QSM to improve competitiveness in services sector

The launch of a Quality Standard Mark (QSM) for companies who excel in the area of service delivery, will serve to improve competitiveness in the services sector.

 

Executive Director of the Barbados Coalition of Service Industries (BCSI), Graham Clarke acknowledged the above, as he spoke recently at a Press Launch and Validation Workshop for the QSM, which was held at the BCSI’s offices in Building #3, Harbour Industrial Estate, St. Michael.

 

Stressing that enhancing the competitiveness and export potential of the local services sector is part of BCSI’s mandate, Clarke however noted that it is hard to imagine how businesses can be competitive domestically, far less within the international marketplace, without a commitment to and consistent delivery of quality service to the consumer.

 

Pointing to Government’s decision to set aside Bds $5 million in support of the small business sector, and the fact that Minister of Industry, International Business, Commerce and Small Business Development, the Hon. Donville Inniss, who praised the initiative, however lamented the fact that there was currently no mechanism for quality assurance within the sector, Clarke suggested that the QSM is an answer to that call.

 

 He however noted, “In addition, we go a step further to state that we believe that access to those funds should be based on the attainment of an agreed minimum qualifying standard by the micro, small and medium sized enterprises seeking assistance”.

 

“Needed as it is at this time, these funds should not be seen as a dole out to potential recipients…BCSI understands and appreciates the fact that access to capital and finance remain a critical issue for the small business sector. Our suggestion for the enforcement of a quality standard for the sector, is not to create another barrier to funding, but rather to raise the bar towards improving competitiveness, within the sector” Clarke concluded. (RSM)