Henry Brothers (Magherafelt) has become the first organisation in Northern Ireland to receive Van Excellence Operator Accreditation from the Freight Transport Association.

The construction and civil engineering company, which operates around 60 vans, is currently celebrating its 40th year in business. 

Colin Lumber, plant manager at the organisation, said: “We are delighted to have achieved Van Excellence accreditation.

"The company recognises occupational road risk and has invested in implementing policies and procedures that protect the company and improve the safety of employees.

"The Van Excellence accreditation demonstrates the company is operating a safe and compliant fleet to an industry best standard and we are proud to be the first company in Northern Ireland to achieve this certificate.”

The certificate was presented to Lumber by Jayne Currie, FTA’s member and contract relations manager - Northern Ireland.

She said: “FTA is delighted to award Van Excellence Operator Accreditation to Henry Brothers, which has demonstrated a high level of operating standards and compliance management and is playing its part in improving the image of the van industry.”

Van Excellence promotes high standards of van operation and driving by accrediting operators against an industry code of good practice. 

The scheme is aimed at raising compliance levels across the sector by setting high standards and sharing best practice, professionalising the industry and moving away from the traditional ‘white van man’ image.