Forward-thinking Andover Fork Truck Services is already reaping the benefits from making two key changes this year. Following a move to bigger, improved premises in Andover, the company has joined the ranks of the Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA).

Established by husband-and-wife team Eddie and Dawn Clapcott in 1978, these latest developments place the family-run firm among the industry's biggest and most recognised names.

These twin changes have already gained the family-run firm new contracts, as Lee Clapcott, Andover's service director, explains: "FLTA accreditation is the way forward for fork lift truck businesses. It's not only good for us, it's good for our customers too.

"Since we joined the FLTA we've won two new contracts, one with construction merchants Grant and Stone, which we've been working on for some time, and another with haulage company TWT Logistics.

"We're finding that as we grow, we're dealing with bigger and bigger customers who demand more and more every year, not just in terms of service and price, but in terms of security, stability and industry standing.

"Our membership underlines our commitment to our customers and their businesses and gives them confidence that their operations will benefit from the industry's highest standards."

As well as needing a good reputation and financial security, FLTA Members sign up to a stringent code of practice, covering business conduct, customer service and safety, and gain access to world-class technical expertise.
Mr Clapcott explains: "We've benefitted enormously from the comprehensive support and documentation on the FLTA website, particularly the factsheets and health and safety information.

"Every bit of this help feeds back to the customer. As a company, we pride ourselves on our service, and anything that can help us improve our standing in the eyes of our customers is hugely important to us."

The Fork Lift Truck Association is the UK's independent authority on fork lift trucks.