What does TQL compliance primarily help companies avoid?

TQL compliance primarily helps companies avoid penalties related to regulatory violations because it ensures that they adhere to the relevant laws, standards, and regulations governing their industry. By maintaining compliance, companies can mitigate the risk of facing legal actions, fines, and other punitive measures that can arise from non-compliance. This is especially important in highly regulated sectors where penalties can be substantial and can also harm a company's reputation and operational viability. Complying with TQL standards also assists companies in demonstrating their commitment to ethical operations and sustainable practices, which can enhance trust with customers and stakeholders.

The other options, while relevant to business operations, do not directly relate to the primary function of TQL compliance. For example, investing in new technology or increasing marketing expenses may arise from operational strategies or market demands but are not directly prevented by compliance measures. Additionally, while loss of profit margins can result from a variety of factors including compliance failures, it is not the immediate focus of compliance practices, which center more on adhering to regulations to avoid penalties.