Swain Group companies R Swain and Sons, Gatwick Group and Hallett Silbermann have delivered a golden hat-trick after all three achieved FORS Gold accreditation to the demanding new v5 standards. Version 5 of the FORS standard became effective in January 2019 and includes new mandatory training requirements for both drivers and managers.
FORS - the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme - is the voluntary accreditation body committed to raising the quality of vehicle services by ensuring all fleet operations are being conducted to the FORS standard based on legal compliance, safety efficiency and environmental protection. Displaying its logo allows potential customers to readily distinguish FORS compliant operators from others. Users of fleet operator services often also stipulate that their suppliers are FORS accredited.
The aim is that the journey to accreditation (bronze, silver or gold) will transform businesses into industry pace-setters and leaders in fleet transport best practice.
There are now four key areas the standard covers: management, vehicles, drivers and operations with all including mandatory training requirements. FORS aims to instil a mindset of continuous improvement in participating operators in order that that can show exemplary levels of safety, efficiency and environmental awareness.
All three Swain Group companies have enjoyed significant commercial success as a direct result of being FORS Gold practitioners with direct approaches from leading contractors, manufacturers and importers seeking FORS compliant support at both site and project level.
R. Swain, Gatwick Group and Hallett Silbermann have been able to develop case studies showcasing their FORS experience to design and deliver comprehensive solutions to clients.
"We couldn’t have achieved these accreditations without the fantastic hard work and dedication of all our teams who recognise the value of ongoing compliance with the industry's highest standards, says Group Managing Director, Matthew Deer.
"For more than one hundred years we have built a business culture founded on strong customer service and sustainable development combined with the highest standards in safety and best practice. FORS Gold is a tangible 21st century example of how we continue to deliver on our principles to ensure we can meet end-to-end user requirements now and in the future.
"Through our accreditation to the FORS Gold standard we are clearly demonstrating to our customers that we are a responsible, professional and caring member of the transport community. And by investing in the latest equipment such as Euro 6 engined vehicles the whole group is showcasing its commitment to providing the best in safety while at the same time minimising harmful emissions," he adds.