The Freight Transport Association (FTA) Van Excellence conference will take place on October 29, 2013 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hydro, Dunblane, Scotland between 9.30am and 4.30pm.

It is the third in the series hosted by FTA and will focus on managing road risk; reducing fuel spend; vehicle specifications; future van technology; VOSA’s view of enforcement in the world of vans; current and upcoming legislative issues; and an examination of the Van Excellence scheme through the eyes of an accredited operator.

The conference is sponsored by Van Excellence industry partners ATS Euromaster, BT Fleet, Hertz Van Rental, Route Monkey and TomTom Business Solutions who will be on hand during the day to talk more with delegates about their role as industry partners with Van Excellence.

Mark Cartwright, head of vans at the FTA, said: “This event offers van operators the opportunity to obtain the best advice from a practical, operational viewpoint, giving them peace of mind surrounding the operation of their van fleet. 

"It doesn’t matter whether they are existing Van Excellence members or not, this conference is designed to benefit anyone who operates vans.”

Van Excellence is an industry-led initiative that aims to enhance standards of van operator compliance, celebrate operators who demonstrate excellence and represent the interests of the van industry, and has recently welcomed its first local authority in Scotland to the Van Excellence scheme – East Ayrshire Council. 

Talking about Van Excellence, Scott Blyth, East Ayrshire Council said: "I consider the Van Excellence scheme to be a conclusive reflection of the high standards achieved throughout our Council fleet from both compliance & maintenance aspects.

"I am grateful to the FTA for their support in this initial venture for us and would urge other local authorities and companies from the private sector to undertake the process.”

Conference places are available to FTA members at £325 + VAT for the first delegate and £275 + VAT for subsequent delegate and to non-FTA members at £385 + VAT for the first delegate and £345 + VAT for subsequent delegates.