FORS, the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme, has reported a markedly high level of registrations ahead of its FORS Annual Conference, which returns in November 2023. To date, over 380 FORS Accredited Operators have registered to attend the 500-person capacity event on Thursday 2 November at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Birmingham.

With the conference theme for 2023 ‘Building a resilient FORS Community for the road ahead’, FORS can also reveal some of the keynote speakers secured for the event. Chaired by well-known industry commentator, Andy Salter, presenters will include:

– Marian Kitson – Director of Enforcement, DVSA

– Richard Turfitt – Senior Traffic Commissioner

– Paul Fox – Fox Brothers (FORS Gold Accredited Operator)

– Shireen Ali-Khan – Women in Transport

– Mark Cartwright – National Highways

– Rebecca Jenkins – RJEN (business development and growth consultancy)

Keynote presentations will also be delivered by new FORS Concession Director, Geraint Davies, and FORS Technical Advisor, Glen Davies. Steve Agg will be representing the FORS Governance & Standards Advisory Group (GSAG) and will head-up a panel comprising industry stakeholders and FORS Accredited Operators. The conference also provides a platform for FORS Affinity Partners and FORS Associates to showcase their products and services in a dedicated exhibition zone, while presenting an unmissable opportunity to network with senior road transport professionals.

Presentations from FORS and the aforementioned speakers will cover subject matters from across the transport sector, including:

– How Traffic Commissioners are working to keep Great Britain’s roads safe

– Attract, retain, develop and grow. Building a workplace community for the road ahead

– Driving change in the fleet industry

– Redefining resilience: Create a thriving future for your business in an unpredictable world

– Introducing Version 7 of the FORS Standard

Looking forward to his first FORS Annual Conference, new FORS Concession Director, Geraint Davies, said, “The conference is a principal date in the FORS calendar, and I’m very much looking forward to meeting and greeting FORS Accredited Operators, industry colleagues and friends. I’ve also attended most of the previous FORS conferences,” he said, “I’ve always been impressed with how all corners of the industry come together under one roof. There’s huge diversity in the transport sector and the FORS Annual Conference provides a platform for everyone.”

He continued, “We know that operators face significant challenges, so we have worked hard to ensure this year’s conference agenda is packed with great speakers, and with content that will help operators navigate and, indeed, thrive in a tough operating environment. I’ll be describing what we’ve been up to over the last 12 months as we continue to deliver tangible change for operators and to improve the FORS Accredited Operator experience. I’ll also be sharing the future vision for FORS,” he said, “including an update on transforming the scheme and the technology that supports it.”

The FORS Annual Conference 2023 is free to attend for all FORS Accredited Operators. Further details about the event as well as the opportunity to confirm attendance can be found at https://forsannualconference.com/fors2023/en/page/home