New ‘jury of 12’ for FLTA Awards 2017

Acknowledged as the most authoritative and most prestigious annual event in the materials handling calendar, the FLTA Awards for Excellence has unveiled the biggest change in its 22-year history.

For the first time, the FLTA will appoint a ‘jury of 12’ fork lift truck experts to judge the winners in the four main product categories: Innovation, Safety, Environment and Ergonomics.

Peter Harvey, FLTA Chief Executive, explains: “The Association constantly strives to raise standards at every opportunity, and one of my tasks is to do everything in my power to ensure both the security and integrity of the Awards judging process as a whole.

“In an age where online competitions are increasingly under threat from potential vote manipulation (e.g. Boaty McBoatface), the Association has reached the conclusion that an online ballot no longer remains the most appropriate mechanism for selecting winners in the FLTA Awards.

“To ensure the impartiality and veracity of the voting process – and make each verdict as balanced and accurate as possible – we will be recruiting 12 individuals, nominated by those in the industry, to make the final decision on who wins.

“The jury will be composed of experienced and knowledgeable professionals from within the industry who have up-to-date and relevant sales and technical knowledge. They will be joined by a winner of the Safe Site Award to represent the end-user viewpoint along with representatives from the materials handling and logistics media.

“The size as well as the composition of the jury is very important since it will help neutralise any potential bias from someone associated with a particular brand (any juror with a vested interest in any particular entry will be expected to abstain from the vote).

“Importantly, the intention is for the jury to be constantly rotated each year to allow fresh recruits to participate. This will allow individuals representing different manufacturers an opportunity to be considered for inclusion. By refreshing the jury, every manufacturer will be represented over a period of 3-4 years.

Now a truly international event, the FLTA Awards attracts sponsors and winners from across the globe to converge on the impressive International Centre in Telford where the winners will be announced in a spectacular Oscar’s-style awards ceremony on Saturday March 4th.

“I have no doubt that Awards 2017 will be bigger, better and bolder than ever before. It’s a show that, year on year, combines genuine authority and real excitement, not just in terms of who’s won but in the glamour of a really spectacular black-tie awards evening.

“Its status and popularity among professionals within the industry continues to grow, so if you would like to enter the Awards this year please keep an eye on the FLTA website – we will be accepting nominations from Friday 1st July onwards.”