Now over 40 years into its operation, Essex-based waste management company, Sharp Skips has stated that FORS accreditation has directly led to an increasing number of high-profile new business opportunities.
From its base in Rainham, the FORS Gold Accredited Operator manages a mixed fleet of nearly 40 vehicles, ranging from skips and roll-on roll-offs to grabber loaders and tippers. Since beginning its FORS journey in 2013, the business has continued to reap the rewards of FORS accreditation, as Ryan Jones, Head of Sales at Sharp Skips, explained:
“There’s no doubt that FORS accreditation has enabled us to win new business, cut down on costs across our entire operation and champion safety within our sector. We quickly realised that being FORS Gold is a massive selling point for Sharp Skips, as the accreditation proves to any potential new client that we know what we’re talking about – particularly when it comes to environmental and safety standards.
“More importantly, some of our contractors simply won’t consider doing business with operators below the FORS Silver status, and being FORS Gold has unlocked the gate to a plethora of high-profile customers over the years. And, since we operate in such a saturated market, being the highest level of FORS accreditation places us in a hugely advantageous position among our competitors.”
Ryan continued: “From an operational perspective, with the help and guidance of FORS, we’ve been able to increase fuel efficiency fleet-wide, thanks to the scheme’s driver training initiatives designed to improve driving styles. The result is that our drivers are now consistently hitting their targets, which in turn has increased our customer loyalty. Safety practices have also been strengthened – for instance, all vehicles in our fleet have been fitted with cameras to boost driver awareness and minimise safety risks.”
As for many businesses around the world, maximising sustainable operations is one of the most critical and competitive priorities. For Sharp Skips, FORS’ emphasis on greener processes has proven to be a crucial catalyst for its sustainability efforts. Ryan explained:
“Since becoming FORS accredited, we’ve made huge strides in recent years. For instance, in 2022, we attained an 88% recycling rate, which translated to 76.56 cubic yards of waste being prevented from going to landfills. Our CO2 emissions levels have also dropped – thanks to the technology within our fleet of modern vehicles – and our closed-loop recycling system has significantly minimised our environmental footprint.”
Above-and-beyond service is a common theme for Sharp Skips – and this is not limited to its customers. While the FORS Gold requirement (G3) encourages sustainable initiatives among accredited operators within local communities and the wider industry, Sharp Skips consistently exceeds these expectations.
Ryan continued: “Just recently, for example, several members of our team completed a sponsored cycle ride to Ypres – a 140-mile journey in aid of Homeless Veterans UK. In doing so, we managed to raise over £5,000 for the charity, which helps enable veterans to return to work. Alongside this, we regularly organise charity days and raffles for the Francis Hope Hospice, in addition to collaborating with local schools to offer educational workshops on waste management and recycling – helping to raise awareness and promote sustainable practices among young people.”
He concluded: “Joining FORS can revolutionise not only how you operate but how your business is perceived in the industry. It’s an investment in your company’s future, ensuring you meet not only today’s standards but are well-prepared for tomorrow’s challenges. I would encourage every operator who is serious about their growth and operational integrity to become part of the scheme.”
