Hayden Davies is the Director of BM TRADA, a specialist testing, inspection and certification business. BM TRADA was established nearly 80 years ago in the United Kingdom that now has 40 offices in 33 different countries. Originally a civil engineer, Hayden has been with BM TRADA since 1994 and has managed a number of the business streams. In an interview with New Business Age, Hayden shared the importance of certification in industries in Nepal. Excerpts:

 

Could you tell us the reasons for your visit to Nepal? 

Firstly, we had to attend the annual general meeting of our company that was decided to be held in Kathmandu. Secondly, we had to meet our staff, Indian partners and clients in Nepal. 

 

What is BM TRADA all about? 

BM TRADA provides certification, testing, inspection, training and technical services around the world . We are very honest in the areas we work in. We are specialists in furniture technology and testing, timber technology and have general expertise as well. 

 

Who are the target clients? 

Our clients range from major multinationals to the very small SMEs. Currently, the Chilime hydropower project, ten colleges, some BFIs (Banks and Financial Institutions), textile industries are some of our clients in Nepal. 

 

How does this certification help organizations in Nepal? 

In general, it possibly helps them to operate more efficiently. Basically, having an ISO 9000 management system means the organization is more efficient and less prone to mistakes. When a mistake occurs, it will be corrected because there is a recognized system. Secondly, it helps to reassure clients of the company's performance. When a client sees an organization's management system certified by an international body, they can rest assured of good returns. The certification is also constantly reassessed. We review the system every year to check on it. 

 

How do you view the overall qualification of organizations in Nepal? 

The development of organizations in Nepal has been strong. They have commitment and enthusiasm to quality and that is good. What I say to these clients is -- it is very important not just to maintain the system but adding value continuously, which adds value to your business. 

 

How are you expanding your market in South Asia? What is the strategy? 

We are growing our business in South Asia and work in two ways -- the first way is through subsidiaries or in joint venture, which we might own 100 percent. In India, it is a joint venture. These subsidiaries help the company to expand further. For example, BM TRADA India has now expanded to Bangladesh, Sri- Lanka and Nepal. 

 

In the second way, we hire local representatives whose every decision made is reviewed in detail in our head office in the UK. All the controls are set within our office in UK. That is how we control and maintain quality. 

 

How do you see the future of certification in Nepal? 

It has lots of prospects. Certification is a big opportunity for companies to prove their credentials in an international stage and display international recognition to the buyers. The company demands to make buyers confident about the products while the buyers demand that the product they are buying is of reasonable quality. I think certification will grow in Nepal because it is a prerequisite for international pride.