Trust, compliance, and awareness: Insights from IMHX underline the importance of CFTS accreditation

Their feedback paints a clear picture: accreditation is increasingly seen as the mark of trust and compliance - but more needs to be done to raise awareness among end users.

CFTS is the UK’s national accrediting body for Thorough Examinations. Part of the UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA), its scheme is the only one designed to cover compliance with both LOLER 98 and PUWER 98, ensuring accredited providers inspect all safety-critical aspects of lift trucks and other work equipment.

Trust, compliance, and the tools to support them

When asked about the biggest benefits of being accredited, CFTS members most often pointed to customer trust and assurance of compliance, with several also highlighting competitive advantage.

Members said what sets CFTS apart from non-accredited providers are its standardised procedures, clear documentation, technician training, branding, and regulatory alignment.

That emphasis on consistency made the preview of the new CFTS Thorough Examination app at IMHX especially timely. The app - hailed as the biggest step forward in Thorough Examinations since the scheme was created 21 years ago - is designed to make inspections faster, clearer, and easier to manage. For providers, it reduces paperwork while ensuring inspections meet national standards. For customers, it offers added confidence that compliance is being met in full.

Awareness and challenges

Feedback from accredited providers suggested that many clients now recognise what CFTS accreditation means, with some reporting awareness above 75%. Others, however, said knowledge was still patchy, underlining the need for continued education across the sectors.

Among non-members, awareness of CFTS was unanimous. The biggest barrier to joining was company/corporate decision and already being part of another scheme. 

End users who responded placed the greatest emphasis on reputation and referrals when choosing an inspection provider. Some also confirmed they were already familiar with CFTS. While trust is clearly valued, this feedback points to an opportunity to build stronger awareness of accreditation among equipment users.

Rob Fisher, director of CFTS, said "What struck me most from the survey was how often members linked accreditation to trust. For their customers, it’s not just a badge - it’s reassurance that lifting equipment inspections are thorough and carried out to the highest industry standard. That’s why tools like the new CFTS Thorough Examination App are so important. They make the process clearer and more consistent and help members show the value of accreditation in practice."