Quality problems rarely announce themselves as quality issues. They are more likely to appear as an unhappy customer, a job that must be done twice, a margin that quietly disappears or another urgent problem landing on the owner’s desk. Bearing this in mind I thought if would be a good idea to explore what quality […]
Since November 2025 I have watched The National Emergency Briefing (NEB) move beyond a one-off Westminster event. It is now a wider public information initiative, with its evidence base on public record and the People’s Emergency Briefing film being shared through community, workplace and organisational screenings across the UK. The Petition requesting a televised public […]
Earth Overshoot Day marks the point when humanity’s demand for ecological resources exceeds what Earth can renew in that year. This year, the date falls on 30th July 2026. According to the Global Footprint Network, humanity is currently using nature 73% faster than Earth’s ecosystems can regenerate, which is equivalent to using around 1.73 Earths. […]
If you want your business to deliver products and services consistently, you probably already have processes, procedures and process flows in place. They are the everyday ways you manage enquiries, deliver work, check quality and meet customer requirements. However, when you take a more formal approach, especially in connection with ISO Standards, they become more […]
For many SMEs, ISO 9001 first comes up when a customer, tender or procurement process asks for it. That can make it feel like an external requirement rather than something that could genuinely help your business. But that is only part of the story. Some businesses choose ISO 9001 to strengthen credibility, build trust and show that […]
In our last post, I described ESG as a practical way of thinking that helps businesses build credibility, resilience, and long‑term value. Here, I’ll show how SMEs can put that into action without adding unnecessary complexity. Before going forward, it is important to recognise the significant contributions of sustainability professionals who have advanced environmental, social, […]
I find it concerning to see the value of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) being brought into question through misinformation about its validity, claims that much of it is "woke" orientated, and the fact that some corporations have chosen to step back from environmental and social commitments. To a point where some are claiming this […]
I will be the first to admit that there are many reputable ISO focused consultancies in the UK that can support businesses on their journey to certification and ongoing management of continual improvement. As with previous articles this one doesn’t aim to promote Coaction Solutions over other consultancies. It’s about making sure SMEs understand what […]
How does a flexible, non‑prescriptive framework strengthen leadership, resilience, and sustainable growth? Introduction Small and medium‑sized enterprises face increasing complexity, tighter scrutiny, and rapidly shifting customer and stakeholder expectations. In this environment, leaders need more than good intentions, they need clarity, alignment, and a framework that supports sustainable growth. ISO 9001 provides exactly that, offering a […]
As the year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting not only on the year that’s ending, but on the one quietly waiting ahead. Each year teaches us something if we choose to listen. This year, those lessons arrived through conversations with family, customers, time spent listening to other businesspeople, insights from research, and books […]
When we first introduced the phrase Evolving Sustainable Success, we believed it would spark conversations about how SMEs can engage with sustainability in ways that would strengthen their businesses. But to be honest, without these conversations it doesn’t clearly communicate the practical business challenges we help organisations solve. Without that clarity, some businesses who weren’t […]
I’ll start by saying that I’ve been talking for several years about the importance of embedding sustainability into management systems. This includes finding a better balance between business, society, and the natural world. Especially since ISO 9001 introduced the concept of Context of the Organisation in 2015. So, I’m really pleased to see this latest […]
