National Help

EFQM helps European businesses make better products and deliver improved services through the effective use of management practices such as the EFQM Business Excellence Model. National partners include the British Quality Foundation, which helps to promote business excellence throughout the UK, www.efqm.org or www.quality-foundation.co.uk and Quality Scotland at www.qualityscotland.co.uk.

 GoodCorporation is a corporate responsibility standard that organisations of any size or type can use to measure performance of their working practices against an independent global standard. The annual verification report can be used for internal development or external reporting. www.goodcorporation.com.

AA1000 framework is a standard designed to improve an organisation's accountability and performance. www.accountability.org.uk.

Inside UK Enterprise is a service by Business Link that sets up visits to companies from which you can learn particular profitable ways of working. www.iuke.co.uk.

In Scotland, Scottish Business in The Community coordinates groups to share experiences, contact them on info@sbcscot.com.

Online Help

 The Small Business Resource Centre, run by British Standards, containsinformation on standards, publications for key small business industries, andcase studies on how small businesses have used standards to improve theirperformance. www.mysmallbiz.co.uk.

Investors in People can provide you with the framework you need for investing in people to achieve results. www.investorsinpeople.co.uk.

 European Eco-Management and Audit Standard helps companies establish,evaluate and report on appropriate environmental management systems andto comply with all relevant environmental legislation.

www.europa.eu.int/comm/environment/emas/.