After being awarded its bronze accreditation in April 2013, Erith-based Matthew James Removals and Storage has now been awarded silver accreditation for the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS).

FORS is a voluntary certification scheme aimed at ensuring that fleet operators work lawfully and to best practice, as stated in the FORS Standard.  The Standard - which is based upon lawfulness, safety, efficiency and environmental protection - covers management, vehicles, drivers and operations. To become accredited, a company must prove that it meets the relevant Standard criteria (bronze, silver or gold) and this is checked during a formal company audit carried out by an independent FORS auditor.

Chris Bishop, Transport Manager, said: “We are the highest accredited removals company in the FORS Scheme - the only one at silver!   As a forward thinking operator, we have chosen to be part of this scheme to save money, improve safety, reduce our environmental impact and reap the excellent benefits and discounts that are offered.”

Chris said the company has recently started a programme of installing driver safety camera systems to ensure staff and the public are protected to the best of the company’s ability.  It monitors trends with regards to accidents, PCNs and FCNs, ensuring these are reducing in all aspects of the company’s operations.  Fuel monitoring systems have also been updated with improved operational analysis systems to ensure Matthew James is operating in efficient and more environmentally friendly ways.  The company has recently purchased two new Euro 6 vehicles that will be ready for work in the near future.

Photo:  Image of the FORS silver accreditation