CDI Group plc is the first company to achieve the Accredit UK ICT Supply Standard for Communication: Network Design and Installation.

Accredit UK is a joint funded initiative between the National Computing council and Advantage West Midlands. It is a mark of quality for the ICT industry to show that a business holding the Accredit UK mark can and will deliver solutions to a high standard.

The Standard aims to improve confidence in the ICT supply chain by measuring businesses against agreed criteria and by registering certified businesses with Accredit UK. This Standard also provides guidelines for Purchasers so that they can buy ICT solutions more effectively. It is recognition that ICT Suppliers will have an appropriate balance of technical resources and sound processes. The business is further recognised for having skilled, experienced and qualified staff delivering ICT solutions to the levels of satisfaction expected by its Customers.

Accredit UK is a quality standard that is designed to allow businesses to prove their excellence. Holders have proved that they have the right people, excellent processes and a track record of first-class performance. Purchasers of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) can use Accredit UK as a way to spot the best Suppliers in the industry. To get certified to the Accredit UK Standard, any Supplier must stand out from their competitors due to their excellence.

The certification process is an evidence-based evaluation; it is awarded to businesses that can demonstrate, through past performance that they have met the criteria established. An Applicant business is certified for 3 years. Annual re-visits will confirm that a business is following its action plan to address areas of concern and is adapting to changes in the marketplace. Certification may be withdrawn if evidence collected by the Assessor suggests that the business is not resolving outstanding issues.

Colin Parker, IMS Manager at CDI, views Accredit UK as a certification which demonstrates which companies are the best of bunch. He added: “In our case, the certification helps to demonstrate that we understand our clients’ needs fully. The certification is a natural next step for our business. We also believe that purchasers will have real confidence in the quality of Accredit UK certified companies’ products, their product knowledge and service provision. 

The Accredit UK Assessor said: “CDI Group is a business with a strong quality and growth culture. CDI Staff are managed using robust systems and procedures and there is an internal focus on providing a high level of customer service.”