We’re pleased to announce that we have been successfully reassessed by Achilles maintaining our place on the organisation’s Utility Vendor Database (UVDB) for the sixth consecutive year, with our 2019 audit gaining 100% across each and every section, receiving special mention for our certified business continuity management system and newly introduced supply chain management process.
Achilles UVDB is a pre-qualification system designed to create accountability and ethical and environmental standards for suppliers to the UK utilities industry. Applicants undergo a thorough pre-qualification process covering references, insurance, supply chain management, quality, health & safety and environmental processes as well as responsible trading methods which is followed by an annual onsite evaluation of their management systems and assessment of activities whilst providing products and services on site. This rigorous evaluation provides buyers in the UK utilities sector with the confidence that they are only engaging with businesses that can demonstrate robust internal processes alongside a proven commitment to the environment and corporate social responsibility.
Alongside meeting all operating requirements and capabilities in full, we were noted for our ISO 22301:2012 business continuity management system certification and for introducing Exigo, an innovative supply chain management system.
“The re-assessment process for Achilles UVDB is incredibly extensive, creating a high benchmark for all suppliers to the entire utilities industry. At Water Direct, we have faced the challenge of aligning our own systems against the scheme’s criteria in order to create and maintain robust processes and drive our commitment to the environment and our corporate social responsibilities.
We are proud to have not only passed our assessment for the sixth consecutive year but also to have raised the bar as high as it will go gaining a 100% score in every area, with further recognition from Achilles for the value we add to our customers across the supply chain. This is testament to Water Direct’s commitment to continual improvement in all facets of its business not just those defined by traditional management system requirements, helping us to meet our goal of being among the best suppliers in the utility buying community.”
Daniel Bashford – Quality & Compliance Manager at Water Direct
For more information on Achilles UVDB visit https://www.achilles.com/community/uvdb/