Introduction

Consumers need to know that the products they buy are safe and can be relied on. They want 'quality' products. 'Quality', in business terms, is the extent to which consumers' wants and needs are met by a product. A cheap pencil is still a quality product, as long as it does what pencils should do! To make sure of this, products have to meet certain standards. In the UK these standards are set by the British Standards Institution (BSi). BSi also looks at quality management systems - how businesses make sure that products are always quality ones.

The main jobs of the BSi Group are to:

• create standards and encourage their use

• test products and issue certificates

• assess quality management systems.

The symbol used by BSi is the Kitemark. This Kitemark is only found on those products and systems that have been tested and reached the standard.

Standards

Because business is now so global, standards that apply in markets outside the UK - such as Europe - are also vital. BSi helps to create these. Some are 'formal standards'. These can take up to two years to write. BSi will consult with businesses, governments and users. BSi also creates codes of practice for industries.

Why have standards?

Standards are good for both consumers and businesses. Consumers are more likely to buy products if they know that they are safe and reliable. For businesses, having standards also helps to cut costs. Standards are set to meet the needs of consumers. This is also good for business. If they meet the standards, they are also meeting consumer needs.

Safety

Consumer safety is a key factor when setting standards. BSi listens to consumers when they have concerns. For example, when there were complaints about the outside of certain toasters getting too hot, BSi brought out a new standard to stop this from happening.

Quality checks

Quality control has moved on from the old way where products were only checked when they were finished. There are now new systems such as 'total quality management' (TQM) and ISO 9001. TQM means that every single person in a business is responsible for quality. ISO 9001 is an International Standard. To receive this a business must show that it has constant improvement in place.

Conclusion

Standards are important to both businesses and consumers. Businesses gain from rules that help them to produce quality products. Consumers gain from being able to buy with confidence, knowing they are buying safe, and quality products.