Facilitated and managed by Freight Transport Association (FTA) Van Excellence is a scheme designed by some of the best van operators in the UK to recognise excellence and improve operational standards. The scheme aims to support operators to met the requirements of the Van Excellence Code, an FTA Code of Practice outlining ‘what good looks like’.
Bott is a certified operator and a Gold Partner of the Van Excellence programme; demonstrating our commitment to safer, more efficient and sustainable van fleets.
Before being selected to compete for Van Excellence Driver of the Year, applicants undergo licence checks, complete a 42-question risk assessment, a hazard perception test and submit a written statement on their driving background and motivation for taking part.
Luke Birchnall is a Design Engineer based at Bott’s vehicle conversion centre in Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire. As part of his job, Luke has honed his driving skills over the last 6 years visiting customers to design the best solution for their vehicle conversion.
He was nominated by Kevin Woodward, Managing Director SVO Division at Bott, to participate in the rigorous assessment day at the Northern facility of Mercedes-Benz Vans UK Ltd at Wentworth Park, near Barnsley.
Luke was very grateful for the support from Bott in the lead up to the day, with the offer of time for driving practice if wanted. To further help with his preparations, Luke was offered some words of wisdom from his Bott colleagues - “Don’t lose!”
Having competed last year, Luke knew largely what to expect, but said that the atmosphere was calm and it is really great to meet drivers from all over the UK, who drive in a variety of industries.
“The event organisers go to great lengths to make the day enjoyable, offering breakfast on arrival and relaxing waiting areas, where competitors can play computer games between tests; of course, all driving games!”, Luke explained.
Taking on 19 competitors, and 4 others in the under 30 young driver category, Luke underwent tests on the following categories:
A time limited challenge to inspect a vehicle, identifying any damage or defects under the watchful eye of an assessor. Andrew was overall winner in the category
The task involved navigating slaloms, doing a 3-point turn and reversing a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter in the fastest time, dodging the course cones to avoid incurring time infringements
A 15-mile pre-set route road journey, with the driver’s behaviour recorded by tracker. Luke was overall winner in this category
Taken under timed conditions, this was a 30-question multiple-choice test
More than four million vans operate on the UK’s roads every day, which highlights the need to focus on driver training and behaviour.
“I can’t believe I’ve won the title of Young Driver of the Year! I was drawn to a career in this industry because I love driving, but more than that - I wanted to travel, to be challenged daily, to be my own boss and, ultimately, to work in a sector that’s full of opportunities,” commented Luke “To be recognised as one of the industry’s best at this early stage in my career is an honour I never expected.”
Winning the award was proof for Luke that he could do it, and relief that he wouldn’t have to compete again next year!
Our experienced team can assist with optimum vehicle conversions to ensure it is fit for purpose and legally compliant. Learn more about the full range of Bott vehicle conversion services. Learn more about the FTA Van Excellence Scheme.
