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 SPECIAL PRESENTATION OF EU FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE PHARMACEUTICAL SECTOR
The general requirements to participation in EU funding projects for certification to management standards and purchasing equipment and/or software are presented below. The Pharma sector, however, has its own priorities and sector-relevant standards.
If you need a review of the reasons why a pahrma compny would need certification to standards such as ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 27001 (Information Security Management) or Good Distribution Practices, you can find appropriate answers HERE.
For any additional questions or detailed explanation of the programme requirements, please call (+359 2) 931 7030,(+359 2) 931 7030 or cellphone (+359) 882 029 872 or write to iso@tma-bulgaria.com.
EU Funding for Certification to Management Standards
And Purchasing Equipment and Software
A new programme intended to raise the competitiveness of companies in Bulgaria has been launched in July. Organizations registered in Bulgaria under the Trade Act can apply for financial support for:
- consulting services
- certification to management standards
- purchasing equipment and/or software which facilitate meeting the standard requirements.
This programme is open to international companies which are registered in Bulgaria irrespective of their ownership. It is also open to state companies if they are registered as commercial entities (e.g., hospitals or laboratories).
The programme covers up to 75 % of the costs of projects with a ceiling of BGN 150,000 (about EUR 77 000)
Some details of the programme are given HERE.
Top Management Advisors is a leading consultancy company offering assistance in developing project proposals (the application dossier), the full scope of consulting services towards achieving compliance with some of the major standards, and specialized software for managing the documentation of the management systems.
For any additional questions or detailed explanation of the programme requirements, please call (+359 2) 931 7030, 931 7031 or cellphone (+359) 882 029 872 or write to iso@tma-bulgaria.com.
PODEMCRANE, the Leading Bulgarian Hoist Manufacturer, Certified to an
Integrated Management System
(ISO 9001:2008 + BS-OHSAS 18001)
For more than 45 years, PodemCrane has been a major supplier of hoists and various components for industrial cranes worldwide. In spite of the global crisis, the company has continued to invest heavily in upgrading both its manufacturing equipment and its management system.
With the support of consultants from Top Management Advisors, PodemCrane has made its transition to ISO 9001:2008 and developed a full-fledged health & safety programme in compliance with BS-OHSAS 18001. As a result, the company’s integrated management system provides further evidence of its reliability as a quality supplier of hoists made under safe conditions for its staff.
PodemCrane maintains a broad network of distributors and agents in various parts of the world to ensure adequate servicing and supply of spare parts. The company is an excellent example of a comprehensive modernization strategy which gives access of its products to the major international markets. Following the integration of Bulgaria to the European Union, PodemCrane has benefited from EU funds intended to increase the competitiveness of the local industries.
THE BAS (BUSINESS ADVISORY SERVICES) PROGRAMME HAS A SPECIAL FOCUS ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS
One of the instruments for supporting consulting services for small and medium enterprises in Bulgaria for many years, BAS, will concentrate on environmental projects over the next few months. The programme can provide up to 50 % of the money for advisory services (but not more than EUR 9,000 per project).
Energy efficiency and renewable energy sources are among the types of projects which can apply for BAS funding for services such as feasibility studies, energy audits or environmental impact assessment. Consulting services towards ISO 14001:2004 are also eligible for financing.
For more details you can go to the web site of BAS or write to us at iso@tma-bulgaria.com.
An October 2009 Update on Certification to Management Standards in Bulgaria
The most comprehensive source of information on the market for certification services in Bulgaria, Club 9000, has registered nearly 5,500 companies in Bulgaria certified to ISO 9001. There is also significant growth of certifications to other major standards. A full update of the certification process in Bulgaria is given HERE.
ISO 26000: Social Responsibility Coming Closer
ISO has made another step towards developing a Social Responsibility standard (ISO 26000) whose launch is expected next year. Although the Social Accountability Standard SA 8000 has gained wide recognition, it seems to be perceived as a US-based initiative in spite of its global coverage. Thus, ISO is preparing a new standard (now available as CD version) which is likely to reach DIS stage by October 2009.
For more detail click HERE.
ISO 9001:2008
No revolution in quality management certification
The new revision of ISO 9001:2008 was issued on 14 November 2008. From a positive viewpoint, it seems that the old version has been found satisfactory for the community of experts involved in “quality” management. From a critical viewpoint, there is an obvious shortage of new ideas and/or nobody wants to challenge the status quo.
The certification bodies have been publishing their own interpretations of the new revision with just a few hints how to update your existing ISO 9001 system.
If you are interested in getting specific guidance or a Transition Checklist, it is available upon request from julian@tma-bulgaria.com. |
