With a background in navigating complex supply chains — including sourcing from the Far East into UK construction — and a decade of consulting experience across sectors such as steel distribution, modular housing and professional services, Richard Dolman now leads a business with one clear mission: to help UK SMEs unlock their potential through ISO certification.
Based in Sheffield, Glade Consulting was founded in 2017 to fill a vital gap. “A lot of businesses either don’t know where to start with ISO, or they simply don’t have the time,” Richard explains. “We step in to support them, using ISO as a framework to help improve operations, reduce waste and ultimately grow.”
What sets Glade apart in a crowded field of consultants is its pragmatic approach. Rather than introducing layers of unnecessary paperwork or expecting businesses to reinvent their processes, Glade works with what’s already in place – making ISO certification an achievable, beneficial goal, not a bureaucratic hurdle.
“Some consultants are very technically driven,” Richard says. “We understand the technical side, of course, but our approach is about listening to the client, understanding how they work and building from there. It’s about making ISO work for them, not the other way around.”
That tailored approach has helped the business grow largely through word of mouth. Clients value the partnership and often bring Glade with them when they move on to new roles – a testament to the trust the team has built.
Since launching, the company has grown beyond Sheffield, recently opening a Midlands office to meet increasing demand. Glade now works with businesses across the UK, from Cumbria to Devon and London to Essex. Its client base spans sectors, from steel to healthcare to elite motorsport. “We’ve worked with a top Formula One team,” Richard says. “We were lucky enough to audit their processes and see the cars being made – that was an incredible experience.”
Despite this variety, a common thread runs through every business Glade supports. “Every organisation has processes, whether they realise it or not,” Richard says. “We help make those processes more visible, efficient and measurable – and that often leads to tangible benefits like cost savings, improved compliance and better access to bigger contracts.”
ISO certification can be the key that unlocks new opportunities – especially for SMEs hoping to break into sectors like government, construction or healthcare. “For many tenders, the first question is: do you have ISO 9001?” says Richard. “If the answer is yes, you skip 18 pages of pre-qualifying questions. If not, you’re out of the running before you’ve even started.”
Glade’s offering isn’t just about securing certification either – it’s about continuous improvement. Services include internal auditing, management reviews and ongoing support to ensure businesses remain compliant and competitive.
Looking ahead, Glade is continuing to grow through strategic partnerships – particularly in areas like cyber security and information management. ISO 27001, focused on information security, is one of the company’s key areas of development over the next 12 months.
But at its core, Glade remains committed to helping UK businesses – particularly in manufacturing and supply chains – build for the future. “For us, it’s about using ISO not just as a badge, but as a tool for real, sustainable growth,” Richard says. “If we can help a company become more efficient, reduce risk and win more work – that’s a job well done.”
To find out more about how Glade can help your business, head to www.gladecs.co.uk.
Why ISO Certification Matters for SMEs
ISO 9001:2015 is the internationally recognised standard for quality management – and it can be a game changer for small and medium-sized enterprises. Here’s why:
- Open new markets
Many public sector contracts and large private tenders require ISO certification just to be considered. It can be the difference between getting a seat at the table – or missing out entirely. - Build trust and credibility
Certification signals that a business is serious about quality, consistency and continuous improvement – key values in competitive supply chains. - Reduce risk and increase efficiency
Through improved processes and regular audits, ISO helps identify inefficiencies and reduce costly mistakes or compliance issues. - Support sustainable growth
The ISO framework encourages ongoing evaluation and development, helping businesses improve performance and prepare for future challenges. - Stand out from the competition
Especially in crowded markets, ISO can give SMEs a clear edge when vying for new work or forming strategic partnerships.
