Consolidated Fork Truck Services (CFTS) – the body responsible for developing and administering the materials handling industry’s national accreditation scheme for Thorough Examination – has appointed Richard Hayes as its new chairman.

Managing Director of Brindley Lift Trucks and Chairman of the Fork Lift Truck Association Technical Committee, Hayes is a well-respected figure in the materials handling industry, with more than 30 years experience in the sector.

Hayes succeeds Simon Emery of Crown Lift Trucks, who held the position for two successful years.

Established through a collaboration between The British Industrial Truck Association (BITA) and the Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA), the two leading bodies in the fork lift truck industry with the support of HSE, CFTS is the only nationally recognised Thorough Examination scheme that meets the requirements of both LOLER and PUWER.

Speaking after his appointment Mr Hayes said: “Now in its tenth year, this organisation continues to go from strength to strength because it delivers exactly what truck owners require to comply with current legislation.  

“Despite tough trading conditions in recent years, CFTS has achieved continuous growth to a position where more than 400 companies throughout the UK are currently accredited to the scheme – so no business is far from a nationally accredited company.

“This has been achieved by ensuring the highest standards of training and technical support to those accredited companies and the gold standard in Thorough Examinations to managers and directors responsible for owning and operating trucks.