In a bid to enhance the performance of local businesses, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) is encouraging micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to adopt the National Standard – Requirements for Good Management Practices (GYS 231:2010). This standard, available at the GNBS, was derived from a CARICOM Regional Standard and promises to ensure that businesses consistently meet requirements for quality, environmental sustainability, and occupational safety and health.
GNBS in a recently published column emphasized that adherence to standards offers numerous benefits for businesses of all sizes, including MSMEs. Just as global companies benefit from implementing standards, local small businesses can experience efficient resource allocation, increased operational efficiency, and easier access to export markets, all leading to heightened consumer confidence.
The GYS 231:2010 Standard, in line with the ISO’s recommendations, emphasizes continual improvement and the assurance of quality, environmental sustainability, and safety standards. It also highlights the importance of preventing nonconformity and setting well-defined improvement goals and objectives for MSMEs.
Similar to the widely known ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System Standard, the MSME Standard outlines clear definitions of roles, responsibilities, and authorities for the implementation of the management system. It emphasizes the need for controlled records and documents, along with requirements for employee competence, awareness, and training to ensure compliance.
Moreover, the standard incorporates provisions for measurement, analysis, and improvement to demonstrate conformity and effective business management, ensuring the continual satisfaction of customers.
GNBS encourages all small business owners to embrace and implement Good Management Practices (GMPs) to enjoy the numerous benefits they offer. With its team of skilled professionals, GNBS said it stands ready to support local MSMEs in their journey towards improved performance and competitiveness.
Through its Training and Technical Assistance Programmes, GNBS provides guidance on properly implementing the GMP Standard and other national and international standards. Local MSMEs are urged to reach out to the GNBS for further information on how these standards can address their specific needs for growth and success.
For more information, interested parties can contact the GNBS at telephone numbers: 219-0064/65/66 or visit the GNBS website: [www.gnbsgy.org](http://www.gnbsgy.org/ “”).
