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    Same Job, 20% Dearer: Is Your Transport Manager a VAT Time Bomb?

    Are Transport Manager fees subject to VAT? The answer is in the contract, not the job title. By John Potgieter FCILT, Principal Consultant, BFT Consulting  |  22/10/2026  |  Law stated as at 22/10/2026 (Great Britain) The short answer: the job title does not decide it...

    What Commissioners Look For – Blue Flag Transport Consulting Insight

    Understanding the Commissioner’s Role When it comes to running a transport business in the UK, commissioners play a critical role in deciding whether your operator licence application is accepted. They ensure that companies and drivers follow strict rules to keep the...

    The 2025 Financial Standing Rates for HGV Operators – Updated by Blue Flag Transport Consulting

    For operators of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) in the UK, Financial standing is the requirement to show that your business has sufficient readily-available funds to run vehicles safely and compliantly. It forms one of the key tests when applying for or renewing a...

    What Is FCILT? Why a Chartered Fellow of CILT Leads BFT Consulting

    What Is FCILT? Why a Chartered Fellow of CILT Leads BFT Consulting Running a haulage business takes more than keeping trucks on the road. You need sound plans, clear records and people who know their duties. When problems arise, you need advice you understand and...

    Adding Categories to Your Driving Licence

    Adding categories to your driving licence lets you drive larger or different types of vehicles. This step is often needed when moving into professional road transport. You may want to drive a lorry, bus, coach, minibus or vehicle with a trailer. Each category sets out...

    Download and Order DVLA Forms: A Simple Guide for UK Drivers and Transport Operators

    Drivers and transport operators often need official forms to update records, apply for a driving entitlement or report a change. Many DVLA forms are available online. You can download some forms, while others must come from a Post Office that offers DVLA services....

    Driving Licence Fees for UK Transport Professionals

    Driving licence fees form a small but important part of running a transport business. Drivers need the right licence for the vehicle they drive. Operators must also check each driver’s entitlement before giving them work. A missed renewal, an expired photocard, or the...

    Driving in Great Britain on a Non-GB Licence

    Drivers come to Great Britain from many parts of the world. Some visit for a short work trip. Others move here to join a haulage firm or start a transport business. If you hold a non-GB driving licence, you must check whether it allows you to drive in England,...

    Reapply for Your Driving Licence If You’ve Been Disqualified

    A driving disqualification can stop you from working and affect your income. This is a serious issue for HGV drivers, bus drivers, owner drivers and transport companies. When your ban ends, your old driving licence does not always become valid at once. You may need to...

    Seven Steps to Ensure Drivers Are Managed for Willing, Demonstrable, and Active Compliance

    Prepared by: BFT Consulting Ltd Principal Consultant: John Potgieter Cambridge / Marlow Company Number: 14943001 Contact: +44 7513 379221 Version Control Version Date Author Description 1.0 10 Dec 2025 J. Potgieter Initial document creation Important Disclaimer This...
    Why Do HGV Drivers in the UK Need an Operator’s Licence?

    Why Do HGV Drivers in the UK Need an Operator’s Licence?

    Operating heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) in the UK isn't just about getting behind the wheel and driving. It’s a responsibility that requires adherence to stringent regulations to ensure safety on the roads and compliance with the law. This is where the necessity for an...

    What is Tacho Overspeed?

    What is Tacho Overspeed?

    Understanding tacho overspeed is crucial for both professional transportation drivers and owners of transportation companies. Tachographs are devices installed in HGVs (Heavy Goods Vehicles) and buses to record driving times, rest periods, and speed data. Tacho...

    Updated HGV and PSV Inspection Manuals

    Updated HGV and PSV Inspection Manuals

    Ensuring that heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and public service vehicles (PSVs) are maintained to the highest standards is crucial for safety, compliance, and efficiency in the transportation industry. This guide details the latest updates in the HGV and PSV inspection...

    Completing Operator Licence Applications

    Completing Operator Licence Applications

    Navigating the application process for an operator's licence in the UK can be daunting. This guide is designed to simplify the process, ensuring that you, whether a transportation driver, owner, or operator, have the necessary information to complete your application...

    What is an HGV Restricted Operator’s Licence?

    What is an HGV Restricted Operator’s Licence?

    Understanding the nuances of the Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) Restricted Operator’s Licence is essential for professionals within the trucking transportation industry. This licence type is particularly crucial for those who operate vehicles for carriage of goods for hire...

    PSV Restricted Licences: The Dos and Don’ts

    PSV Restricted Licences: The Dos and Don’ts

    Operating a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) in the UK requires adherence to specific regulations, especially when it involves a restricted licence. This guide offers essential dos and don’ts for holders of PSV restricted licences, providing clarity for transportation...

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