Mercedes-Benz Vans UK is the headline sponsor of FTA Van Driver of the Year Competition 2018.

Held at the Mercedes-Benz Vans’ Northern base, Wentworth Park in Barnsley, the event will test the key attributes of a successful van driver, both on and off road, including a knowledge check around legislation, risk and the ability to identify vehicle defects.

Ultimately, the competition aims to highlight the work, responsibility and care necessary for this often-overlooked role in society.

Mercedes-Benz Vans works regularly with the FTA Van Excellence programme to support and align with the work they do in the automotive industry, and recently took this further by becoming a Platinum Industry Partner of the Van Excellence scheme.

The working relationship has included support on both the Van Driver of the Year Award and the FTA Van Excellence Operational Briefings, which aim to equip van owners and operators with the relevant knowledge they require around safety, professionalism and compliance.

Andy Eccles, head of fleet at Mercedes-Benz Vans, said: “Our continued alignment with the FTA Van Excellence programme shows a mutual commitment to ensuring van owners and operators have the right knowledge to carry out their fundamental roles.

“The FTA Van Excellence programme also provides a voice to the nation’s van drivers, owners and operators which we also heavily champion at Mercedes-Benz Vans; a shared commitment to the wellbeing and safety of our customers and something which we are extremely proud to do.”

Mark Cartwright, head of vans at the FTA, added: “The FTA Van Excellence Van Driver of the Year Competition is a great celebration of the crucial role that the nation’s van drivers play in the smooth-running of our society, whilst also putting into perspective the many elements their everyday work entails.

“The FTA Van Excellence scheme is an industry-led initiative that aims to enhance standards of van operator compliance; something which Mercedes-Benz Vans have shown great support in promoting to reinforce the work my colleagues and I at the FTA are doing.”

The event takes place on Thursday (July 19) at Wentworth Park, Barnsley.

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