RETAIL print specialist The Simpson Group has become the first business of its kind in the UK to achieve a new industry standard.

The company, based in Washington, Wearside, has become the first point-of-purchase printer to receive PAS 75, a kitemark developed for the printing sector.

The accreditation, jointly developed by the British Standards Institution and British Printing Industries Federation, is aimed at improving processes and enhancing customer ser-vice.

Bill McNally, managing director at The Simpson Group, said: "After being introduced to PAS 75 at the launch seminar in December 2005, we instantly felt that as a measure of defining excellence it could benefit our business and ultimately our clients.

"After setting up a steering committee, we worked tirelessly at ensuring everyone in the company understood the importance of attaining the standard.

"All of our staff have worked extremely hard to meet this benchmark and I am delighted that we have become the first in our sector to be awarded with such an exceptional kitemark."