Barenco Limited design, manufacture and supply hardware, cable and connectors to the communications industry. The founder, a qualified engineer and licensed amateur radio operator, originally began designing and manufacturing his own aerial fixing hardware after he was unable to source what he needed on the open market. News spread and soon he was developing other systems for fellow amateurs with the same problem. By 1983, a part-time business was formally launched and ‘Barenco’ started trading around the UK at radio rallies. Their presence in the market attracted commercial business as well as amateurs.

Over 30 years later they continue to manufacture hardware in house, to a high standard, and offer a bespoke design and engineering service. They have developed an extensive range of RF connectors in the UK and have the facilities and capability of designing new connectors to help improve performance and fit specific applications.
Although they have grown substantially over the years Barenco still provides high quality products whilst maintaining competitive prices and a helpful and friendly service.

The Assignment
In order to expand their customer base, particularly those in Defence Industry Procurement, Barenco Limited commissioned Independent Advice for Business Limited to implement an ISO9001:2008 based Quality Management System into the company.

Making it Happen
After an initial recommendation from the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) and discussions with management and staff the following fixed cost proposal was agreed:

  1. Preparation of the Quality Management System Manual, all associated documentation and procedures to support the operation to ISO9001:2008.
  2. Undertake a complete Internal Audit of the process, list any non-conformity’s and create a corrective action plan.
  3. Advise Barenco Limited on implementing these into their processes.
  4. Undertake the necessary site visits on an agreed schedule to complete internal audit programme and to provide guidance towards achieving compliance.
  5. Attend the external audits and advise on any corrective actions needed.

The project commenced in August 2013 and was scheduled to last three months. After the initial meeting to review the business activities, a draft Quality Manual was produced that reflected Barenco Limited‘s activities within the requirements. In the following months a full internal audit programme was undertaken, non-conformity’s identified and corrective actions made. Where necessary, modifications were made to the documentation. Once the internal audit programme was complete, the documentation was submitted to ISOQAR Limited who undertook the Stage 1 and Stage 2 accreditation audits and ISO9001:2008 certification was awarded on 15th November 2013.

Benefits

Barenco Limited now joined over 1 Million organisations accredited to ISO9001:2008. They are now able to expand their business by approaching potential customers whose minimum requirement for tender is ISO9001:2008 accreditation.
Independent Advice for Business Limited is pleased to have worked with Barenco Limited on this project and are confident that the introduction of ISO9001:2008 will allow the company to grow and adapt to the changing market conditions that every business faces today.

Barenco Comments

“ISO9001:2008 has provided Barenco Limited with the crucial opportunity to establishing working relationships with industry leaders, who depend on high quality products with the assurance of the accreditation. Peter Jones is invaluable to maintaining our accreditation and ensures that the company achieves the highest standards with very little disruption to our working day. Peter has ensured that all members of staff fully understand the processes and continual improvements needed to maintain our accreditation, and ensures that Barenco Limited continues to improve quality of products, efficient productivity of staff and high customer service to all of our customers.” Stephanie Gell, Barenco Limited Office Manager