Risk and driver management will come under the spotlight at three Freight Transport Association Van Excellence operational briefings in March.

Best practice and compliance issues will also be discussed at the events, which are designed to assist any van operator, from large fleets to those with just one vehicle, whether they are an FTA member or not.

The briefings, which are sponsored by Mercedes-Benz Vans, take place on Wednesday, March 1, at Villa Park, Aston Villa Football Club in Birmingham, on Thursday, March 23, in Twickenham and Wednesday, March 29, in Harrogate.

Delegates attending last year gave the briefings a 93% approval rating.

Mark Cartwright, FTA’s head of vans, said: “Van drivers are typically either employed as an engineer or craftsman who just happens to drive a van or, in the delivery sector, are fairly transient with operators experiencing a high turnover of staff. 

"This, coupled with extended management structures, makes driver management a challenge and these briefings are aimed at giving businesses the advice and help they need to professionalise their operation and improve safety and compliance.”

They are open to all van operators and the cost to attend is £50 + VAT per delegate – for further information or to book a place go to http://www.fta.co.uk/events