Lawsons Group reports that it has successfully maintained its Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) Silver Accreditation.
After initially becoming FORS operators in 2008 as one of the earliest adopters of the FORS standard, Lawsons has “consistently strived to deliver for its customers and to be at the forefront of embracing new safety features and technologies.” Having first achieved silver accreditation in 2018, the Group has maintained it throughout a period of significant growth both organically and via strategic acquisition.
Established in 1921, the Lawsons Group has grown to become reputedly the largest independently owned builders’ merchant in the South East of England with thirty five branches, over 700 staff and a dedicated steel fabrication plant. With a rich history as a family business, the firm states that it consistently invests in the safety and quality of its extensive fleet alongside the recruitment, training and development of its current team of over 150 drivers.
Dan Hearne, Head of Group Transport, said: “At Lawsons, the safety of our drivers and the public is paramount and therefore front of mind every time one of our vehicles leaves our yards. Knowing that our vehicles are comprehensively pre-use checked every day with additional pre departure checks before every run by a member of the management team means that we as a business have confidence in what we do.
“This, alongside being fitted with the latest safety features and ever evolving changes to our fleet, provides a level of reassurance to customers and other road users. Underpinning all of this is our comprehensive internal driver training and refresher courses which continue to help reduce our incident rates year upon year.
Dan added: “We are delighted that FORS continues to recognise our focus and investment in vehicle and road safety.”
Group Finance Director Chris Harrison continued: “Lawsons performs over 200,000 deliveries per annum across the South East of England, delivering daily for our customers. This accreditation, which independently reviews our safety, efficiency and environmental protection, speaks for itself as testament to the quality of our drivers and the people in our branches and the investment we make in our fleet.
“It is another way we demonstrate our values and best practices to our customers, suppliers and people and we are committed to the continue progression through to the top level of accreditation.”
Geraint Davies, FORS Director, commented: “Lawsons’ continued commitment to maintaining FORS Silver Accreditation is a fantastic example of what dedication to fleet safety and best practice looks like. As one of our early adopters, Lawsons has demonstrated year after year that investing in driver training, vehicle safety features, and operational standards delivers real, measurable improvements.
“We are proud to have Lawsons as a valued FORS Silver operator and congratulate them on this latest achievement.”
The Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) is a voluntary accreditation scheme which aims to raise the level of quality within fleet operations, and to demonstrate which operators are achieving exemplary levels of best practice in safety, efficiency and environmental protection.
