THE Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), on Wednesday, launched its National Quality Awards Programme for 2023 at the National Exhibition Centre, Sophia.

The NQA programme is Guyana’s first quality system-based award programme, which seeks to recognise local businesses that demonstrate commitment to implementing quality systems and best practices in the production of goods and services.

Speaking during the launch, GNBS Marketing Officer, George Defreitas said that the award seeks to recognise local businesses for their commitment to quality and standard.

Businesses from the manufacturing sector, services sector (financial, tourism and hospitality, professional services, etc.), small businesses and micro/agro-processing businesses can participate in the award programme.

Application fees to participate in National Quality Awards are $10,000 for manufacturing and services; $5,000 for small businesses; and $3,000 for agro-processing businesses.

Businesses can download their application from the GNBS website and email the completed document to marketing@gnbsgy.org.

The application can also be submitted to the GNBS’ Head office at Sophia, or the sub-offices. The application deadline is December 31.

Defreitas said that winners will receive an NQA trophy, industry recognition and promotion from GNBS. All qualified participants will receive a certificate of eligibility and a brief report on the findings of the NQA assessments conducted by GNBS.

“The National Quality Award is designed to bring recognition for industry leaders in their class… In addition, it gives businesses a comprehensive assessment of the operations and opportunities for improvement,” he said.

According to Defreitas, every business that participates in the NQA will be given a report that gives them points and areas for improvement.

The NQA Programme allows local businesses to promote continuous improvements, health and safety, quality, customer service, leadership and sustainable practices.

Additionally, the programme will foster greater consumer confidence and satisfaction in goods and services and will serve as a prerequisite for businesses to participate in the Regional Quality Awards (RQA) Programme.

Defreitas explained that to be eligible for the programme, businesses must possess a valid business registration from the Deeds Registry, tax compliance from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and national insurance compliance from the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).

He added that the GNBS NQA is primarily based on the Quality Management Principles of ISO, requirements of the ISO 9001:2015 standard and environmental and safety Guidelines including customer focus, leadership, engagement of people and many others.

Meanwhile, GNBS communication officer Bibi Khatoon said that they are expecting a larger set of applications compared to the previous years.

She added that since GNBS launched its “Made in Guyana” programme, majority of the beneficiaries are small businesses and agro-processors. The NAQ, Khatoon said, will also take the same focus.

Previously, the NQA programme would only allow small businesses that employ 25 or less employees. However, in the new programme, businesses which have 10 or less employees can qualify.

“So, in that way, the smaller businesses that are just family business services with just five or six persons can also participate in the quality awards program… In that way, they don’t have to compete with the bigger businesses,” Khatoon said.