Members of the Freight Transport Association Van Excellence turned out in force celebrating their accreditation to the scheme at the Fleet Van Summit 2012.

The growing importance of Van Excellence continues to be recognised within the freight industry which was proved by so many of its members gathering at the event held at the Millbrook Proving Ground, Bedfordshire on September 18.

Acknowledging the partnership were a wide range of members including the South Central Ambulance Service, Sainsbury's and DHL among others who joined for a photo call demonstrating the growing membership and diversity of organisations which have become part of the scheme.

Open to all van operators, the Van Excellence scheme continues to grow, with BT Fleet being the newest member to achieve accreditation.

Dave Bowen, BT Fleet managing director said: "We take our Operator's Licence very seriously and have worked very closely with FTA over the years to ensure we work to best practice. Therefore, we are absolutely delighted to receive the Van Excellence accreditation today."

Other freight organisations which attended recognised the importance of Van Excellence and all it stands for as Freddie Watts of Office Depot said: "Van Excellence gives Office Depot the outside reassurance that it is doing the right thing on a day to day basis," and London Borough of Redbridge Engineering Manager - Eddie Cross added; "Van Excellence provides London Borough of Redbridge with the guidance to operate these vehicles within good practice."

Mark Cartwright, FTA head of van and commercial vehicles was clearly delighted by the attendance of so many members; "This is a brilliant day for Van Excellence and it's fantastic to see so many here to support it.

"Van Excellence was launched for the industry, by the industry, to promote best practice standards, to offer peace of mind and cost savings, and from speaking with its members here today, it proves that it is doing all of that."