Whoa whoa whoa
How did i miss this one. Allow me to throw in a few points. The EFQM Business Excellence Model is essentially based on the USA's Malcolm Baldridge Award. It was designed to try to help European Companies bridge the competitiveness gap with the USA.
I agree with Marc that both ISO 9000:2000 (not the old model) and the Business Excellence Model are both based on sound business principles.
Business Excellence has 9 major sections, of which ISO 9000 theoretically could fit into just one section 'Processes'. This gives you an idea of the scale of the difference.
Most companies tread something of a Quality Path, starting with ISO 9000, and then EMS 14000, then TQM and probably lastly Business Excellence.
You could go direct to Business Excellence, but you would need a very open minded and forward thinking Management Team (If you can find one they are probably flying on pigs, wearing hens teeth and sweeping up rocking horse dung).
I could go on forever, let me know if you want more info, i am an Ward Assessor for Business Excellence.
Regards
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Andy B