The Q Mark is a symbol that shows a business delivers the highest standards of quality and excellence.
It is based on the premise of continuous improvement, and it gives companies the opportunity to monitor their business processes 100% of the time.
The Excellence Ireland Quality Association is the guardian of The Q Mark.
Managing Director Irene Collins explains the process in obtaining the merit.
Once a company signs up to the Q Mark, they will receive a technical standard which outlines everything that the company needs to review its quality management systems, customer experience, leadership and commitment, employee engagement, business systems and processes, and the key business results.
"Once the auditor has reviewed their business, they get a really in-depth report back which will highlight what they are doing exceptionally well. It will also give them areas for improvement, and recommendations," she said.
The results of the audit are presented to a certification committee composed of experts in their chosen field who decide if a business is worthy of the Q Mark. But not every business that applies gets the Q Mark.
A diverse range of companies apply for the Q Mark. "Everybody from the local employment services to funeral directors, to engineering companies," Ms Collins said.
Manor Farm in Cavan and Roadbridge in Limerick have been named as the latet winners at The National Q Mark Awards which took place in Dublin at the weekend.
Manor Farm was awarded the title of National Winner of the Q Mark for Hygiene and Food Safety, sponsored this year by Ishka, while Roadbridge won the title of National Winner of the Q Mark for Quality Management Systems, sponsored for 2019 by Solus.
"Manor Farm demonstrated to the panel of judges that they are best in class," Ms Collins said, "and that they take food safety seriously, and it's at the heart of everything that they do."
Director Vincent Carton said Manor Farm said, "It underlines our commitment for high quality standards within the Irish poultry processing industry and recognises the company's commitment to quality and hygiene at all levels."
Roadbridge is a Limerick-based International Civil Engineering contractor with over 50 years' experience. It employs over 700 people and is renowned for finishing ahead of time on projects.
"They have been in the programme since 2008, and year on year, they get better and stronger. Their commitment just shines through, and there is a real team spirit that every single person within Roadbridge is committed to continuous improvement and quality standards," Ms Collins said.
Managing Director Conor Gilligan said Roadbridge has seen first-hand the advantages that the Q Mark brings to its dealings with potential customers.
"It has been a very valuable asset in our tenders. Quite simply, it is worth the time and effort, and is excellent value for money," he added.
