EQUAS, the Pocklington firm which has helped more than 1,000 UK organisations to achieve the international quality standard, ISO 9001, has opened a new office in Canada.

The quality management systems consultancy has set up its outpost in Edmonton, Alberta, after winning a number of substantial contracts in Canada for its "ISO in a Box'" system.

It developed the system as a cost-effective tool to help businesses achieve the certification, which is often critical for gaining preferred supplier status.

Equas has now launched a version specifically for the private security sector following the Government's introduction of the Approved Contractor Scheme earlier this year, which sets out to protect the public and improve standards within the industry.

The system runs on the international platform, Microsoft Word and clients can opt for either the "self build" package or elect for a full system build by an Equas consultant.

Mike Dowd, director of Equas, who is based in the company's HQ in Sutton House, Percy Street, Pocklington, said: "ISO in a Box is fully compliant with the UK Accreditation Service (UKAS) and we are well down the road in our discussions with the Canadian accreditation body, the Standards Council Of Canada, which is also recognised in the US."