Quality plays a vital role in both service delivery and product manufacturing, driving consumer confidence, boosting competitiveness, and fuelling business growth. To recognise businesses and organisations that demonstrate the application of standards and quality, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) in February, launched the 2025 edition of its renown business awards– the National Quality Awards (NQA).
By participating in this prestigious event, standards compliant businesses will be able to showcase their commitment to quality, and the most successful will be recognised and awarded. The award categories include Overall Winners, Customer Focus, Continuous Improvement, Environmental Initiatives and Occupational Safety and Health (OSH). Additional surprise awards will also be announced at the NQA 2025.
Since its inception in 2017, this biennial programme has recorded continual growth. In the first year, the NQA recorded eighteen (18) participants; in 2019, participation increased to twenty-one (21) and then thirty-five (35) in 2021. Almost doubling in 2023, the NQA totalled sixty-one (61) businesses, of which eighteen (18) were small businesses and ten (10) were agro processors.
Interested participants of the 2025 NQA have until March 31, 2025, to submit applications in the following categories: manufacturing, services, small businesses (involved in manufacturing and service) or Micro/Agro processing. Businesses in the manufacturing sector are those involved in the physical or chemical transformation of materials, substances or components into new products while businesses in the services sector are defined as those which earn revenue through providing intangible benefits to consumers. Small businesses are those which employ fewer than twenty-five (25) employees, earn $60M or less and have assets valuing $20M or less. Meanwhile, Micro enterprises employ less than ten (10) employees and earns $40M or less.
Once applications are submitted, the GNBS will proceed to shortlist those applicants based on the eligibility requirements and finalise the list of businesses qualified to vie for these coveted awards. To establish the winners, businesses will be assessed based on strict, pre-established criteria within their categories.
Application forms are available online at gnbsgy.org/national-quality-awards-programme or can be uplifted from the GNBS Head office, National Exhibition Complex, Sophia, Georgetown, or any of our sub-offices. Completed application forms can be submitted in sealed envelopes to the GNBS Head office or via email to marketing@gnbsgy.org with the subject “National Quality Awards.”
The GNBS encourages all local businesses to take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy an affordable third-party check of their systems and practices, which can guide future improvements. Further, participation will inspire others to invest in standards and quality, thereby increasing business efficiency, consistency, uniformity, and customer confidence across various sectors of the local economy.
For further information, kindly contact GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0064/65/66 or 219-0069 or send us a message on WhatsApp 692-4627 (GNBS).
