ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018 – Why UKAS-Accredited Management Systems Drive Growth for UK Organisations

Discover how ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 certifications accredited by UKAS help UK businesses improve quality, safety, and sustainability. Learn how SS Safety Ltd guides organisations toward measurable growth, compliance, and performance excellence.

Setting the Standard for Success

Across the UK, organisations are realising that ISO-certified management systems are not simply about ticking boxes – they’re about business improvement, resilience, and sustainable growth. Over the last five years, UKAS-accredited certification has risen steadily, reflecting a growing understanding of how structured management systems enhance operational performance and stakeholder confidence.

Key ISO Growth Statistics (2020–2025)

Standard	Global Certificates (2024)	UK Certificates (2024)	% Growth (5 years)
ISO 9001:2015	990,707	38,500	+9%
ISO 14001:2015	553,500	17,400	+13%
ISO 45001:2018	385,500	12,700	+24%

(Source: ISO Survey 2024, UKAS Annual Report 2025)

The Importance of UKAS Accreditation

The United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) is the national authority responsible for accrediting certification bodies. Its 2024–2025 Annual Reports highlight over 430,000 active UK certifications now visible through UKAS CertCheck, the online verification platform. Accreditation under UKAS ensures that certificates are credible, internationally recognised, and trusted by clients, regulators, and partners worldwide.

“Accreditation builds confidence, drives improvement and demonstrates competence. It is the foundation for trust in quality, safety and sustainability.” – UKAS Annual Report 2025

ISO 9001:2015 – The Standard for Quality and Customer Focus

The ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS) standard remains the world’s most widely adopted management system. Research by the Standards Council of Canada (2024) found that ISO 9001-certified firms achieved an average 48% higher sales growth than non-certified companies.

Business benefits include:

• Streamlined processes and reduced waste

• Enhanced customer satisfaction and retention

• Measurable performance improvements

• Stronger tendering and export credibility

From small service providers to large manufacturers, ISO 9001 certification helps companies demonstrate professionalism, efficiency, and continual improvement.

ISO 14001:2015 – Sustainability That Strengthens the Bottom Line

Environmental management is no longer optional – it’s a competitive advantage. The ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System (EMS) helps organisations manage and reduce their environmental footprint while improving efficiency.

Amtivo Group’s 2025 report found that ISO 14001-certified companies achieved measurable reductions in energy use and waste generation, leading to tangible cost savings. The British Assessment Bureau (2024) also reported that ISO 14001 is increasingly a prerequisite for public sector and major contractor tendering.

Top business gains include:

• Reduced operating costs through resource efficiency

• Enhanced brand and stakeholder reputation

• Better compliance with environmental regulations

• Access to new markets requiring sustainability credentials

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ISO 45001:2018 – Safety, Productivity and People

Protecting people protects performance. The ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) helps organisations reduce accidents, absenteeism, and downtime. A 2025 DNV study showed companies with ISO 45001 certification reported a 30% improvement in safety metrics and significant reductions in lost-time incidents.

Amtivo (2025) found that certified businesses experience stronger safety cultures, better morale, and lower insurance premiums. Compliance with ISO 45001 also supports legal duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

Metric	Before ISO 45001	After Certification
Lost Time Incidents	12 per year	7 per year
Near Miss Reporting Rate	45%	80%
Employee Engagement	63%	89%

The Economic and Strategic Benefits of Certification

A 2025 Global Growth Insights study confirmed that over 2.1 million companies now hold ISO certifications globally, and 70% of UK manufacturers reported increased customer trust following certification.

Key business outcomes:

• Competitive advantage in tendering and exports

• Streamlined management processes and reduced duplication

• Improved compliance and risk management

• Strengthened brand integrity and stakeholder trust

• Demonstrable commitment to sustainability and wellbeing

  
  

SS Safety Ltd – Your Partner in ISO Success

At SS Safety Ltd, we simplify the journey to ISO certification. Our consultants combine technical expertise with practical insight to help businesses implement and maintain effective management systems aligned with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001.

We provide:

• Gap analysis and implementation support

• Internal audit and management review preparation

• Legal compliance checks and improvement planning

• Ongoing consultancy for continual improvement

  
  

We believe ISO certification should add measurable value – improving quality, safety, and environmental performance while reducing risk and enhancing reputation.

Final Thoughts

In a competitive economy, ISO-certified management systems aren’t just a compliance tool – they’re a strategic framework for lasting success. UKAS-accredited certification delivers proven business results: better performance, stronger trust, and sustainable growth.