HAMPSHIRE marine electronic systems designer and manufacturer Raymarine is on its way to achieving a world-class business management standard.

Thanks to a new system that provides workers with accessible company information via their computers, Raymarine has been recommended for certification for the internationally recognised BS EN ISO 9001:2000 standard.

The achievement followed a six-month team effort within Raymarine, resulting in the development of a fully compliant ISO system.

The company's commitment to the latest information communication technology meant that the introduction of an intranet-based business management system, which allows employees see the day-to-day running of the organisation, was well received.

Users wanting to achieve a fuller understanding of the company's business management systems can choose to look at categories like the management manual, process descriptions, work instructions or performance measures.

Quality manager Chris Mawby said: "We are delighted that Raymarine has again proved itself to be one of the leading manufacturing companies in the world. Much of this has been achieved through the hard work of our employees.

"I am delighted that the enthusiasm and skill shown by all those who represented the company during the audit was noted by the assessor and played a significant part in achieving certification."

Raymarine was founded in January 2001, following a management buy-out. The company has three key sites: one in Portsmouth and two in the United States in Nashua, New Hampshire, and Fort Lauderdale in Florida.

There are 572 employees worldwide, involved with the design, manufacture, distribution and servicing of electronic equipment.