Mercedes-Benz Dealer group Rygor Commercials hosted a “hard-hitting” Freight Transport Association (FTA) presentation.

The FTA’s industry-led Van Excellence scheme aims to enhance standards of operator compliance and celebrate those who best represent the interests of the industry.

As its only platinum partner, Mercedes-Benz Vans is the initiative’s lead sponsor.

The latest in a series of operational briefings hosted by Mercedes-Benz Dealers was delivered by Barrie Wilson, regional manager van at the FTA.

He employed a fictitious fatal crash involving a gas fitter’s van to explore the issues of safety and risk management from the perspectives of the driver, fleet manager and company owner.

Twenty delegates representing van operators of all sizes and from different sectors attended. They watched video footage of mock interviews under caution, before engaging in a question and answer session.

Clarkson Evans’ operations director Darren Turley, who attended the event, said: “It was a very informative and hard-hitting presentation.

“The company on which the case study was based operated on similar lines to our own business model, so some of the key messages were also highly relevant.”

“The Rygor team made us feel very welcome and at no stage did they try and sell us anything.

"I was impressed by the facilities and by the general tone of the event, which was about supporting the industry as a whole.”

Weir and Willis’ national operations and logistics manager Simon Shouls said: “The session was very engaging. The FTA does a pretty good job of spreading the word about best practice, but its surprising how little some operators still know about safety and compliance.”

“Rygor’s facilities are exceptionally smart and well laid out, and it was encouraging to see Mercedes-Benz Vans and its dealer working together with the FTA to make the roads safer for everyone.”

Wilson said: “Our operational briefings provide practical, informative and essential advice.

"The event at Rygor was very well attended and there was a high level of engagement from delegates.

“By taking a closer look at the way a driver’s actions can impact the way in which a fleet operation works, we were able to reflect on how planning and consideration can improve not only safety and compliance, but also the image of the van driver.” 

Rygor’s group director Julie Steed said: “Our setting standards philosophy means that rather than chasing the quick sale, we strive always to add value for our customers and to establish ourselves as a trusted business partner.

“The opportunity to support the FTA’s admirable Van Excellence scheme allowed us, once again, to demonstrate Rygor’s commitment to working with and supporting operators for the benefit of all.”

Pictured: (L) Barrie Wilson, Gino Falco and Jess Osbourne, of the FTA; Nick Williams, of Mercedes-Benz Vans; and Julie Steed and Richard Eldridge, of Rygor Commercials 

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