Who are Sharp & Howells?
A consulting chemical analysis and industrial forensic chemistry laboratory, Sharp & Howells is the oldest NATA accredited (privately-owned) chemical laboratory in Australia and proudly celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2022.
As part of these remarkable operational and accreditation milestones, we spoke to Sharp & Howells about how NATA and accreditation has been an integral part of their long history.
Q: How did you come to be accredited with NATA and in what area?
A: Our first ‘registration’ was a general one and covered our whole laboratory operations.
Q: Have you kept the same accreditation or extended into other areas?
A: Our NATA accreditation(s) have varied over the past years as we have changed our own capabilities to suit the times and changing market needs.
Q: Has NATA accreditation contributed to your industry success?
A: NATA accreditation has long been a critical part of our business model and has contributed to our longevity in such a tight and competitive industry.
Q: What advice would you offer an organisation seeking accreditation?
A: Use your accreditation as a fundamental part of your business and it will help you improve it in the long term.
Point of interest.
Sharp & Howells once won a legal case for their client because they were NATA accredited for the test performed (which was used in evidence) while the opposing side’s ‘expert’ was not!