Choosing the right supplier in the UK utilities sector isn’t just a procurement process; it’s about risk management. Suppliers must demonstrate robust compliance, strong governance, and consistently high standards across quality, safety, and sustainability. That’s where Achilles UVDB certification plays a critical role.

Datagraphic is validated as a UVDB Silver+ supplier in the Achilles Utilities Vendor Database (UVDB), which reaffirms trusted service delivery within the UK utilities sector. First awarded in 2020, the latest reassessment to a 5* standard reflects continued dedication to quality, compliance, and sustainability.

But what is Achilles UVDB, why does it matter, and how can utilities benefit from working with a validated supplier? Let’s take a closer look.

What is UVDB powered by Achilles?

UVDB is a prequalification system designed for the UK utilities market. It pre-checks that suppliers to water, energy, gas, or power companies comply with industry standards and legal requirements prior to procurement. 

With independent governance from across the utilities sector, UVDB promotes transparency, inclusivity, and trust. Achilles is therefore a reliable platform for both large enterprises and SMEs to support a more efficient procurement process across:

• • Health and safety management. Effective management of health and safety risks through policies, procedures, and training to protect employees, clients, and the public.
  • Environmental management – Environmental policies and controls to manage waste, emissions, resource use, and compliance with environmental legislation.
  • Quality management systems – Systems and processes that ensure consistent, reliable service delivery and continuous improvement, often aligned with recognised quality standards such as ISO 9001.
  • Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and ethics – Responsible business practices, sustainable sourcing, equality and diversity, and how suppliers contribute positively to their communities.
  • Financial and company information – Validated company information to provide commercial confidence and financial sustainability as a supplier.
  • Information security and legal compliance – Measures to protect sensitive information and comply with legal and regulatory requirements, to support data protection and risk management.
  • People, training and workforce competence – HR practices, employee competence, training, and workforce management to ensure suppliers have the skills and capacity to deliver safely and effectively.

Why is Achilles UVDB important for the utilities sector?

Just as FSQS validates suppliers for the financial sector, Achilles UVDB validates suppliers for the UK utilities industry. Achilles provides pre-procurement checks on suppliers who meet rigorous standards of quality, safety, environmental compliance, and operational transparency.

Any utilities company can access the UVDB to validate credentials and capabilities. Achieving UVDB certification is therefore more than a badge – it’s an independent, industry-recognised mark of trust.

What Achilles means for utilities procurement

As an approved sustainable communications supplier to utilities, UVDB confirms that Datagraphic facilitates:

• • Faster, easier procurement. UVDB acts as a single pre-qualification solution to reduce repetitive checks for buyers and streamline supplier onboarding.
  • Verified compliance. Our management systems are independently assessed against industry-recognised standards for quality, safety, and ESG practices.
  • Reduced operational risk. Independent verification ensures suppliers meet criteria for governance, sustainability, and safety, helping to minimise risk.
  • Increased visibility and trust. UVDB validation signals transparency and accountability, enabling utilities buyers to onboard Datagraphic with confidence. 

A compliant partner you can rely on

Achilles UVDB registration is not just about meeting standards. It demonstrates a culture of continuous improvement and operational resilience. Through re-assessments and audits, suppliers like Datagraphic remain aligned with best practice and evolving sector expectations.

For utilities clients, this means working with a partner whose systems and processes are compliant today and designed for ongoing excellence as regulatory and operational demands grow.

What to look for in a supplier:

• Compliance with industry-leading standards.
• Independent validation of quality and risk performance.
• Reliable delivery of secure and effective document and communications solutions.

Read more about the benefits of sustainable mail for utilities.