EEF South, a Hampshire based regional engineering employers' association, has underlined its quality approach to business by gaining the ISO9001: 2000 standard.

The organisation, which is also a regional centre of manufacturing excellence, is using the award to underpin its approach to service delivery to its 900 member companies.

The award was presented by Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, Major Norman Hearson OBE, at a special ceremony to mark the occasion.

"EEF South is an extremely influential organisation in the south-east and London, not just in delivering services to its members but also in supporting the economic development of the region as a whole," said Major Hearson, who is also president of INTECH, the hands-on science and technology centre near Winchester.