We are delighted to announce that Premier Pest Control Services has become the first in the country to achieve a new accreditation promoting professional standards in pest control.

The European Standard for Pest Management Services acts as a benchmark of quality recognised throughout Europe.

We were this week named as the first in the UK to be successfully audited against the Standard. The EN16636 standard and CEPA Certified status is a mark of quality, and the fact we’re the first to be accredited is a real feather in our cap.

We do a lot of work in the commercial food industry. Our clients include major manufacturers and distributors along with large catering operations so it’s very important for us to demonstrate our professional status and achieving this standard is independent proof of that.

The process involved having a team of professional auditors visit our business and test all our systems against a very strict standard. For us to pass with flying colours means that we can call ourselves the best in the industry.

The EN16636 Standard, and its accompanying certification scheme, was launched earlier this year by the Confederation of European Pest Management Associations (CEPA).

It defines quality and best practice and acts as an assurance that member companies are fully qualified to deal with all species of both rodents and insects and experts on integrated pest management, the use of chemicals and health and safety issues.

Simon Forrester, chief executive of the BPCA, believes the move will deliver significant benefits for Premier.

He said: “The EN16636 Standard was developed by the European pest control industry to act as a demonstration of professional credentials.

“We know of many pest controllers who are untrained and do not stay up-to-date with the latest products, techniques and legislation – and that can create big problems.

“But this will put Premier on a level playing field with the best pest management companies in the world and will mean that, by employing them, businesses and individuals can be totally confident of a professional service.”