As business leaders assess the most effective ways to remain competitive and in demand within a challenging marketplace, many set goals to secure certifications from the International Organization for Standardization. The ISO does not award these, but relies on external partners.

These entities conduct audits to verify that certification bodies have established management systems.

The Benefits of ISO Certification for Today’s Companies

Becoming an ISO-certified business has numerous associated advantages. Because this designation indicates that a company operates according to a globally recognized standard, it can increase trust among current and potential customers. The associated reputational boost may facilitate the organization moving into new markets, receiving industrial accolades, attracting highly qualified team members and more.

Businesses must periodically recertify after initially receiving their certifications and undergo annual surveillance audits. That keeps employees accountable, helping everyone stay motivated and recognize their roles within an organization. Preparing for accreditation also enables workers to see how their contributions connect to overarching goals.

Getting certified requires in-depth efforts to document and optimize company processes. The gradual, associated successes frequently elevate overall efficiency while pinpointing unnecessary steps. The outcomes maximize employees’ time while reducing accident and injury risks.

Business leaders who are ready to take the next steps understandably want to find the top-rated ISO certification provider and learn how they should proceed when inquiring about working with them. Discovering the leading options is an excellent starting point that can lead to detailed conversations between business representatives and service providers about the next steps.

1. NQA

As an ISO certification provider operating in over 90 countries, NQA is a top choice for clients who have international branches or hope to open some soon. Established in the United Kingdom in 1988, this brand has issued over 53,000 certificates to its worldwide client network. The company specializes in management systems certification for quality, information security, health and safety, and energy and the environment. That in-depth scope caters to business representatives in numerous industries.

The NQA team takes a pragmatic and supportive approach to assist clients in meeting the rigorous technical demands required for accredited certification. Besides assessing a client’s compliance with a selected standard, they identify improvement opportunities during each audit. If an organization needs to learn new technical skills before becoming certified, this business delivers online, classroom and in-house courses, helping participants gain new knowledge through various formats.

Prospective clients also benefit from competitive rates with no hidden fees. The available access to world-class technical support results in great value that makes practical advice accessible.

2. TopCertifier

A provider with a global presence and numerous local offices, TopCertifier has built a broad reach to assist modern businesses in receiving ISO certification. It offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee and free consultations that allow interested parties to learn about the process and decide whether to take the next steps. This company claims its approach can result in certification in as few as seven days, making it an attractive option for businesspeople who want to meet this goal quickly.

This brand’s team members provide guidance tailored to specific companies and industries. This approach recognizes the individual aspects that may shape a quality management system or other frameworks implemented to support certification. TopCertifier has worked with clients in over 50 countries, and it assists those seeking certification through more than 30 international standards, including those established by ISO and additional measures.

This company has assisted businesses of all sizes in achieving certification. It also helps clients identify improvement opportunities, enabling them to get continually stronger and more capable.

3. ASafe Global

With offices in the United States, Canada and Ireland, ASafe Global offers remote and on-site assistance for entities seeking ISO certifications. The expert team provides end-to-end support for businesses and numerous industries. They dispense professional guidance during every stage to help clients smoothly integrate quality frameworks into their organizations and work toward success. Interested parties can also fast-track the process, helping them stay on schedule and meet tight deadlines.

The consultants are ISO-certified professionals who bring years of experience to their interactions with company representatives. The comprehensive support reassures clients and indicates what they must change before getting successfully certified. This brand’s professionals also conduct free consultations to learn about individual business needs and answer specific questions.

This provider’s team takes a proactive approach, applying proven problem-solving methods to get customers closer to their goals. The company conducted 2,000 audits in 2024, illustrating its expertise. This shows why entities from around the world choose it to address ISO certification needs and embark on a path of developing and retaining valuable business practices.

4. Smithers

Offering decades of experience as an accredited, third-party ISO certification body, Smithers  partners in the success of individuals and businesses seeking these designations. This brand focuses on delivering outstanding customer service, with representatives aiming to acknowledge requests and take the necessary actions within hours rather than days or weeks. The company applies transparent pricing and quoting practices, ensuring potential and current customers understand what they will get for the money spent.

A convenient and secure client portal gives authorized users straightforward access to certificate copies, audit reports and webinar recordings. It also provides other information to support becoming certified and maintaining a designation. Besides offering numerous ISO certification services, this brand regularly conducts internal and supplier audits. It’s all part of its overarching goal to help customers strengthen their businesses by identifying weak points and prioritizing continuous improvement.

Since the company’s establishment in 1925 as a tire tester, it has operated as a data-driven organization, adapting a pioneering strategy for the time. This commitment makes its ISO offerings stand out because the associated insights inspire confident actions.

Working With the Top ISO Certification Providers

The top ISO certification providers offer extensive experience in supporting businesses of all sizes and types across various industries. These leading options also maintain transparency about the certification process, pricing and what customers must do to prepare.

Many give free consultations, creating opportunities for interested persons to identify current business challenges and the improvements they hope to experience by getting certified. This initial conversation gives participants chances to set or receive accurate expectations, laying the foundation for a strong and fruitful business relationship.

Knowing about the characteristics shared by the top ISO certification providers makes it easier for you to find reputable companies and create a list of possibilities. The next step is contacting them to get further details and learn what each company offers before choosing one to use while getting certified.

MEXICO CITY — Retaliatory violence exploded across Mexico on Monday following the killing of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, the powerful leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel known as “El Mencho,” as suspected cartel members torched vehicles, blocked highways and clashed with security forces in at least 20 states.

The unrest, which began almost immediately after the Mexican military confirmed Oseguera Cervantes’ death Sunday, has plunged parts of the country into chaos, with schools closed, businesses shuttered and foreign governments urging citizens to shelter in place. The wave of attacks has left dozens dead, including at least 25 members of Mexico’s National Guard in Jalisco alone, according to officials.

Oseguera Cervantes, 59, was fatally wounded during a high-risk military operation Sunday in Tapalpa, a small town in Jalisco state about two hours southwest of Guadalajara. The raid, carried out by special forces with support from the National Guard, Air Force and U.S. intelligence, aimed to capture the longtime fugitive. He died en route to Mexico City by air for medical treatment, along with two other injured cartel members, the Secretariat of National Defense said.

Four CJNG gunmen were killed at the scene, and authorities seized weapons, armored vehicles and other equipment. Three soldiers were wounded. Officials revealed that intelligence pinpointing Oseguera Cervantes’ location came from information provided by a romantic partner’s associate, who was detained Friday in Tapalpa.

El Mencho, founder and leader of the CJNG since around 2009, oversaw one of Mexico’s most violent and expansive criminal organizations. The cartel dominates fentanyl production and trafficking to the United States, methamphetamine manufacturing, cocaine distribution, extortion and fuel theft. Known for extreme brutality — including public mutilations and attacks on officials — the CJNG has been designated a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. State Department, which offered up to $15 million for information leading to his capture.

The operation marked a major victory for Mexican authorities amid pressure from the incoming Trump administration to curb drug flows. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau called it a “great development,” describing El Mencho as “one of the bloodiest and most ruthless drug kingpins.”

Retaliation was swift and coordinated. Cartel gunmen set up burning roadblocks, torched buses, banks, pharmacies and other businesses, and engaged in shootouts. Violence spread beyond Jalisco to states including Michoacán, Guanajuato, Colima and others, with reports of at least 26 deaths, including civilians such as a pregnant woman caught in crossfire.

In Puerto Vallarta, a key tourist destination in Jalisco, plumes of smoke rose over neighborhoods as vehicles burned and chaos unfolded near the airport. Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport suspended operations due to blocked access roads and security threats. Major airlines including Air Canada, United, Delta, Southwest and Alaska canceled or diverted flights, stranding hundreds of tourists. Air Canada advised passengers not to head to the airport, while U.S. carriers issued travel waivers.

The U.S. Embassy and State Department urged American citizens in Jalisco and other affected states to shelter in place, avoid travel and monitor local media. Canada and the UK issued similar warnings, with the British Foreign Office advising against non-essential travel to parts of Jalisco. Taxi and rideshare services halted in Puerto Vallarta, exacerbating difficulties for stranded visitors.

President Claudia Sheinbaum insisted that “peace, security and normalcy” were being restored, with federal forces deployed to key areas. However, analysts warned of potential escalation as CJNG factions vie for control or rivals exploit the power vacuum. Oseguera Cervantes’ son, Rubén Oseguera González (“El Menchito”), remains in U.S. custody after extradition in 2020, leaving succession uncertain.

The violence highlights ongoing challenges in Mexico’s drug war, now spanning nearly two decades with hundreds of thousands killed. While the takedown disrupts a major fentanyl pipeline, experts caution that cartels often splinter or reorganize after leadership losses, potentially leading to more bloodshed in the short term.

As unrest continued into Monday evening, authorities urged residents to stay indoors and report suspicious activity. Restoration of order in hard-hit regions could take days, with economic impacts looming for tourism-dependent areas like Puerto Vallarta.

The government has named former Amazon executive Doug Gurr as its preferred candidate to become permanent chairman of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), cementing a leadership change designed to align the regulator more closely with its pro-growth agenda.

Peter Kyle confirmed that Gurr, who has held the role on an interim basis since January last year, will be put forward for a full five-year term, subject to a non-binding hearing by the Commons business and trade select committee.

Gurr, 61, replaced Marcus Bokkerink after the latter was removed amid pressure from the government to ensure regulators support economic growth and international investment. At the time, Rachel Reeves said the CMA needed leadership that shared the government’s “mission”.

Kyle said that over the past year Gurr had worked with CMA chief executive Sarah Cardell to improve the pace and predictability of merger investigations and to make the process more proportionate.

City sources said the move was widely expected, noting Gurr’s background in both corporate and public sector leadership. A former McKinsey partner, he served as Amazon’s UK country manager until 2020 and is currently director of the Natural History Museum and chairman of the Alan Turing Institute.

The appointment comes as the government consults on reforms aimed at speeding up merger clearances and overhauling the CMA’s decision-making structure. One proposal would replace the regulator’s independent merger panel with members of the CMA board, who are more directly accountable to parliament.

Supporters argue the changes will streamline reviews and provide greater certainty for businesses. Critics warn they could increase the risk of political influence over competition decisions.

In 2025, the CMA cleared 36 mergers and blocked none, the first year since 2017 without a prohibition. Six deals were approved subject to conditions, compared with seven in 2024 and 12 in 2023, according to data compiled by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett.

Antonio Bavasso, the law firm’s head of European antitrust, said the figures reflected the government’s shift towards a more growth-oriented regulatory stance.

Ministers have rejected claims that the new approach weakens oversight of major technology companies, insisting that the UK must remain both competitive and robust in its enforcement.

If confirmed, Gurr’s appointment would formalise a new chapter for the CMA as it navigates the balance between promoting investment and safeguarding competition in an increasingly technology-driven economy.

Jamie Young

Jamie is Senior Reporter at Business Matters, bringing over a decade of experience in UK SME business reporting.
Jamie holds a degree in Business Administration and regularly participates in industry conferences and workshops.

When not reporting on the latest business developments, Jamie is passionate about mentoring up-and-coming journalists and entrepreneurs to inspire the next generation of business leaders.

The Trump Organization signed an agreement to build a $1 billion skyscraper on Australia’s Golden Coast, the company announced on Friday.

The $1.06 billion building will rise 91 floors in the Australian state of Queensland, the Trump organization said in an announcement. The building will feature a “six-star resort-hotel” with 270 apartments as well as assorted shops and a beach club, said local developer Altus Property Group.

“Australia’s tallest building will be a Trump Tower, right in the middle of Surfers Paradise — it’s great for Queensland tourism, and fantastic for Australia,” Altus said in a statement.

“It won’t have a Four Seasons or Ritz-Carlton brand above the front door, but it will say ‘Trump.’ And that means it is a no-expense-spared, highest-possible-quality building — the best in the world,” it added.

TRUMP UNVEILS NEW RENDERING OF SPRAWLING WHITE HOUSE BALLROOM PROJECT

The facade of The Trump Building in the Financial District of New York City, on Nov. 18, 2023. (Mairo Cinquetti/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Altus CEO David Young said the property deal has been in the works for decades after he cold-called Ivanka Trump about the potential deal in 2007.

The announcement comes as the Trump Organization and President Donald Trump are suing various banks for allegedly “debanking” accounts after the storming of the U.S. Capitol in January 2021.

JPMorgan Chase Bank admitted last week that it closed the president’s bank accounts following Jan. 6 of that year, a confession spurred by a $5 billion legal challenge from the president last month.

TRUMP ADMIN DEFENDS WHITE HOUSE BALLROOM AS NATIONAL SECURITY MATTER

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump walk to board Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House, Dec. 23, 2020. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Trump and his companies were given until April 19, 2021, to transfer hundreds of millions of dollars before the accounts were officially closed.

While the bank’s letters do not provide a specific reason for the closures, Trump attorneys are alleging the accounts were “unlawfully closed due to political discrimination,” and that they were placed on a “blacklist.”

In an earlier filing, Trump’s attorneys noted he was a JPMorgan customer for decades, and he and his affiliated entities transacted “hundreds of millions of dollars” through the bank.

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The Trump Organization also sued Capital One in 2025, claiming the bank in 2021 “unjustifiably” terminated more than 300 of its bank accounts and accounts belonging to Trump family members.

At the time, a Capital One spokesperson told Fox News Digital, “Capital One has not and does not close customer accounts for political reasons.”

Brompton Bicycle has scaled back its US expansion and accelerated investment in China, as uncertainty over trade policy under Donald Trump reshapes its international strategy.

The London-founded folding bike specialist closed its branded stores in New York and Washington last year when their leases expired. In contrast, it opened a new outlet in Shenzhen and doubled the size of its flagship Shanghai store following a major refurbishment.

Will Butler-Adams, Brompton’s managing director, said the decision reflected concerns about policy unpredictability in the US. “We decided the leadership was so unpredictable, anything could happen,” he said, adding that tariff volatility made long-term commitments difficult.

“If the tariff goes up to 25 per cent and we become uncompetitive, the whole store proposition is at risk,” he said. “I’m not going to sign a five-year lease in this environment.”

His comments follow a US Supreme Court ruling that many of the tariffs introduced since 2024 were unlawful. However, the administration subsequently confirmed a temporary 10 per cent global tariff, later raised to 15 per cent, adding to market uncertainty.

Brompton, founded in 1976, operates a factory in west London producing tens of thousands of bicycles annually and is the UK’s largest bike manufacturer. Its compact folding bikes are popular among urban commuters worldwide.

While Butler-Adams stressed that the company would continue investing in the US, he said its approach would be more cautious and flexible.

China, by contrast, offers greater stability from Brompton’s perspective. The company has operated in the country for 17 years and now runs three owned stores alongside 14 franchise outlets. It also distributes through third-party retailers.

“It’s our largest market and we know where we stand,” Butler-Adams said, suggesting that warmer diplomatic ties between the UK and China could further enhance demand for British brands.

The shift underscores how global manufacturers are recalibrating supply chains and retail strategies in response to trade tensions, seeking predictability as much as growth in an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape.

Jamie Young

Jamie is Senior Reporter at Business Matters, bringing over a decade of experience in UK SME business reporting.
Jamie holds a degree in Business Administration and regularly participates in industry conferences and workshops.

When not reporting on the latest business developments, Jamie is passionate about mentoring up-and-coming journalists and entrepreneurs to inspire the next generation of business leaders.

As fears grow that a potential U.S. strike on Iran could choke off global oil supplies and send prices soaring, former Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette says strong American production is keeping a lid on a $100-a-barrel price shock for now.

“What we are not seeing is a lack of supply in the marketplace. That is traditionally what would drive prices higher. That is not the case today,” Brouillette said Monday.

Instead, he said the recent jump reflects traders factoring in the possibility that escalating tensions — including a potential Iran strike — could disrupt oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway that carries roughly 20% of the world’s petroleum liquids.

He told FOX Business that oil is “plentiful” in the marketplace thanks to the U.S. “producing more… than we ever have.”

SCOTT BESSENT SAYS IRAN UNDERSTANDS ‘BRUTE FORCE’ AS TRUMP WEIGHS OPTIONS AMID NUCLEAR STANDOFF

Oil pumpjacks stand in the Inglewood Oil Field on Nov. 23, 2021 in Los Angeles, Calif. (Mario Tama/Getty Images / Getty Images)

“We’re setting records, and that’s bringing stability to the marketplace,” he said, adding, “so rather than $100 a barrel oil today, we’re seeing prices in the mid-60s.”

His comments came as crude hovered around $66.59 per barrel at the time of broadcast, following a recent jump fueled by rising tensions with the Islamic Republic.

Brouillette said he expects prices to stabilize in the coming weeks, as uncertainty, rather than actual shortages, continues to drive short-term volatility.

“This is really a risk price today. It is not a supply price,” he said. “And I think we’re going to see that for some time to come.”

MADURO;S FALL PUTS IRAN’S DEEP ENERGY AND DEFENSE COOPERATION WITH VENEZUELA AT RISK

Oil tankers pass through the Strait of Hormuz on Dec. 21, 2018. (Reuters/Hamad I Mohammed / Reuters)

Brouillette argued that with supply remaining strong, prices should eventually stabilize rather than spike.

“I think you will see them stabilize over a period of time,” he told Maria Bartiromo. “We’re looking at mid-‘60s today. It won’t surprise me that we see it go down slightly, especially if we have a situation in Iran where they return to what might be referred to as polite society.”

A shift in Iran’s posture — or a broader political change that brings more Iranian crude back onto the global market — could further ease pressure, he said.

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“If this regime goes away and that oil becomes available, we’re looking at potentially another million, million-and-a-half barrels of oil coming onto the world market,” Brouillette said. 

“That’s going to significantly alter the supply situation, and it could push prices slightly lower.”

The BBC and Britain’s film academy issued apologies Monday after a guest with Tourette syndrome shouted a racial slur during Sunday night’s BAFTA Film Awards, an incident that drew sharp criticism from celebrities and sparked debate over disability awareness, live broadcasting and racial sensitivity.

The outburst occurred as Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo, stars of the film “Sinners,” presented the award for best special visual effects to “Avatar: Fire and Ash.” John Davidson, a Scottish Tourette syndrome activist whose life inspired the BAFTA-nominated film “I Swear,” shouted the N-word, which was audible on the live broadcast from London’s Royal Festival Hall.

Davidson, attending as a guest, had several involuntary verbal tics throughout the evening, including expletives during speeches and other moments. Host Alan Cumming addressed the audience twice, explaining that the outbursts stemmed from Davidson’s condition. “Tourette syndrome is a disability, and the tics you’ve heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette syndrome has no control over their language,” Cumming said. “We apologise if you are offended tonight.”

The BBC, which broadcast the ceremony live in the UK, initially did not edit out the language. A spokesperson apologized Monday for “strong and offensive language” that aired, stating it arose from “involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and was not intentional.” The corporation added that the offending segment would be removed from the on-demand version on BBC iPlayer. Producers later said they “didn’t hear” the slur during the live show due to working in a production truck.

BAFTA also apologized “for any offence caused,” emphasizing respect for all attendees and viewers while acknowledging the involuntary nature of the tics.

The incident ignited backlash, particularly from Black entertainers. Actor Jamie Foxx commented on social media that the outburst was “unacceptable,” adding, “Nah he meant that shit.” Wendell Pierce, production designer on “Sinners,” criticized the apologies as “throwaway,” writing that the insult to Jordan and Lindo should take priority: “It doesn’t matter the reasoning for the racist slur.” Journalist Jemele Hill echoed the sentiment, stating Black people “are just supposed to be ok with being disrespected and dehumanised so that other people don’t feel bad.”

Tourette syndrome, a neurological condition causing sudden, repetitive movements or sounds called tics, can include coprolalia — involuntary swearing or offensive language — in a minority of cases. Advocates stress that such tics are uncontrollable and not reflective of the person’s beliefs.

Davidson, a prominent campaigner, has worked to educate about the condition through “I Swear,” which was nominated in several categories. The film explores the challenges of living with severe tics and societal stigma. He was introduced to the audience early in the show, with Cumming noting his presence and the film’s inspiration.

The controversy overshadowed parts of an otherwise celebratory night. “One Battle After Another,” directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, dominated with six wins, including best film and best director. “Sinners,” directed by Ryan Coogler, earned three prizes — original screenplay, supporting actress for Wunmi Mosaku and original score for Ludwig Göransson — marking a historic night for a film from a Black director.

Other winners included “Sentimental Value” for film not in the English language and “My Father’s Shadow” for outstanding British debut. The ceremony highlighted diverse talent, but the outburst shifted focus to broader issues of inclusion and live event management.

Critics questioned why the BBC did not apply a delay or mute button, standard in some live broadcasts involving known risks. Others defended the handling, arguing that censoring Davidson could stigmatize disability further.

Tourette’s organizations released statements urging understanding: “Tics are not chosen, and associating them with intent harms the community,” one group said.

As discussions continued Monday, the incident highlighted tensions between disability rights and the harm of racial slurs, even when unintentional. BAFTA and the BBC pledged to review protocols for future events.

The 2026 BAFTAs, hosted by Cumming, aimed to celebrate cinematic achievement amid a competitive awards season, but the controversy ensured the night would be remembered for more than its winners.