CM Downton, the Gloucestershire based UK-wide transport group, has been awarded accreditation from Alcumus SafeContractor for achieving excellence in health and safety in the workplace.

It recognises extremely rigorous standards in health and safety management amongst contractors and is used by thousands of organisations in the UK.

Employing over 1900 people with its headquarters in Moreton Valence, CM Downton is principally involved in the transport sector, with an annual turnover exceeding £100 million.

Customers include some of the UK's largest companies from a range of sectors including print and publishing, food and drink, retail, manufacturing, ink and paper, energy, waste and consumer goods.

The company's application for SafeContractor accreditation was driven by the need for a uniform standard across the business and will enhance the company's ability to win new contracts.

Gemma Archibald, Director of Alcumus SafeContractor said: "Major organisations simply cannot afford to run the risk of employing contractors who are not able to prove that they have sound health and safety policies in place."

John Downton, operations director at CM Downton, said: "We make the safety and welfare of our employees our top priority and this new accreditation is another demonstration of our commitment. By working to the standards outlined in the SafeContractor framework we are creating a safety-first culture across all our sites."

Pictured: Craig Dixon (left), health and safety co-ordinator and Andrew Fox, group health and safety manager at CM Downton.