‘Putting the Customer First’ is the quality assurance framework for business support providers and is being used by an increasing number of organisations to ensure that their provision of services meets the needs of the customers.

The assessment, which took place on August 1, involved a number of interviews with staff and a review of company policies, procedures and processes, and also covered South Yorkshire International Trade Centre and Sheffield Enterprise Agency.

Assessors were particularly impressed with the strategic and business planning, improved policy in recruitment and selection, and excellent levels of customer satisfaction.

Brenda Jordan, Chamber HR & Accreditation Manager, said: “We were absolutely delighted with the positive feedback we received, especially as we celebrate our 150th anniversary this year.

“While we were accredited in 2005, it is evident from the report how much we have improved our internal systems, procedures and training to ensure we continue to meet our customers requirements.”

The Chamber is now hoping for a hat trick of accreditations when Customer First assessors visit in two years time.