We were established in 1985 in response to the first quality standard, BS 5750, which was launched by the UK Government. We were the first certification body to gain accreditation for issuing quality management system certificates. We achieved this from the National Accreditation Council for Certification Bodies, now known as the United Kingdom Accreditation Council (UKAS).

We now operate in most countries around the world. Our range of services has also grown and we now offer assessment of environmental and health and safety management systems in most industry sectors. We also provide verification and validation services, training services and approval for a number of EC Directives.