In recent years, several small businesses have opened their doors to offer a range of products and services on the local market. Many are now working to implement standards in their operations to heighten operational efficiency and increase customer confidence as well as open opportunities for export or global partnerships.
The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) through its awareness sessions, training, technical assistance, testing and certification services, works with owners of these Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to implement standards to provide quality products and services to their customers.
Standards provide as many benefits for small businesses as they do for global enterprises. The GNBS has over 600 National Standards inclusive of the GYS 231 standard, ‘Requirements for good manufacturing practices for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.” The National Standard defines the fundamental requirements to enhance small business performance through the process of continual improvement and assurance of quality, environment and occupational safety and health requirements. There are also standards for tourism, agriculture, craft, advertising and other sectors.
Specific standards, which can be implemented by small businesses in Guyana include Specification for package water, Specifications for jams, (fruit preserves) and jellies, Specifications for salted fish and dried salted fish, Specifications for coconut oil, and Specifications for bread and rolls. A full list of available standards can be found on our Standards Portal at gnbsguy.com.
The Business Development Department (BDD) of the Bureau offers free awareness sessions on these and other National Standards. In addition, technical assistance is offered to help businesses implement several international standards including the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS) Standard, ISO 22000:2018 Standard: A Food Safety Management System – Requirements for any organization in the food chain and ISO 45001:2018 Occupational health and safety management systems — Requirements with guidance for use among others.
Further, the GNBS offers training tailored to the needs of different businesses. For example, training is provided on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Good Storage Practices, Food Safety Prerequisites, Good Manufacturing Practices, Quality Management Principles, Corporate Writing, Meeting Management and many others.
Local SMEs are therefore encouraged to consult with the GNBS to be sensitized on how they can implement Standards to guarantee improved business performance.
Recently, the Bureau also introduced its Made in Guyana Certification Mark geared towards certifying authentic Guyanese products. Local manufacturers and producers can now apply to the GNBS for certification to the programme which focuses on creating national competitiveness for authentic Guyanese products certified under the Programme, while also creating and promoting brand recognition and market advantage for participating businesses.
Meanwhile, the GNBS also offers testing and certification of gold jewellery and concrete hollow blocks to ensure conformity with standards. Testing and/or certification guides manufacturers on the quality of their products and helps to adjust for improvement.
For further information, please contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0065, 219-0066 or visit the GNBS website: www.gnbsgy.org
