Hewden achieves FORS bronze status

Hewden, the national, multi-product hire specialist, has gained bronze membership into Transport for London's Freight Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS).

Introduced in 2008 and part of the wider London Freight Plan, FORS is a unique membership scheme open to all van and lorry operators delivering in and around London and aims to establish industry benchmarks, helping companies become safer, greener and more efficient.

In order to achieve bronze status, Hewden had to undergo an independent assessment of its operations to demonstrate that it has effective systems, policies, procedures and risk assessments in place to meet standards in four areas: drivers and driver management, vehicle and fleet management, transport operations and performance management.

Speaking on the importance of the membership, Mark Albiston, operations director at Hewden said: "The FORS membership is recognition of the improvements we've recently made within our transport operations.

"Transport is a major enabler for Hewden and over the past six months we have invested heavily in improving our transport leadership team. Through investment in new technology we have ensured the best use of our HGVs, optimising our delivery and pick-up processes.

"We have also invested in our vehicles used across London to provide additional technology to safeguard potentially vulnerable road users, such as cyclists.

"As a member of the FORS scheme, we have access to a range of services, advice and additional training which will help us to make even greater improvements."

See http://www.tfl.gov.uk/microsites/fors for more information about the Freight Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS).