The Quality Scheme for Landscape Contractors was introduced in 2005 and was developed in close consultation with industry representatives, associated bodies and industry experts. The Landscape Contractor Quality Programmes was developed as a business improvement scheme. Businesses have benefited either by improving compliance with statutory requirements, and/or recognising where business processes can be changed to improve future performance.
To provide landscape contractors with the guidelines on ‘best practice’ in managing their businesses:
The Landscape Contractor Quality Programme is tailored to the size and capabilities of Irish landscape businesses. It is flexible enough to meet the needs of the smallest and largest participants.
Concentrating on the important areas, it identifies best practice, and helps managers to install it in the most cost effective and time efficient way.
It operates in a similar way to the Nursery Quality Programme, with participants to date receiving two announced audits annually. In addition it is sector specific and open to all landscape contractors in the Republic of Ireland.
To date the Landscape Quality Award has been achieved by eight companies.
There are two award levels; a Certificate of Merit (60% score) and the Quality Award (75% score).
Those who achieve the quality award are entitled to use the Bord Bia Quality Approved Quality Mark in the promotion of their business. Any use of the quality mark must be approved by Bord Bia in advance. A copy of the conditions which govern the use of the quality mark are available from Bord Bia on request.
There are a number of critical items that each business must comply with in order to be eligible for an award. The critical items are:
The inspections are carried out by independent auditors.
Application forms are available from Bord Bia.
You may also discuss details of the scheme at any time by contacting
Carol Marks – carol.marks@bordbia.ie or Tel: 01 6142266