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The standard seeks to professionalize the sector and provide a reference framework that guarantees the excellence of consultancy services.
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The UNE Standard has been promoted by AECEM, with the collaboration and participation of different key companies in the sector.
Madrid, 10 October 2024 – The Spanish Association of Business Consultants (AECEM) and the Spanish Association for Standardization (UNE) held a meeting on “New Quality Standard for Consultancies and Firms”, where the new UNE 420001 Standard was presented. This standard establishes the requirements and best practices for consultancy services in business management and individual advice. It serves as a reference framework aimed at achieving excellence in the provision of these services while protecting the sector and the interests of clients.
Javier García, General Director of UNE and Vice President of ISO, emphasized in his speech that "Standardization is a strategic tool to boost the competitiveness of Spanish economic sectors. This new UNE Standard, led by AECEM, marks a milestone for the sector by defining a reference framework aimed at ensuring excellence in the provision of consultancy and business management services, thus contributing to the shared progress of the sector".
In this regard, Elena Ordozgoiti, Business Manager of the Service Sector at UNE, showcased the value of the standard created and the importance of consensus among the different stakeholders involved in defining the final text: "Consensus prevailed during its development, thanks to the experience of the AECEM team and other consultancies, representatives from professional associations, mutual insurance companies, universities and training centres, technology firms, and certification bodies; moreover, the relevant administrations were consulted".
Ana Mato, President of AECEM, stated that establishing clear standards will enable the sector to guarantee the quality, transparency, and safety of the services provided by consultancies. "This standard not only lays out requirements and best practices for consultancy services, it is also a benchmark in quality for the sector". Mato thanked all the members of the working group who contributed to the development of the text over more than a year.
The Standard is divided into different parts: one concerning the requirements that the service provider must meet, another regarding the service itself, and a third block specifying the requirements for labour, tax-accounting, and commercial consultancy services.
Luis Martín, Secretary General of AECEM and CEO of CE Consulting, remarked that "this Standard will help us all offer better services to our business and professional fabric, differentiate ourselves by our quality, and contribute to strengthening the companies in our country".
A standard that will benefit the business fabric
Finally, Luis Aribayos, Secretary General of CEPYME, expressed gratitude for the promotion and development of this standard, which, in addition to benefiting the consultancy and professional services sector, will impact the business fabric by facilitating access to quality advice for companies in the country. This will enable them to focus their efforts on their daily operations, beyond the administrative and regulatory compliance issues they face. He emphasized that "self-regulation is fundamental in professional entities; being proactive and demanding of oneself will help improve consultancy for businesses".
The UNE 420001 Standard provides a solid response for professionalizing the consultancy and professional services sector in Spain, establishing specific and clear requirements that not only enhance the quality of services provided, but also increase the trust of clients and society in general in the business management system. The standard also serves as an instrument of transparency and seriousness, promoting best practices and ethics in professional conduct.
