The first certificates for Arval’s new van training course will be presented at the Commercial Show 2017 on its opening day - Tuesday April 25.

The recipients – account managers and members of Arval’s senior management team - will be given their certificates by Mark Cartwright, head of light commercial vehicles at the Freight Transport Association.

Arval’s course, called Van Product Familiarisation, has been created in conjunction with two of the company’s conversion partners, Bott and Clark’s Vehicle Conversions.

It is designed for members of the vehicle leasing and fleet management company’s van team and aligns with the aims of the FTA’s Van Excellence scheme – which are to improve the quality of service to LCV operators by providing clear and accurate advice to meet their needs while actively ensuring that their operations are fully compliant, safe and responsible.

The course includes information on vehicle types and sizes, as well as legislation covering Type Approval, tachographs, weights and vehicle speed limits.

A key element is vehicle enhancement and the legislation covering this area, including how vehicles should be enhanced in line with ECWVTA and VCA requirements.

Simon Cook, LCV manager at Arval, said: “We believe that the standards being set by our van team are industry-leading in terms of LCV consultancy and this new course is evidence of the depth and professionalism of our approach.

“The department has recently been expanded and the course will help to bring the new recruits up to expert status.

"It provides a structured and in-depth overview of several important areas of LCV operation that are especially relevant to Van Excellence.”