Torus, the North West based housing group has been awarded with the Freight Transport Association’s coveted Van Excellence operator accreditation. The housing group owns more than 22,000 homes in St. Helens and Warrington and carried out more than 30,000 repairs each year with help from more than 350 people and 250 vans.

The FTA’s Van Excellence scheme currently has more than 120 accredited organisations and works to promote the highest standards of van operation and driving through the accreditation of operators that demonstrates compliance to an industry code of good practice. Torus has achieved this prestigious accreditation during their first attempt which is great news for the housing group and a credit to their practices. The first time acceptance for the FTA accreditation illustrates the organisation’s commitment to safer and more efficient van operations.

The Managing Director for Torus In House Contractor, Haydn Hansford has said that the team are incredibly proud of the achievement that has been reached with this FTA Van Excellence accreditation. The company had to undergo a vigorous audit in order to ensure that the company’s fleet operations are above and beyond the current transport and government requirements. This accreditation demonstrates that the housing group is committed to delivering safer, more efficient, sustainable van operations. The new accreditation will also help to improve the company standing with customers and employees, solidifying their reputation as a responsible and safe fleet operator.

The Van Excellence scheme has been created in order to increase compliance levels across the sector and setting high standards as well as sharing the best practice in order to professionalise the industry and move away from the traditional image of a ‘white van man’. This scheme is considered to be the most robust measure of an organisation’s attitude towards compliant, safe and efficient running of their fleet.