Supported by the Centre for Competitiveness (CforC)

As an EFQM Partner Organisation, the Centre for Competitiveness (CforC) supports organisations in using the EFQM framework to better understand, improve, and sustain their performance. Our role is to help businesses step back from day-to-day pressures, see how everything fits together, and build the leadership, culture, and systems needed for long-term success.

Our work with Moyola Precision Engineering reflects what can be achieved through a sustained commitment to business excellence.

Moyola has engaged with CforC over a number of years as part of their EFQM journey – from structured assessments and feedback through to ongoing support as they progressed through 5-Star (2018), 6-Star (2021), and now 7-Star recognition. This has been a long-term partnership focused not just on achievement, but on building a stronger organisation.

Moyola Precision Engineering: 7-Star EFQM Recognition

“We’re a precision engineering manufacturing business, operating in highly regulated aerospace and defence markets. But at our core, we’re a people-led organisation.”

Moyola has grown steadily over 50 years by investing in its people, capability, and culture. Rooted in Mid Ulster but competing globally, the business has always had to be resilient, adaptable, and disciplined in how it operates.

Their relationship with EFQM stretches back to the mid-1990s, when they were recognised in the Northern Ireland Quality Awards. Over time, that evolved into a deeper and more intentional journey, with the EFQM framework becoming part of how the business sets direction and measures success.

“EFQM hasn’t been a bolt-on for us – it’s grown alongside the business.”

Why EFQM Matters

As the business has matured, EFQM has helped shift their perspective.

“We’re no longer just a local success story – we’re a globally benchmarked organisation. We’re not just comparing Moyola to what’s around us; we’re holding ourselves up against world-class organisations across different sectors and countries.”

For Moyola, this external reference point is critical in maintaining ambition and ensuring the business remains both high-performing and resilient for the future.

What It’s Changed in Real Terms

One of the biggest impacts of EFQM has been the clarity it brings.

“It’s helped us understand how the whole organisation fits together – not just what we do well, but why it works when it works, and where the risks are when it doesn’t.”

That clarity has enabled better, more balanced decision-making across leadership, people, strategy, and performance.

“Over time, that clarity has built confidence – confidence that the business is resilient, self-aware and capable of sustaining success.”

Just as importantly, it has created a shared mindset across the organisation:

“Excellence isn’t dependent on individuals – it’s built into how we operate.”

When Is the Right Time?

Moyola is clear that timing is less about scale or readiness, and more about intent.

“The best time to embark on something like this is when you’re genuinely curious about how your company works and where it could be better.”

EFQM is not about chasing recognition, but about gaining insight:

“It helps you understand your company – what works well – and gives excellent insight into where you can improve.”

Would They Do It Again?

For Moyola, the answer is simple.

“Yes – without hesitation.”

“EFQM hasn’t just helped us improve performance, it’s helped us build a stronger organisation. It’s shaped how we lead, how we listen, and how we make decisions – especially when things are difficult.”

While achieving 7-Star recognition in their 50th year is a significant milestone, they are clear on where the real value lies:

“The recognition is important… but the real value is in the culture and capability we’ve built along the way.”

Start Your EFQM Journey

Moyola’s experience shows that EFQM is not a one-off initiative – it’s a long-term approach to building a better, more resilient organisation.

At CforC, we work with organisations at all stages of that journey – whether you are exploring EFQM for the first time, looking to benchmark your performance, or working towards recognised levels of excellence.

If you are curious about how your organisation really works – and where it could be stronger – EFQM provides a proven framework to help you get there.

Find out more about what Moyola Precision Engineering does – visit their website: https://www.moyola.com/