Strong response to Quality Assurance assistance offer

13/5/94

Regional small businesses have responded strongly to a Government offer of assistance to introduce Quality Assurance, says Commerce and Trade Minister Hendy Cowan.

Forty country businesses were among 56 firms approved for funding in the Small Business Improvement Program's first eight weeks.

The program, launched by the Department of Commerce and Trade in February, contributes up to 75 per cent of the cost of approved QA training and certification services for companies too small to benefit from the National Industry Extension Service - Better Business Program.

"The scheme was designed to meet the needs of country businesses, and firms from Karratha to Albany have taken advantage of it," Mr Cowan said.

"Approved firms come from a very wide range of industries.  So far they include builders, plumbers, manufacturers, car dealers, retailers and financial service providers.

"Many have already sent staff to QA training workshops.

"Quality Assurance is one of the best business management systems available, so even if companies can not afford QA implementation immediately, they benefit from a better understanding of the concepts involved.

"Also, QA certification is becoming increasingly important as a prerequisite for major government and private sector contracts."

Mr Cowan said that the efforts of the Business Enterprise Centre network and a continuing program of quality seminars in regional areas, organised by the department, had been very effective in spreading the quality message.

Under the Small Business Improvement Program, companies may have access to:

(i)         On an individual company basis:

·             NIES QA Training Workshop - $300 per person up to a maximum of $2,100 per company on a dollar-for-dollar basis

·             Initial Quality Audit - A maximum contribution of $750 per company on a dollar-for-dollar basis

·             Quality Assurance Certification - A contribution of up to $2,000 per company on a dollar-for-dollar basis

(ii)        On a collective basis:

·             Group Certification Scheme $3,000 (Consultants must be QSA approved)

Media contact:  Peter Jackson 222 9595