Bott achieves Van Excellence accreditation

Bott has become the first vehicle enhancement company to achieve Van Excellence accreditation.

Van Excellence, an initiative launched by the Freight Transport Association (FTA), is designed to raise standards and improve the public’s perception of vans and light commercial vehicles.

By becoming Van Excellence accredited Bott has demonstrated that it adheres to the Van Excellence Code, which sets out demanding best practice standards for van operation.

The standards were developed by van operators from all sectors of industry and are based on common issues that the public and the Government have with van operators and drivers.

Providing a practical operational framework, it covers key areas such as driver behaviour, vehicle safety, vehicle maintenance and risk assessed operating methods.

Kevin Woodward, managing director of the Vehicle Enhancement Division of Bott, said: “We only have a small vehicle fleet – in fact we are the smallest operator to become accredited – but nonetheless we think it is essential to demonstrate our high standards to customers and the public, and prove we are committed to making our vehicles safer, more efficient and more sustainable.

“The Van Excellence standards are stringent, but are also realistic and achievable, and include things that all fleet managers should be addressing if they are taking a best practice approach.

“We are urging all of our fleet customers to let everyone know they have high standards and become accredited; being able to display the Van Excellence logo on every vehicle is a valuable asset, and becoming accredited is a very simple and straightforward process.”

Mark Cartwright from the FTA said: “The scheme is all about raising standards and recognising excellence. Unfortunately the public’s perception of vans and other light commercial vehicles is poor – and Van Excellence aims to address this.

“The scheme is a way for any company running a vehicle fleet – whether large or small – to demonstrate and shout about their high operating standards to customers, and to reassure the public and Government that they are addressing and stamping out negative issues.

“The initiative also aims to deliver a range of other benefits to participating businesses, including increased safety and peace of mind with regards to legal compliance.”