Employment and Small Business Minister Pat Breen has advised Irish businesses to operate to the highest quality standards and to consider certification to international standards, in order to remain competitive in a post-Brexit era. Recently, an Engineers Ireland survey showed that nearly a third of engineers have already been impacted by the Brexit slowdown. The survey – of Engineers Ireland members working and operating in Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland – found that over one quarter have now changed their plans for hiring or investment, while over 38 per cent have had commercial deals paused or unfavourably altered as a result of Brexit. Minister Breen’s comments came as 30 organisations from the private, public and SME sectors gathered at NSAI (National Standards Authority of Ireland) offices in Dublin today for a special ceremony marking their achievement in becoming certified to world class standards. Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Minister Breen highlighted the real business value of investing in standards. “Ireland is a small country, open economy, exporting 80 per cent of what we produce, so it is extremely important that Irish organisations are competitive and operate to the highest quality standards. Those who buy Irish products and services, not only here at home, but also across the world, expect nothing less,” said Breen. “Certification to international business standards will be crucial in a post-Brexit environment, especially if you are exporting to Britain or tendering for British contracts. It will also give you that competitive edge when seeking opportunities in new markets,” he added.