To mark ISOQAR’s 35th anniversary, this case study looks at JR Consultants (JRC), a family consultancy that has used ISOQAR certification services for 35 years. Their experience provides a clear example of how certification needs have evolved over time, from the early days of BS 5750 to today’s management system standards.
Customer Background
JR Consultants (JRC) was founded in 1992 by Jon Hull, who set up the business after implementing BS 5750 and spotting a clear gap in the market for practical ISO consultancy. It began as modestly as it gets: Jon working from home as a sole trader with a typewriter, while his wife typed up procedures on the dining room table. At the time, he was a quality manager for a sheet metal company, running JRC part-time, though it quickly grew into a full-time venture.
More than three decades on, JRC is a well-established, second-generation family business built on friendly, traditional values. Jon’s daughters, Nicola and Natalie Hull, now lead the consultancy, with his son Stuart joining as a trainee consultant in JR’s 35th year. The team has grown from a one-man band to multiple consultants and office staff, working with organisations across the UK in sectors including manufacturing, services and beyond.
“JRC has gone from a sole trader to employing multiple auditors and two office staff. We started from home, then worked from customers’ premises, to now having our own office – and we’re growing again.” – Jon Hull, Founder of JR Consultants
The Challenge
When JRC started out, they needed a certification body that was approachable, responsive and easy to deal with. ISOQAR was the first assessment company used, back when the standard was still BS 5750. The first JRC client certified through ISOQAR, an engineering company in Eastwood, remains with JRC to this day.
“ISOQAR were approachable and easy to deal with. That mattered a lot when you’re just starting out.” – Jon Hull
The Solution
JRC’s use of ISOQAR certification services has continued over 35 years. During that time, JRC has valued consistent contact, responsive issue handling, advance audit scheduling and clear routes for providing feedback. Regular updates, meetings and IAN network sessions have also kept JRC informed as the certification and compliance landscape has evolved.
Both organisations have evolved considerably over the years – from paper reports to laptops, IT-led auditing and increasingly integrated management systems.
The Outcome
Today, JRC works with around 200 clients across a wide range of industries throughout the UK, placing around 90 of them with ISOQAR. Over the past 35 years, the consultancy has helped more than 1,000 businesses achieve one or multiple accreditations. From Jon’s dining room to an established family business with its own office and a growing team, JRC has continued to use ISOQAR for certification services throughout that journey, with its focus now firmly set on building towards 40 years in business.
Looking Ahead
For JRC, the future is about building on strong foundations while looking towards the next major milestone: 40 years. Nicola and Natalie continue to lead the business, with Stuart now learning the ropes as part of the next generation. As JRC moves closer to its fourth decade, it marks an exciting new chapter for the family business and its growing team. Jon is enthusiastic about what’s next for the profession, too, from new ISO standards to the growing role of AI in the certification process.
“We’re a well-established consultancy and we thrive on our team approach. Reaching this milestone alongside ISOQAR’s own 35th anniversary is significant. We may be a year behind, but long-standing use of ISOQAR certification services is something we’re proud of.” — Jon Hull
