The Fortec Distribution Network has cause for a double celebration after being awarded the prestigious Investors in Excellence Standard as well as being the first company within the UK Pallet Network sector to receive IiE accreditation.
The award of the standard follows a rigorous process of external assessment conducted by business experts from Investors in Excellence.
It is the latest chapter in the success story of the Watford Gap-based firm, which boasts a 65-strong licensee membership across the UK and Ireland. Fortec had to demonstrate consistently high standards of all-round performance and continuous measurable improvement to achieve accreditation.
The aim of Investors in Excellence is to help member companies achieve improved all-round performance, with increased efficiency, cost reduction and greater customer and people focus, leading to increased satisfaction.
The process covers all performance areas, guiding improved achievements through effective and efficient leadership, resourcing and delivery, says the IiE.
A 23-page report compiled by Investors in Excellence highlighted the company's commitment to achieving excellence, adding the fact that Fortec had already delivered a number of projects designed to improve the functionality of its systems and enhance its offering to customers.
It listed value added processes, support, leadership, innovation and positive performance among Fortec's key strengths.
The IiE report stated: "Fortec's leaders have created a culture of empowerment, and demonstrate their commitment to the organisation's values by being visible and accessible to employees and licensees alike.
"They have developed a sound network in their sector and benefit from their involvement."
Ian Nield, Chief Executive of Investors in Excellence, said: "Obtaining the Investors in Excellence standard is a fantastic achievement for any organisation.
"Those that are recognised have shown themselves to be truly committed to continuous improvement and excellent performance.
"We have been hugely impressed with the attitude and commitment shown by Fortec Distribution Network to achieving the Investors in Excellence standard. They have demonstrated a clear focus on continuous improvement and are effectively using the Standard to deliver better and more efficient services to customers."
Neil Hodgson, Managing Director of the Fortec Distribution Network, said: "The achievement of this award is a true reflection of Fortec's commitment to excellence and is totally aligned with the company's mission statement of: 'Success through Excellence'.
Hodgson also added that whilst the company consistently strives for excellence in its approach and process, its employees are the ones that deliver the final result. He continued: "I am proud to be a part of what everyone here knows as 'Team Fortec'.
"Investors in Excellence has provided us with a user-friendly framework that enables us to continually improve our business for the good of our customers and employees and accreditation is one milestone on our journey of striving for excellence".
Alan Jones OBE, Chairman of IiE added his own congratulations to Fortec's accreditation being an industry first, not just in the UK, but in the world!
"Fortec has demonstrated to our assessment team that it is achieving continuously improving results and doing this in all its key result areas.
"Operating a pallet delivery network in the United Kingdom is a tough business and it is pleasing to see how a company working in this extremely competitive environment can achieve excellent results by using the framework of the Investors in Excellence Standard," commented Alan Jones, Chairman Investors in Excellence.