Case Study: AIMS Private Standard

 AIS takes AIM with Private Standard

With Support of M&SDP funding The Association of Interior Specialists (AIS) has developed a Private Standard (PS) in conjunction with the British Standards Institution (BSI). This will help its members implement tried and proven methods of streamlining their company for the benefit of their business and stakeholders. 

Called AIMS (Association of Interior Specialists Integrated Management Standard), the document will set a benchmark for supplier and contractor members, to review their internal processes and help address risk exposure responsibilities. It will also be used by AIS to vet new and existing members.

AIMS covers the core principles of management systems including:

  • environmental and quality management

  • corporate governance

  • corporate social responsibility

  • business planning

  • risk management

  • financial control,

  • employee development

  • health, safety and welfare.

For AIS members, each section is backed up by Factfile information sheets showing how to achieve the standard.

AIS President Martin Romaine said: ‘I want the Association's membership to improve their internal control processes to help them better cope with the current financial situation and beyond. It is essential they manage their business risks, and how these can be reduced to enable them to thrive. AIMS is designed to do just that, and I recommend that every interiors company embrace it.’

AIMS also demonstrates the Association’s commitment to developing and guiding its members to achieve higher standards and constantly improve their business performance, leading to increased profitability and competitiveness within the market place.

AIS chief executive Simon Forrester said:

"It is clear that clients now demand a coherent approach to managing business risks aligned to globally recognised standards. Pre Qualification Questionnaires (PQQs) are now the norm.  AIS members adopting the disciplines within this Private Standard are better positioned to complete such PQQs, thus saving time and resources."

AIS technical manager Joe Cilia added:

"AIS is currently tightening its vetting criteria. As part of this process, it is intended that applicants and members be assessed to ensure that they meet the requirements of AIMS, where appropriate to their organisation. This will further enhance our reputation and that of our members for upholding the highest standards of both business practice and workmanship."

If you would like more information about this standard or about how it might be of use to other federations please contact hayley.merry@cskills.org