ASTA Certification Services and the British Electrotechnical Approvals Board (BEAB) have merged to form ASTA BEAB Certification Services (ASTA BEAB).
Mike Vint, chief executive of ASTA BEAB, commented at its launch: “The combined resources mean jointly we will make even more impact in an increasingly competitive and worldwide marketplace, building on the strong heritage, experience and ability of both previous companies.” It will remain a UK-based firm.

The internationally-recognised ASTA Diamond mark and BEAB Approval mark will be retained for certification of products within their sectors. ASTA BEAB has introduced two new initiatives: the BEAB Care Mark and ASTA Quality Approved Firms Scheme.

It will also implement an agreement made last autumn for a joint venture with the NICEIC and NQA. The purpose of this is to sell and market individual and collective certification services through a network of international offices, agents and testing facilities. Known as the International Certification Group (ICG), it will utilise high-level technical expertise provided by member firms.