1. Sustainable Corporate Governance // 2. Business model and Course of Business // 3. Social affairs // 4. Environment
2.1 Strategy and Market
The SQS pursues a so-called 3A strategy:
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Expansion of position as leading provider in Switzerland for the auditing and certification of management systems in the accredited or regulated sector (Strategic Business Unit 1).
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Establishment of a strong market position for the evaluation and verification of sustainable corporate governance (Strategic Business Unit 2)
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Recognised provider of further education in the area of management system standards and methods (Strategic Business Unit 3)
«SQS is active in a wide range of areas of the economy and society. Everyone has their own characteristics. Organizations in the health and social care sector work in a very sensitive context. I need to understand this in order to audit quality management appropriately and effectively.»
Franziska Honegger (Lead Auditor, Sub-Department Health, Social and Education)
Value proposition
The value propositions to our customers can be differentiated according to these three SBUs as follows:
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Value proposition |
SGF1 |
SGF2 |
SGF3 |
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«Our external perspective brings clarity in your thinking and order in your company». |
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«With our management solutions, your company continues to develop». |
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«In our continuing education program, you develop the skills you need to solve problems and advance professionally». |
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«The SQS network enables you to exchange experiences with colleagues». |
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«Our verifications and certifications give you credibility and market access». |
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«Our assessments provide you with transparency, comparability and credibility.» |
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Branches
The branches in which we realise these value propositions are manifold:
The pronounced diversity of the industry sectors is accompanied by a wide range of company sizes: Almost a quarter of our customers are micro-enterprises with fewer than 10 employees; 37% are small enterprises (10-49 employees), 27% are medium-sized enterprises (50-249) and 12% are large enterprises (250 and more). In terms of their origin, however, our clientele is relatively homogeneous: The two main markets of Switzerland and Italy account for 90% of all certificates issued. These figures remained virtually unchanged compared to the previous year.
SQS operates in a «People's business»: Customer relationships in the certification and assessment business are highly personalised. Auditors therefore play a key role in our value proposition and in the fulfilment of our promises.
The SQS therefore invests considerable resources in training and further education (see Chapter 3 “Social Affairs”). This is not only about imparting skills, but also about the SQS core values: credibility, neutrality, impartiality, honesty and integrity. It is only by combining these skills and virtues that we create the added value that makes us successful in the market. The loyalty of our customers is a reflection of their appreciation and trust in us: as of the end of 2025, the average customer loyalty was around 14 years.
