For Fire & Security companies, standing out in a competitive market requires more than just great products and services—it also requires credibility. One of the most powerful ways to build that trust is through ISO certification.
But there is more than one type of ISO certification!
Common ISO Certifications for Fire and Security Companies
There are many different ISO standards that apply to fire and security companies, however these are the one we believe add the most value:
ISO 9001, Quality Management
The international standard for quality management, ISO 9001, is a perfect fit for Fire & Security companies. It helps businesses develop effective operating processes and use customer feedback to ensure products are fit-for-purpose.
ISO 14001, Environmental Management
Increasingly, buyers are concerned about the environmental impact of the products they are purchasing and we are seeing ISO 14001 being referenced within tenders. The standard requires businesses to identify and manage their environmental impacts which can include use of energy, raw materials and waste.
ISO 45001, Occupational Health & Safety Management
It’s hard to believe that the world’s first international standard for occupational health & safety management was only published in 2018, however the challenges of building consensus across the many participating national bodies should not be under-estimated.
The standard has quickly become a must-have for businesses of all types as a way to manage the health, safety and wellbeing risks in the supply chain. Accredited certification to ISO 45001 is also recognised under Safety Schemes in Procurement (SSiP) which means it sits alongside other recognised schemes such as CHAS, Safe Contractor and others.
ISO 9001 within NSI Gold Accreditation
For larger, more established installers, the natural choice is NSI Gold accreditation which goes beyond just technical competence. It verifies that a company adheres to ISO 9001 standards, covering both the quality of service and management systems.
ISO 9001 ensures that businesses have a structured approach to consistently meeting customer requirements and enhancing satisfaction. And that its processes — from installation to customer service — are high-quality, reliable and efficient.
This combination of technical standards (e.g., fire safety, security system installation) and ISO 9001 for quality management gives clients confidence that NSI Gold-accredited companies not only meet industry-specific standards but also follow a robust quality assurance framework.
By promoting both ISO 9001 and NSI Gold, Fire & Security installers can gain a marketing advantage by emphasising their commitment to high standards in both operations and management, making them more attractive to clients seeking reliability and professionalism.
It can be used to highlight that they follow best practices in both their installation and maintenance work.
But so few Fire & Security installation companies actually put their NSI Gold accreditation front and centre on their website or reference it in their social media or add it into the signature of their emails.
And fewer still alert their potential customers that their NSI Gold accreditation includes ISO 9001!
Which means that their potential customers don’t see that they have it… or realise all the reasons why these accreditations make them the best choice of contractor.
It’s a huge wasted opportunity.
ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 Certification for Fire & Security Manufacturers
For Fire & Security manufacturers, obtaining ISO certification is just as important. These certifications help prove the quality and reliability of the products they produce, ensuring clients trust them for long-term use in critical safety and security systems.
For manufacturers, certification to standards such as ISO 9001 provides reassurance to clients that your products meet stringent quality control measures.
In today’s market, ISO 14001 is also becoming increasingly important as sustainability and environmental responsibility factor more heavily into buyer decisions.
And ISO 45001 demonstrates that your business is committed to health and safety, which is essential when you work in a sector where safety is critical.
Recognition in the Supply Chain
Certification to international standards is often used during the procurement process to shortlist potential suppliers, as they help buyers manage risk.
Although this is usually done via a request for quote / request for price document, other buyers may research potential suppliers on the internet before even approaching for a quote.
In addition, public bodies often use ISO standards within their guidelines, for example this reference to ISO 45001 on the page Safety management systems for high-rise residential buildings – GOV.UK.
Fire & Security installers and manufacturers with ISO certifications are more likely to win more contracts
Especially in competitive tenders or when working with large organisations and public sector clients. Here’s why:
Trust and Credibility: ISO certifications like ISO 9001 (Quality Management) are recognised globally as marks of quality and reliability. Having these certifications assures potential clients that a manufacturer’s products meet strict international standards, making them more attractive during the selection process.
Procurement Preference: Many large organisations and public bodies prioritise certified suppliers in their procurement processes. ISO-certified manufacturers often get shortlisted faster because procurement teams use certifications as a way to manage risk and ensure the supplier meets quality, safety and environmental standards.
Compliance and Assurance: ISO certifications show that a manufacturer’s processes are compliant with industry regulations. This is particularly important in sectors like Fire & Security, where safety is critical. Clients looking for suppliers will often prefer ISO-certified companies to reduce compliance risks.
Competitive Advantage: ISO certifications give manufacturers a competitive edge over non-certified competitors. In a crowded marketplace, the certification acts as a clear differentiator that helps manufacturers stand out.
International Opportunities: For manufacturers looking to expand their business globally, ISO certifications are recognised and respected internationally, opening up more opportunities to win contracts abroad.
In summary, Fire & Security manufacturers with ISO certifications are more likely to win contracts due to the trust, compliance and competitive advantage that these certifications offer. It’s a key selling point that can help attract larger, higher-value clients.
Where to Start with ISO Standards?
ISO certification can seem daunting at first, but your business is probably already meeting many of the requirements.
With the right support from an ISO Consultant, you can quickly identify where the gaps are, solve them and be ready for certification!
Choosing the right Certification Body
The most important thing to look for when choosing an ISO Certification Body is their Accreditation. In the UK we look for UKAS accredited certification bodies which helps to ensure the quality and integrity of the certificates they issue.
There are many UKAS accredited certification bodies to choose from, so you should also consider factors such as price, auditor availability and brand.
Ready to Stand Out?
ISO certification can give your company the edge it needs to win more business, build trust with clients and stay ahead of competitors. If you’re an installer or manufacturer in the Fire & Security industry and you’re not yet ISO-certified, now is the time to take action. ISO certification is a clear differentiator in a crowded market and obtaining it doesn’t have to be complicated.
And when you do succeed in getting that certification, make sure you shout about it… and tell potential customers WHY it is so important for THEM that you do have it.
Don’t miss out on that marketing advantage!
This blog was written in collaboration with Assent Risk Management, expert ISO Consultants who can guide you through the process of achieving ISO Certification. Contact them to find out how they can help you get your ISO certification!
Or speak to the Lollies about how you can use your ISO to get a marketing advantage. We’ve developed an ISO PROMO GUIDE