The GNBS Technical Assistance Programme
The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has recognised that small manufacturers and other stakeholders in the micro and small enterprises sector also need to meet the minimum requirements of quality and environment management system standards within their operations.  In this regard, the Bureau has implemented a Technical Assistance programme which falls under the purview of the Conformity Assessment Department. GOAL OF PROGRAMME
The goal of the programme is to promote and adapt the concepts and principles of Quality Management as outlined in the ISO 9001:2008 standard, the Environmental Management principles as outlined in the ISO 14000 series of standards and Guidelines for Good Management Practices in Micro and Small Enterprises, through the provision of technical assistance to industries.

THE OBJECTIVE OF THE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME
The objective of the programme is to provide assistance to organisations/companies desirous of implementing a management system meeting the requirements of the ISO 9001:2000 (Quality Management System), ISO 1400:1996 (Environmental Management System) and GYS 231:2002 (Guidelines for Good Management Practices for Micro and Small Enterprises) standards.

BENEFITS OF THE PROGRAMME
By getting onboard the GNBS Technical Assistance programme, local companies can access numerous benefits which could improve their overall performance, viability and competiveness of their businesses. Below are some of the benefits:

* Improved effectiveness and efficiency of Business Operations.
* Avoidance of multiple assessments by purchaser/customer.
* Increased acceptance of products and services in the domestic and international markets.
* An independent assessment of the company’s capability is provided and the company is helped to consistently meet regulatory requirements.
* Reduced environmental pollution risks through prevention at the source.
* Improved competitiveness and performance of the entity.
* Decreased waste of resources and raw materials.

THE GNBS PROVIDES ASSISTANCE TO COMPANIES IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS:
* Conducting gap analyses and training personnel to equip them with the skills to meet the requirements of the particular standard.
* Assisting in the documentation of procedures to meet the requirements of a particular standard.
* Providing guidance in the implementation of documentation (in relation to the requirements of the respective standard.
* Facilitating contact with the registration/certification body;
* Helping companies to correct any nonconformance identified by a registration/certification body; and
* Providing guidance to an organization/business for its continuous improvement.
The GNBS is encouraging especially entrepreneurs involved in operating businesses in the micro and small enterprises sector to tap into the available resources and consider the benefits  of  the implementation of management system principles into their operations.
For further information, please contact the Conformity Assessment Department of the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0062, 219-0064, and 219-0065.  For further information, please check the Bureau’s website: www.gnbsgy.org