Accreditation gives AFI big contract win

British access rental company, AFI-Uplift, has won an important contract on the back of BuildingConfidence accreditation.

The contract which could run up to 2011 is one of the largest ever awarded in the UK for the hire of powered access machines. Some 300 MEWPs will be supplied for use on the first phase of Media City: UK, a new development based at Salford Keys Manchester. The primary contractor, Bovis Lend Lease, stipulated that suppliers for this contract must have BuildingConfidence accreditation.

To gain BuildingConfidence accreditation, companies have to demonstrate a high level of competence in: health and safety, quality assurance and control, environment management, social and ethical controls and plant and equipment management.

Accreditation followed a rigorous two day audit at AFI's head offices carried out by supply chain accreditation company, Achilles Information Ltd.

Media City: UK is a new network of tightly knit streets squares and boulevards leading down to a waterfront piazza. At its heart is a triangle of notable buildings: The Lowry art gallery, the Imperial War Museum and a new media complex which will be home to the BBC.