Express delivery company DHL International(UK), which has a depot in Swindon, has scored two major quality accolades.

The international express carrier, has become one of the first companies in the UK, and the first company in the UK air express industry, to be successfully assessed against the final draft version of the ISO 9001:2000 Quality Management System Standard.

DHL Swindon came through the assessment with flying colours and was awarded an Advanced Compliance Statement' (ACS) by Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance Ltd (LRQA).

The ACS will automatically convert into an accredited certification on the day the new ISO 9001:2000 Standard is released, providing there are no significant changes from the final draft.

DHL was given the opportunity to pioneer the new Standard by LRQA, whose assessor spent 10 days talking to a range of DHL employees, from couriers and regional station managers, to managing director, David Coles.

Paul Gallagher, DHL Swindon service centre manager said: "The new ISO 9000 standard, is not just about judging DHL on its process or procedures; it also looks at the effectiveness of our measurements and how closely we identify and adhere to our customer's needs.

"We are always looking at ways to improve our service to customers and this means constantly evaluating feedback to get the best results.

"We're delighted to be pioneers of the new standard and we will be working hard for recertification."

Simon Batters, UK sales and marketing manager, Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance, said: DHL is one of a select number of companies who have decided to opt for early adoption of the new Standard.

"By doing so, they have clearly demonstrated the robustness of their quality management system and their commitment in providing a high level of service.

"We congratulate everybody at DHL who has worked so hard to ensure the company's successful certification to this valuable international quality management system standard."

News of the award coincided with DHL's re-accreditation for Investors in People which measures planning, action and evaluation of training within the workforce.