Setting the gold standard in street cleaning

JM Clark

_{JM CLARK}

^{Pioneering excellence in street cleaning and sustainability}

South East London plant hire specialist, JM Clark, has transformed its operation through its Gold accreditation with FORS.

FORSight takes a closer look at how the company is cleaning up.

Transforming operations with FORS Gold accreditation

From London’s bustling streets to major infrastructure projects across southern England, JM Clark's distinctively-chevroned fleet has established an enviable reputation for reliability amongst its customers.

Based in Belvedere, the company was established in 2012, rapidly branching into several specialist sectors including road sweeping, bitumen spraying, plant hire, road-marking and waste management – earning contracts for prestigious events like the London Marathon and the Lord Mayor’s Show.

Behind its rapid growth, however, lies a strategic decision that transformed the business; embarking on its journey with FORS in pursuit of the ultimate goal of FORS Gold accreditation.

“Industry faces mounting pressure to reduce its environmental impact, while maintaining operational excellence,” explains Lee Cairns, Managing Director at JM Clark.

“We recognised early that FORS shared common goals with us, while possessing the tools and the guidance to help position us ahead of the curve.

“Certainly, the journey to FORS Gold status was demanding,” he said, “navigating constantly evolving regulations required a dedicated transport team focused solely on compliance and safety protocols."

^{Photo credit | JM Clark}

"Regular training sessions became mandatory, ensuring frontline staff remained fully conversant with industry trends and requirements.” The payoff has been substantial for JM Clark.

Since attaining FORS Gold accreditation, the company reports significant improvements across key performance indicators:

Dramatically reduced fuel consumption through optimised routing.
Enhanced safety record with fewer incidents.
Lower operational costs through localised supply chains.
Expanded contract opportunities, including the company’s participation in HS2.

“FORS accreditation has definitely opened doors previously inaccessible to us," adds Cairns.

“We find major contracts have FORS Gold increasingly written-in as a prerequisite for tender consideration, and this is positively impacting our bottom line.”

Perhaps most notably, FORS Gold accreditation has shifted company culture at JM Clark.

A full-time health and safety advisor now conducts regular site appraisals, reinforcing training principles and ensuring compliance across operations.

We find major contracts have FORS Gold increasingly written-in as a prerequisite for tender consideration, and this is positively impacting our bottom line.

Drivers report heightened awareness of vulnerable road users and demonstrate measurably improved driving behaviours. This cultural transformation extends throughout the organisation, with sustainability considerations now embedded in procurement decisions and operational planning.

JM Clark's commitment extends beyond certification requirements. It is a company that has always implemented advanced technological systems to deliver operational gains. AIOne route optimisation technology, for example, has slashed unnecessary mileage, simultaneously reducing carbon emissions and operational costs. Elsewhere, the Aquarius ClockWatcher system provides real-time maintenance tracking, reducing costly breakdowns and ensuring compliance with DVSA roadworthiness standards.

JM Clark's journey also reflects broader shifts within the construction and transport sectors. As one of over 400 companies achieving FORS Gold accreditation, the company represents a growing movement encompassing the FORS mantra; safety, efficiency and sustainability.

For companies considering similar accreditation pathways, Cairns offers straightforward advice; “For the broader picture, look to FORS,” he said, “While implementing additional policies and training protocols does requires time and effort, the resulting operational improvements, cost reductions and competitive advantages deliver lasting benefits.”

Having reached this point in its journey, JM Clark is showing no signs of complacency. Future plans include expanding dedicated sustainability teams, exploring emerging technologies to further reduce its environmental impact, and continuous refinement of operational efficiency.

What aspect of JM Clark's transformation, do you find most impressive?

Reduced fuel consumption
Enhanced safety record
Lower operational costs
Expanded contract opportunities