COMPANIES based in Wiltshire and Berkshire are being warned to prepare for changes in the industry-recognised quality standards or risk losing their registration.

As of December 14 2003, the current series of standards International Standard Organisation 9000:1994, will cease to exist and the new ISO 9001:2000 series will be the sole benchmark for companies wanting to operate an internationally recognised quality system.

It can take months to make the required changes, which means that companies need to consider their plans on how to act now.

The changes include a greater emphasis on the need to monitor customer satisfaction and meeting the need for more user-friendly documents.

Certification is not automatic for those operating the old system all companies must undergo re-accreditation to prove that they meet the requirements of the new standard before December 14.

But despite previous warnings from business advice companies, including Business Link Berkshire and Wiltshire, some companies have so far failed to act.

Time is now running short for companies who value their ISO recognition, particularly those for whom ISO 9000 is a pre-requisite to tender, to decide what needs to be done, make the changes and get re-certified before the December deadline.

"The new updated standard focuses on business processes and puts continual improvement and customer satisfaction at the top of the agenda," said Clive Milner, business adviser at Business Link Berkshire and Wiltshire.

"The necessary changes could take a number of months to install and we realise that not all businesses have the time or resources to commit to making them.

"To help, Business Link for Berkshire and Wiltshire can in some cases offer companies a grant towards the cost of employing a consultant from its register of accredited service providers to advise."

Information on this grant can be obtained by calling 0845 600 4141.