Eric Ewen Ltd – The Road to Gold

Eric Ewen Ltd is owned and operated by Eric Ewen, an owner operator based in Radlett. They are currently sub-contracted to work exclusively for Tarmac for the past 2 years, transport aggregate materials around the south of England from their bases depot at Harper lane. The company operates one 44 tonne artic, which consists of a Euro 6 Renault tractor unit and a Wilcox tipper style trailer.

Along with Transport Manager Paul Field, they both look to continuously adopt the FORS standard to the running of the business. Since joining the scheme, their business has noticed considerable improvements with fuel efficiency, safety record and driver training.

The company first heard of FORS when they initially became a sub-contractor for the Tarmac, where they were required to meet become FORS Bronze accredited. They have been Bronze for 18 months and Silver for 10 months.

Eric Ewen Ltd passed their FORS Bronze audit first time. This was challenging to Paul and Eric, but they both quickly saw the benefits it brought to the company.

After gaining their Bronze, the company confirmed that FORS was an invaluable resource and helping them move forward as a business with noticeable improvements. Silver accreditation was gained first time, with now Gold being the next step.

“Becoming FORS Bronze and then Silver has helped become a more conscientious and productive company.” – Eric Ewen (Owner of Eric Ewen Ltd)

Once Eric Ewen Ltd gained their Bronze and Silver, they found the online tools especially useful. Utilising the driver training programme, classroom based and E-Learning, they found it reduced accident rates by 100% over the past 18 months by increasing the awareness of road safety.

“Our FORS membership has been invaluable to our company and has helped continued commitment to sharing the roads as well as improvements to driver and vehicle safety.” – Eric Ewen (Owner of Eric Ewen Ltd)

Since becoming Bronze and then Silver accredited, Eric Ewen Ltd have made many improvements to the business:

• Performance data – Significant improvements to the company’s fuel and emissions, as well as continuing to keep PCNs and Incidents down to zero.
• Driver health and fitness review – All staff drivers are now required to complete an annual health declaration as well as report any health complications that may affect their driving. The company now has a fitness and wellbeing policy, which highlights the importance of staying active and promoting a healthy lifestyle with exercise tips.
• Recruitment of drivers – When recruitment is required, the company has a robust policy and procedure in place that demonstrates equal opportunities, a thorough induction process and right to work checks.
• Noise assessment – The company carries out their own in house noise assessment using FORS recommended applications, of which the results reviewed and acted on where needed.
• Modal shift and alternative vehicles – The company attends all the major commercial motor vehicle shows to ensure they keep to update with the latest technology, as well sign up for demonstrator vehicles where they can and provide constructive feedback. Eric Ewen Ltd will always consider alternative fuels and ULEZ type vehicles, with annual reviews carried out by the owner and transport manager.
• Routing and scheduling – The company has introduced new routing and scheduling polies and procedures, to enable safer roads around high risk areas as well as complaints. This has contributed to the number of complaints and incidents being recorded to zero.

Eric Ewen Ltd intends to continue in investing in the latest technology and safety equipment. Replacing older vehicles when the time comes to the newest Euro standard as well keeping up to date with industry initiatives to help drive down fuel consumption and emissions. Low entry and high visibility vehicles will be continually researched, with the intention of upgrading the current fleet.

The company actively promotes FORS through the use of their logos on official letterheads as well as emails. They have also recently set up a social media account, which is updated periodically with pictures of the fleet at high profile locations.

Going for Gold and becoming accredited to the highest FORS standard will show that the company is dedicated to continual improvements, across the environment, road safety and driver training.

Eric Ewen Ltd can be followed on Instagram with more details