It’s a perfect score for Aughton

Here at Aughton we are ecstatic to have received a perfect score in our latest Achilles UVDB program (Utility Vendor Data Base) audit.

Today, the utilities market is fast paced with new technologies and tighter regulations being introduced. We want our customers to be confident that we practice high standards of supply chain assurance. The UVDB program is a widely recognised in the utilities industry. Although it is not an audit program or a certification or accreditation scheme, it helps to manage risk within the supply chain and comply with EU regulations. Which is why choosing to become members was an easy choice.

What does it mean to be part of the UVDB program?

As a supplier, we made the decision to join UVDB to provide us with more opportunities and to showcase our capabilities. Not only this but the preferred pre-qualification system in the utilities sector here in the UK is the UVDB program. Part of the joining process involves new members completing a Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ), which then helps match potential customers/suppliers based on the information given. The program also has several benefits:

    1. Gain new and existing business through a fair, open and transparent selection process
    2. Generate competitive presence and awareness through a 24/7 online search portal
    3. Be safe in the knowledge that the company’s registered information is secure
    4. Have the opportunity showcase the company’s capabilities to over 80 different work sectors and over 3000 buyers

How does UVDB program work?

The program has two subscription plans: UVDB Basic and UVDB Verify. Each plan gives members access to different levels of information.

UVDB Basic

The Basic plan allows you to register your company details on the database. As part of the registration process you log your company’s details and any specialists’ areas that you work in. Once registered you can then look at open tenders and opportunities.

UVDB Verify

The Verify plan requires more details about how your company’s Safety, Health, Environment and Quality capabilities. This plan has a number of benefits and advantages over that of the Basic level. Firstly, it pre-populates your company’s Safety, Health, Environment and Quality capabilities. Secondly, it encourages you to put systems in place to meet the requirements of the Verify audit. Thirdly, it gives your business the building blocks should you decide to go for ISO9001, ISO14001 or OHSAS18001 certification.

Achieving a Perfect Score

Here at Aughton we work hard to ensure our management processes are clear and transparent. Furthermore, we partake in an annual audit as part of the UVDB Verify Plan to maintain a high standard. Which in turn gives us access to a pre-qualified supply chain whereby we can invite to tender, or vice versa. Firstly, the audit looks at our Health and Safety, Environment and Quality and Corporate Social Responsibility programmes. The final part of the audit provide is an independent assessment of suppliers’ management systems (Management System Evaluation – MSE), as well as an assessment of the discipline areas on-site.

Our hard work and due diligence has paid off and in our latest audit we gained a perfect score of 100%. Please find below a breakdown of the audit:

MSE – Health and Safety: 100%
MSE – Environment: 100%
MSE – Quality: 100%
MSE – Corporate Social Responsibility: 100%

Onsite – Health and Safety: 100%
Onsite – Environment: 100%
Onsite – Quality: 100%
Onsite – Corporate Social Responsibility: 100%

What does this mean for you, the customer?

We want to make sure that our customers know that our systems and processes are transparent, and they are getting the services they require. If you are looking for a new supplier, then get in touch and discover how we can help your business.