"Winning the competition has changed my life and I was thankful for the opportunity to take part, let alone winning."
"It's a great way to highlight the importance of being safe and for getting the recognition of operating safely and properly."

Kenneth Saward, Trained by DLT Training Ltd, 2008 Competition winner

"Safe, efficient lift truck operators and operations are key to any successful warehouse and we were very proud to be able to highlight the skills involved in these operations via the competition. All the organisers, sponsors, and competitors contributed to highlighting the RTITB accredited organisations and the excellent training they provide to NORS registered operators."

Laura Nelson, Operations Director, RTITB

“The competition shows that operators can take pride in their level of skill and demonstrate that there is only one way to the job – the right way, which is the safe way. Their skills are a testament to the great quality of training that is available in the UK. All of the winners are champions and role models for their colleagues.”

Jane Willis, Director of HSE’s Cross-cutting Interventions Directorate

“TNT Express Services UK & Ireland are privileged to be able to support the 2011 competition with logistics for all the regional finals and a venue for the Southern final. This competition gives our operators the platform to test their skills and ability against the industry best.”

Dave Copping, Operations Learning & Development Manager, TNT Express Services, UK & Ireland

“What I’m looking forward to most of all is seeing the look on the winner’s face when they know they have earned the right to be named Operator of the Year, and as Operations Director, knowing that we at Toyota have had a part to play in increasing visibility of the fantastic job these people do in our business and the workplace.”

Tony Wallis, Operations Director, Toyota Material Handling UK

"Warehouse & Logistics News is very pleased to be the official media partner to the RTITB Operator of the Year Competition, and support this exciting initiative, which will help convey the crucial message that in today's fast-moving, high pressure warehouse environment forklift safety is paramount, and proper operator training is essential to achieve it. This competition is a welcome development for the industry, and will play a key role in raising awareness and understanding of the value of forklift operating skills among operators, trainers and managers and highlight the need to keep these skills polished with regular training."

Charles Smith, Editor, Warehouse & Logistics News

"BITA plays an active role in the promotion of health and safety and wholly supports the RTITB Operator of the Year competition. The competition raises awareness of the need for regular accredited training and highlights its importance in raising safety standards."

James Clark, Secretary General, BITA

"I attended the 2008 RTITB & Sumo Fork Lift Truck Operator of the Year Grand Final in Telford and was very impressed with the skill of the operators, the organisation of the event and how well attended it was. I was particularly impressed by the attendance of such a senior member of the HSE, Jane Willis, demonstrating how important training is to the HSE and safety. The day really showcased how good fork lift operators can be and how important it is to have competent operators."

Roger Rustom, Kodak

"Go for it and enjoy the day as much as you can!"

Daniel Giles, trained by Staff2Work

"The organisation, especially of the finals, was amazing!"

Scott Viner, trained by DLT Training Ltd

"A fantastic experience! The competition really was about showcasing the operators that took part and not just about the companies and organisers. The working history of lift truck drivers is to turn up to work and do your graft and there is never a pat on the back for the hard work and skill that is required for the job and that's exactly what RTITB set out to do and achieved."

Eamon Mcnamee, trained by MetTECH UK

"The competition was splendid, and we trained the winner! I enjoyed the regionals, they were organised to a very high standard, as was the final which was superbly planned."

Huw Jones, Training manager DLT Training Ltd

"The delegates from TNT had an excellent time, I myself thought the competition was a real test of skill and safety. The regional and grand finals were brilliantly organised, I had a great night at the gala dinner meeting the competition staff and can't wait to see them again. I would tell potential entrants for the 2011 competition to GO FOR IT!!!"

John Lawless, Operations Training Officer, TNT Express Services, UK & Ireland