?March 2010 AIS has developed a Private Standard (PS) in conjunction with the British Standards Institution (BSI), to help members implement tried and proven methods of streamlining their company for the benefit of their business and stakeholders. Called AIMS (Association of Interior Specialists Integrated Management Standard), the document will set a benchmark for supplier and contractor members, to review their internal processes and help address risk exposure responsibilities. It will also be used by AIS to vet new and existing members. AIMS covers the core principles of management systems including environmental

Team AIS achieves IIP

AIS is pleased to announce it continues to be recognised as an Investors in People (IIP) organisation. IIP is a national quality standard which defines a level of good practice for improving an organisation's performance through its people. The Association's staff team are its most important asset. Both the AIS Board and employees are dedicated to ensuring that they have the right knowledge, skills and motivation to work efficiently.

Private standard launched by AIS

and quality management, corporate governance, corporate social responsibility (CSR), business planning, risk management, financial control, employee development, and health, safety and welfare. For AIS members, each section is backed up by Factfile information sheets showing how to achieve the standard. AIS President Martin Romaine said: ?I want the Association's membership to improve their internal control processes to help them better cope with the current financial situation and beyond. It is essential they manage their business risks, and how these can be reduced to enable them to thrive. AIMS is designed to do just that, and I recommend that every interiors company embrace it.? AIMS also demonstrates the Association?s commitment to guiding its members to achieve higher standards and constantly improve their performance in key areas of business risk management, leading to increased profitability and competitiveness. It also allows them to become stronger and will help external bodies such as architects, main contractors and clients be more aware of the AIS brand and its values. AIMS is intended to be used as a framework for managing business risk. It provides companies with the necessary information for implementing management systems that will In her report, the IIP assessor highlighted six key areas of strength: ? clear direction and leadership from the AIS Board of directors ? the appraisal / performance review system and its direct link to the business planning process ? the comprehensive induction process for all employees ? strong and regular internal and external communication by a wide range of means ? clear focus on quality for members ? use of improvement programmes (the BRE CLIP process) to reduce waste and improve efficiency. www.ais-interiors.org.uk help them meet statutory and legislative requirements as a minimum, whilst improving internal controls, efficiency and profitability. AIS chief executive Simon Forrester said: 'It's clear that clients now demand a coherent approach to managing business risks aligned to globally recognised standards. External verification of organisations is now a requirement by those offering tenders for work. Pre Qualification Questionnaires (PQQs) are asking companies to demonstrate competence in all areas of business risk management - disciplines which are detailed within AIMS. Members of the Association adopting these disciplines will be able to complete PQQs confidently, reducing the time and resources needed to complete the paperwork.' AIS technical manager Joe Cilia added: 'AIS is currently tightening its vetting criteria. As part of this process, it is intended that applicants and members be assessed to ensure that they meet the requirements of AIMS, where appropriate to their organisation. This will further enhance our reputation and that of our members for upholding the highest standards of both business practice and workmanship.' AIS members will be sent a free copy of AIMS shortly. Copies will be available for purchase from the end of March for both members (at a discounted rate) and non-members.

ROUND ONE TO AIS MEMBERS

In December 2009 AIS completed the mammoth task of vetting every AIS member company. The result ? an impressive 99.9% pass rate. Ongoing vetting builds upon the original AIS application process to ensure standards are maintained, thus demonstrating that members are quality companies offering quality services to the benefit of both members and clients. This first round of ongoing vetting, which took place over a three year period, saw every AIS contractor member go through a paper review, as well as receiving a site visit to check on the quality of their workmanship on finished projects. During the three years AIS helped contractors achieve the standard required through targeted training courses, working with manufacturers, and offering advice on technical issues - an area of expertise for AIS. Supplier members have been through a slightly different vetting process, and all passed with flying colours. Sadly, the one contractor company that was unable to meet the criteria has now been expelled from membership. AIS membership manager Robert Barker said: ?It was regrettable that this company could not demonstrate they met the criteria. But if the standard we set is to mean anything, companies have to achieve it and remain at or exceed that level.' AIS technical committee chairman Wendy Frampton added: 'I am really impressed with how readily AIS members have accepted the concept of ongoing vetting, and how it has improved our collective reputation with clients and specifiers. We are currently looking at tightening the vetting criteria, which will really help us promote AIS members as the best in the interiors sector.' www.ais-interiors.org.uk

ASSOCIATION OF INTERIOR SPECIALISTS

Fair payment made mandatory

The Government has announced its intention to make fair payment a contractual requirement on all new public sector works from 1 April 2010. Ian Lucas MP, Minister for Business and Regulatory Reform, confirmed that 30 day payment periods will become mandatory throughout the supply chain in the public sector to improve cash flow to tiers two and three. This is excellent news for specialist contractors and the result of sustained pressure at the highest level via the Fair Payment Campaign. www.nscc.org.uk

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FEATURING What members want Adding value to win work Future haunted by recent past

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feature Secondary glazing as first option ...and more!x www.ais-interiors.org.uk

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