The move is indicative of the strong working relationship between the two organisations, which have already successfully collaborated to create Consolidated

Fork Truck Services (CFTS) - and its widely acclaimed Through Examination scheme - as well as the National Fork Lift Truck Apprenticeship programme.
Details of both initiatives will be available to those visiting the imposing two-storey stand (11M35) at this year’s IMHX.

The combined stand will provide a wealth of useful information to owners and operators of fork lift trucks, as well as explaining the great many things the two organisations do - for their members as well as for the industry as a whole.

FLTA Chief Executive, Peter Harvey MBE explains: “Safety will be a common theme of the stand. Among other things, the FLTA will be informing visitors about our popular Safe User Group, the upcoming Safetember safety awareness campaign and the newly launched Fork Truck Watchdog developed to protect consumer rights.”

BITA, meanwhile, will be announcing the winners of its hotly contested Design4Safety award - a competition celebrating the very best safety products and services offered by exhibitors.

James Clark, Secretary General of BITA, said: “The Design4Safety awards recognise innovative thinking across the safety spectrum and acknowledge that worker welfare begins at the concept stage. It is the responsibility of the entire industry to ensure that safety remains paramount and rewarding excellence in this area is just one of the ways to keep it top of the agenda.”

The stand will also serve as a central and convenient meeting place for those attending the three-day event with members of both associations invited to visit the stand and use it for meetings, networking and enjoying a cup of coffee.

Summing up the combined approach to the stand, James Clark of BITA added: “I’m sure I speak for both BITA and the FLTA when I say that we are very much looking forward to this new venture and look forward to meeting many colleagues with whom we already enjoy a close working relationship as well as people who would like to know more about the diverse work of our two associations.”