By 2017, CED Stones recognised the growing importance of incorporating environmental sustainability into their operations. 

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They set their sights on achieving ISO 14001 certification, a globally recognised environmental management standard, to underline their commitment to combating climate change and fostering sustainable practices. 

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This led to a conversation between Calum Fraser, Director of CED Stones Ltd, and Michael Locke, Procurement Manager at ParagonQMS Ltd. 
 

The discussions highlighted the challenges in adapting CED Stones' processes to meet certification requirements and paved the way for ParagonQMS to lend their expertise in this area.
 

ParagonQMS took a tailored approach to address CED Stones’ compliance needs by thoroughly reviewing their operations and identifying gaps against the ISO 14001 requirements.

 

They developed mandatory system documentation essential for certification and streamlined operational processes to align with environmental management guidelines.

Once the company successfully achieved certification, ParagonQMS’s role evolved into being a long-term compliance partner.

 

Senior Consultant Ulf Hedstrand worked closely with Howard White from CED Stones to ensure continuous compliance.

This included regular updates to the system documentation and collaborative efforts to maintain environmental standards across all levels of operations.

Additionally, ParagonQMS delivered a robust training program for CED Stones’ staff, which included a series of workshops focused on environmental sustainability and the key tenets of ISO 14001. 
 

These training sessions equipped the workforce with the knowledge and skills needed to uphold the standards, fostering a culture of responsibility and environmental awareness across the organisation.

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The collaboration between CED Stone Group and ParagonQMS yielded significant improvements across various facets of the business:
 

• Stronger Environmental Culture: Environmental safety and sustainability became integral to daily operations. 

• Optimized Processes: Operational workflows were refined to reduce inefficiencies while meeting compliance standards seamlessly.

•  Boosted Market Reputation: Achieving ISO 14001 certification underscored CED’s commitment to sustainability, enhancing its credibility and competitive edge. 

• Empowered Teams: Employees became active contributors to the company’s environmental mission, thanks to targeted training and engagement. 

• ISO 14001 Certification: The certification validated CED Stone Group’s commitment to operating sustainably. 

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Perhaps most notably, the company underwent a cultural transformation, driven by leadership’s commitment to embedding sustainability into every aspect of the business. 

The partnership between CED Stone Group and ParagonQMS exemplifies the impact of collaboration.

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Together, the two organisations not only achieved ISO 14001 Certification but have also maintained compliance through ongoing support and innovation.

 

ParagonQMS continues to provide guidance, ensuring CED stays ahead of evolving environmental and regulatory challenges.