As part of the Institute of Transport Management’s Fleet research programme they undertook the project to establish organisations, which contribute to improving industry offerings thus helping them to retain their share of an ever increasingly competitive market.

At the beginning of the programme, the ITM identified a number of areas on which to judge each company's performance: Range of services; Growth and achievement; Third party capture; Service delivery; IT and Innovation. Bott was assessed on each of the above, and it became clear that from the Award Committees' point of view, its outstanding In-Vehicle Enhancement service separates Bott from the rest of its competitors.

Kevin Woodward, Managing Director of Bott SVO, said “In order to be identified as an Institute of Transport Management ‘best in class’, a company must demonstrate a level of outstanding performance in their particular sector”. Kevin goes on to add “This award is recognition of the dedication of our employees in ensuring that we continue to maintain our high quality standards, a commitment to excellence and passion for creating individual solutions for our customers.”

Originating in 1973 as The Lockpanel Company Ltd, Bott Ltd has more recently enjoyed considerable success under the parent company Wilhelm Bott GmbH & Co.KG, which has a long-standing, European-wide reputation for storage solutions.  With over 300 staff in the UK alone, Bott Ltd is a significant component of a European Group currently employing over 750 people, at 3 manufacturing sites and across a fully integrated European sales network.

Product development takes place in a state-of-the-art engineering environment spread across numerous Group sites; a combination of the latest solid modeling software and metalworking technologies ensure the highest quality of manufacturing.  Yet in addition to its own product portfolio, Bott also offers a range of services allowing customers a wide choice of business solutions in the areas of design consultancy, project planning and management, as well as delivery and installation. 

Commenting on the Award to Bott, Mr. Sheedy Media & PR Director for the Institute of Transport Management said: “In the arena of In-Vehicle Storage Equipment, Bott has emerged as one of the UK’s leading companies, especially for light commercial vehicles, handling both manufacture and supply, enjoying a fine reputation for high product quality and excellent service.  The project management Bott offers is a comprehensive service package encompassing the organization of vehicle movements, design and installation of mechanical and electrical equipment, as well as the creation and application of vehicle graphics”.

Mr. Sheedy went on to say: “Bott’s ethical mission statement acknowledges its environmental and social responsibility, with the ultimate goal of maintaining the highest standards of business integrity at all times. It is apparent from our research that the Company has worked hard to achieve what it has set out to do and as such is a deserving recipient of this accolade”.