Section Menu

The NMS contributes to UK competitiveness

NMS improves trade

NMS improves and underpins the regulatory framework for commercial activity, while removing unnecessary burdens on business. It supports the foundation of accredited certification, calibration, testing and inspection that reduces the need for UK suppliers to be assessed by each of its customers. Mutual recognition, at European and international level, further reduces the need for multiple assessment of suppliers and consequently helps to reduce trade barriers.

The UK NMS plays a critical role in enabling regulation. The UK must combine the highest possible standards for consumer safety with competitive and open markets that reward innovation. Only then will the UK realise the full benefits of scientific advance. NMS underpins fair and safe competition by providing confidence in health and safety. Examples include use of ultrasound for treatment of soft tissue injuries and the destruction of kidney stones; enabling UK manufacturers of industrial machinery and domestic appliances to meet European noise regulations, etc.

The essential components of the NMS are the national measurement laboratories that deliver most of the NMS work, and the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). The national laboratories are:

• National Physical Laboratory (NPL);
• NEL, the former National Engineering Laboratory;
• LGC, the former Laboratory of the Government Chemist;
• National Weights and Measures Laboratory (NMWL)

The national laboratories hold the primary measurement standards (which may be artefacts (such as the standard kilogram) or reference materials (for chemical measurements) or pieces of equipment (such as flow rate standards)).

These laboratories sit at the top of a calibration pyramid and provide traceability through a calibration chain. The calibration chain extends from the national laboratories to commercial testing laboratories. UKAS is the sole national body recognised by the Government for the accreditation, against recognised international standards, of calibration and testing laboratories and inspection and certification bodies. UKAS accreditation provides assurance of the integrity and competence of organisations providing calibration, testing, inspection and certification services.

Contractors appointed under competitive tendering procedures deliver other parts of the work of the NMS.
 

NMS supports manufacturing and industry

NMS plays a crucial role in a number of areas in a manufacturing process:

• new concepts can be quickly tested by accurate measurements to demonstrate feasibility or otherwise. Examples include biometric testing, optical techniques to probe microwave circuits;
• use of accurate measurements in scale-up to production allows process consistency to be checked and the engineering process to be quickly refined. Examples include production line testing of "virtual features", plastic processing cost reduction;
• use of measurement and testing of the final product against various regulatory hurdles (including industry, national, European and international standards) before product launch. Such testing starts much earlier but is critical just prior to its launch. Examples include heat transfer in windows, mobile phone power.

NMS contributes to the UK science, engineering and technology base

The UK is already world-class in measurement science, engineering and technology. We will need to continue to work hard to maintain our position. The important contribution that NMS makes to technological innovation, national prosperity and quality of life of our citizens means that we need to continue to ensure that UK is equipped for the long term by investing in UK capabilities.