FORS Annual Conference 2024 – ‘Drive and thrive: your road map to success’ - FORS

FORS Annual Conference, Tuesday 15 October, International Convention Centre, Birmingham
Seventh edition of the annual event sees over 500 FORS delegates already registered
Theme of the conference is ‘Drive and thrive: your road map to success’
“Engaging with our FORS Accredited Operators is essential to the overall health and well-being of the scheme,” Geraint Davies

FORS, the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme, has released details of the seventh edition of its FORS Annual Conference. Confirmed for Tuesday 15 October, the theme for 2024’s event is ‘Drive and thrive: your road map to success’. The conference will be staged once again at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Birmingham and will be chaired by leading road transport industry commentator, Andy Salter.

Already, over 500 industry professionals have registered to attend the FORS Annual Conference. They can expect a deep dive into decarbonisation, data insights, driver behaviour, Version 7 of the FORS Standard, and more – all designed to keep FORS Accredited Operators abreast of industry trends and ahead of the competition in an increasingly tough market.

In keeping with last year’s event, the FORS Annual Conference boasts the participation of influential stakeholders from right across the transport sector, each presenting to delegates throughout the day. They include former Intelligence Officer and leadership development expert, Tim Bradshaw of Sandstone Communications, alongside vehicle crime investigator from the Met Police, Michael Dawber.

There will be panel discussions on decarbonisation featuring representatives from DAF Trucks, fuel supplier and HVO-advocate New Era Energy, and also DEKRA, the German Motor Vehicle Inspection Association – a global expert in vehicle testing, inspection and certification. There will be a special spotlight on selected FORS Accredited Operators including Speedy Services, Harlow Timber and food services and distribution company, Bidcorp.

Jonathon Backhouse from transport law firm, Backhouse Jones, will be asking ‘Are we de-skilling our drivers with technology?’, while Karl Wilshaw from Travis Perkins and Lisa Dorn from PsyDrive will be discussing ‘The human factor in fleet safety’. Hot topics will see Kate Armitage tackling ‘The decarbonisation of transport’ while Nick Chambers will be representing headline sponsor Drivetech and looking at ‘Using data to improve driver safety’.

Of course, there will be a full update on the last 12 months from FORS Concession Director Geraint Davies and FORS Technical Adviser Glen Davies, picking-up on the conference theme, ‘Drive and thrive: your road map to success’.

A key highlight of the FORS Annual Conference will be the bustling exhibition hall, showcasing the latest technologies and innovations from the road transport industry. This area provides a fantastic opportunity for transport professionals to share knowledge and expertise, while offering ample opportunities to network with senior road transport professionals. World leader in fleet risk and driver safety management, Drivetech, is the headline sponsor of the event.

FORS Concession Director, Geraint Davies, looks ahead to this year’s conference: “It is so important for our FORS Accredited Operators to share a platform,” he says, “and to feedback on exactly what the scheme is trying to achieve. The conference is a brilliant opportunity to do just that.

“In addition to a superb cast of presenters, we’ll be revealing some significant updates to the scheme, including a new FORS Audit Platform and some exciting news concerning our FORS Professional training programme.

“Our mission, of course, remains to help accredited operators become safer, smarter and greener, and we’re doing this through a collaborative approach with operators, manufacturers, suppliers and industry bodies. Engaging with our FORS Accredited Operators is essential to the overall health and well-being of the scheme,” said Davies, “The conference provides us all with a great opportunity to talk, and to network some very influential captains of industry. I would urge FORS Accredited Operators to register today to avoid disappointment.”