AbstractThis paper outlines the main findings of a research study which examined the experiences of small companies in relation to approaching the BS.5750/ISO 9000 quality system series. In general, small companies are not aware of the fundamental concepts of a quality system, many of the activities outlined in BS.5750 are not practised and, even when they are, they are not documented. The main motivation for introducing a quality system which meets the requirements of BS.5750 is customer pressure. Difficulties encountered by small companies are selecting which part of the standard to apply, understanding and applying the appropriate clauses of BS.5750 to their own specific situations, and writing procedures.