commitment.
  • Improved risk management and protection of our staff through ISO 45001 and the environment through ISO 14001. Improved Information Security Management systems through ISO 27001  and Quality Management System through ISO 9001 provides us with the capability to deliver consistent and improved services and products, thereby increasing value to customers and all other stakeholders.

They join an elite group of over 3,000 organisations who are currently NSAI-certified in a variety of areas such as Quality Management Systems, Environmental Management Systems, Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems, Information Security Systems and Energy Management.  

Ivan Nolan, Managing Director of Sharp Group said:

“Sharp Group have a culture of continuous improvement and achieving this certification is an important validation for us. It is a reflection of how we continually improve as a business, how we serve our customers, and is a testament to our employees.”

Speaking at the ceremony, NSAI Chief Executive Geraldine Larkin said achieving certification to world class business standards will give these organisations an advantage – both at home and abroad. 

“Many of the companies gathered here today are being certified to two, three or in some cases, to four standards and I am delighted to see this type of commitment.  You can see the real difference standards have made to your business and you have reaped rewards from these benefits. Not only have you gained competitive advantage – improving efficiency, reducing costs and minimising waste – your industries will continue to benefit because of your investment,” said Ms Larkin.

“At a time of increased globalization, Brexit negotiations and more and more international trade deals, it is essential for Irish industry to be as competitive as it can be. It is encouraging to see so many companies here today that are committed to working towards best practice. You are demonstrating that Ireland is one of the best places in the world to do business and that Irish and Irish based companies can compete at the highest level,” she added.

Organisations can contribute their knowledge, ideas and help build the standards of the future through becoming involved with standards development. Become a member of a volunteer committee, comment on or view a draft standard at NSAI.ie.  

For further information, please contact:
Ivan Nolan 
Managing Director 
Sharp Group 
Info@sharpgroup.ie