Section 1 – Introduction
Lee Marley Brickwork Ltd was formed in 1997, and we have grown organically to become one of the UK’s leading integrated façade subcontractors specialising in brickwork, scaffolding, stonework and system façades.
The operating centre is based out of Woodley, Reading providing scaffolding access solutions to large construction contractors across London and surrounding areas along with current business expansions in Scotland and the Midlands.
The Logistics Manager, Sylvia Wheatcroft explains how Lee Marley Brickwork Ltd has achieved significant improvements through FORS.
Section 2 – How did you hear about FORS, what prompted the company to join and how long have you been a member?
We came across FORS in 2013 by one of our clients with a project based in central London. From going through the first Bronze audit we recognised it would help us to achieve best practice and benefit us by enabling the business to reduce our carbon footprint, become more efficient and contribute to a high standard of road safety and industry compliance standards.
Section 3 – What was your experience of the initial FORS Bronze audit?
We passed our first Bronze audit in October 2013, preparing for our first Bronze audit initially appeared to be a challenge from glancing over the standards however it became reassuring after reading that as a business we met most of the standards and it was a matter of collating the evidence in preparation for the audit and conducting additional driver training.
Section 4 – What was your main reason(s) for you progressing (either from Bronze to Silver and then Silver to Gold or straight from Bronze to Gold)?
Once we achieved Bronze, we decided that it was important to progress to Silver. We wanted to improve our fleet safety and contribute to making roads safe for everyone.
The e-learning modules for drivers and managers was a fantastic tool to contribute to the high standards in which we operated, In October 2016 we achieved Silver.
Once accredited, we really made the most of the benefits on offer such as e-learning modules, SUD and LoCITY and most recently Sylvia Wheatcroft achieved FORS Practitioner.
In December 2020 we moved our vehicle telematics to Fleet Trak and in May 2021 we joined Fleet Check, both providers offer a fantastic fleet management system, since using both it has most definitely streamlined our document control systems and given the business crucial data on fleet performance and opportunities to measure KPIs.
‘’FORS has provided the business with useful tools to enhance and maintain our compliance and safety standards’’ Sylvia Wheatcroft, Logistics Manager
“ We have achieved significant improvements during our FORS journey, year on year we are exceeding our safety, operational and environmental impact targets” . Daniel Cooke, Scaffolding Director
Section 6 – What improvements have you made?
- Performance data
| Incidents | CO2 | NOx | PM10 | PCNs | |
| 2019 | 6 | 156.7023 | 307.1311 | 4.9412 | 0 |
| 2020 | 1 | 118.6186 | 243.7684 | 3.9058 | 0 |
| 2021 | 1 | 106.2229 | 174.7843 | 3.0772 | 0 |
| Percentage improvement | 83% | 32% | 43% | 38% | n/a |
As part of our recruitment process, a new driver will require a driving licence check as well as a documented medical declaration form. Further to this we undertake an independent driver assessment. Lee Marley Brickwork have a policy in place to conduct annual medical declarations and have a drivers health and eye sight policy in place and the procedure is to minimise the risk of incidents as a result of underlying health problems or diagnosis of a condition. The drivers are also required to declare they are fit for work through their Fleet Check app at the start of each shift.
Staff retention is important to the business, we always look to develop and train members of the team that choose career goals and progression. We hope that this will show our employees that we invest in their future and possible careers path within the company.
We conduct an annual noise assessment and have a noise pollution code of conduct which is issued to all drivers, the code of conduct outlines measures to reduce noise whilst on the road, on site and at the operating centre.
The business forecasts vehicle upgrades and operates a five year plan, all our vehicles are Euro 6 and we have recently discussed options with Volvo on alternative fuel options however we feel that this option is not for the business at this moment in time yet we are actively open for a solution when the market expands its products.
Section 7 – What are your plans for the future?
In order to make continual fleet improvements we will look to introduce suitable alternatively fuelled vehicles. We also want to engage, retain and develop our staff alongside maintaining a high level of road safety and industry compliance standards.
Section 8 – What evidence do you have of positively promoting FORS at requirement G7?
We are always looking to positively promote FORS, All FORS registered vehicles currently display the FORS vehicle signage with our member’s identification number which promotes to other road users our awareness and commitment to promoting the FORS standards. We also advertise our accreditations on the companies website and social media platforms.
Section 9 –What FORS Gold accreditation means for your organisation/to you?
Lee Marley Brickwork would be proud to be awarded with the FORS Gold accreditation, we will continuously use the tools through FORS to help reduce our carbon footprint alongside maintaining a high level of road safety and industry compliance standards. Not only will it enhance business opportunities but it will mean that we can be recognised for our compliance and operational excellence.
Section 10 – (Optional) Please provide your social media contact details so we can follow your organisation
e.g. Twitter, LinkedIn etc.
Section 11 – FORS members’ feedback questionnaire
Please could you take the time to complete a short questionnaire and provide feedback about FORS. Please note all answers you provide will be strictly confidential and will only be used by FORS to help us to improve the scheme. To access the survey, please click the link here: https://www.snapsurveys.com/wh/s.asp?k=153908006313