Know the exposure
Identify gaps across maintenance, defects, drivers’ hours, training, records and management control.
External Transport Manager & compliance consultancy
Protect the licence. Strengthen the operation.
Straightforward, hands-on support for HGV operators who need reliable systems, honest findings and practical action—not generic tick-box consultancy.
- Operator-focused advice
- Audit-ready evidence
- Clear corrective actions
Red to GreenOCRS improvement in 18 months
8 weeksOperator Licence approval achieved
2 weeksFORS Bronze achieved
No minorsFORS Silver audit outcome
The right support at the right time
When compliance is weak, the licence carries the risk
Whether you are applying for a licence, recovering from a poor compliance position or need experienced ongoing oversight, the first job is to understand what is actually happening—not what the paperwork says should be happening.
Set clear priorities
Separate urgent licence risks from longer-term improvements and assign practical ownership.
Prove control
Build evidence that shows systems are active, reviewed and understood throughout the operation.
Services
Transport compliance support built around your operation
Each assignment is scoped around licence size, risk, operating centres, vehicle activity and the level of management support genuinely required.
Ongoing oversight
External Transport Manager
Professional competence and effective management for operators who require an experienced, proactive ETM.
- Licence undertakings and systems
- Maintenance and driver oversight
- Site visits, reports and follow-up
Independent assurance
Compliance Audits
A structured review of records, systems and working practices, graded Red, Amber or Green with a prioritised action plan.
- Maintenance and defect systems
- Drivers’ hours and working time
- Management control and evidence
Applications & variations
Operator Licence Support
Practical help with new applications, variations and the systems and evidence expected from a compliant operator.
- Application and variation support
- Operating centre and system preparation
- Restricted licence guidance
When scrutiny increases
DVSA & Traffic Commissioner Support
Clear-headed support when an operator faces an investigation, formal request, compliance review or Public Inquiry.
- Evidence and systems review
- Corrective and recovery plans
- Preparation for formal meetings
Bronze & Silver
FORS Preparation
Policies, evidence planning, readiness reviews and practical implementation support for FORS accreditation.
- Gap analysis and evidence plan
- Policy and procedure support
- Pre-audit readiness review
Flexible access
Retained Consultancy
Ongoing access to experienced transport and compliance support without employing another full-time manager.
- Policies and operational documents
- Investigations and corrective actions
- System reviews and improvement
Proven delivery
Compliance that works in the real world
The goal is not to create more paperwork. It is to give the operator control, make responsibilities clear and leave an evidence trail that stands up to scrutiny.
Talk through your current risksCompliance recovery
OCRS Red to Green in 18 months
A structured recovery programme helped an operator move away from a high-risk position by rebuilding systems, ownership and routine management checks.
1
Established the real gaps across maintenance, drivers and management control.
2
Introduced consistent checks, reporting, responsibilities and audit-ready records.
3
Tracked performance and dealt with weak areas before they became enforcement issues.
About Mike
Experience from the operator’s side of the desk
Mike Manning is a Transport Manager CPC holder, ISO 9001 Lead Auditor and experienced transport, fleet and compliance leader with more than 20 years in UK and European haulage.
His background covers senior transport management, Operator Licence applications, FORS, maintenance control, driver compliance, health and safety, operational improvement and cost reduction.
Transport Manager CPCISO 9001 Lead AuditorALLMI Appointed PersonFORS Bronze & Silver experience
View Mike on LinkedIn
How the work is approached
Clear findings. Straight answers. A workable plan.
- Understand the operationHow the business genuinely works, not only what the policy says.
- Identify the exposureWhere the licence, vehicles, drivers or reputation may be at risk.
- Prioritise the responseA practical action plan in the right order, with clear ownership.
- Make improvements stickFollow-up, evidence and management controls that remain active.
Digital compliance resources
Ready-made tools for busy transport teams
Editable policies, compliance packs, Excel dashboards, Driver Handbooks, defect sheets and HGV toolbox talks built for real UK operators.
Areas covered
Rochdale-based. Supporting operators across the North West.
External Transport Manager appointments are subject to availability, travel time and the requirements of the specific licence. Audit and consultancy work can be provided across a wider area.
Frequently asked questions
Useful answers before we speak
Every operation is different, but these are the questions operators commonly ask at the start.
How much does External Transport Manager support cost?
It depends on authorised vehicles, operating centres, risk, workload and the hours genuinely needed to exercise continuous and effective management. A fee is quoted after reviewing the licence and operation.
Can you audit an operation before a DVSA visit or FORS audit?
Yes. A pre-audit review can identify weak evidence, inactive systems and practical gaps, followed by a prioritised corrective action plan.
Do you help with new Operator Licence applications?
Yes. Support can cover the application process, operating systems, evidence preparation and the practical controls that need to be ready before vehicles begin operating.
Can you help after a PG9, unsatisfactory maintenance investigation or OCRS issue?
Yes. The work normally begins with an independent review, root-cause assessment and a realistic recovery plan that can be evidenced and monitored.
Are the digital products editable?
Most products are supplied in editable Word or Excel formats. Each listing explains the files included, software requirements and permitted use.
Get support
Tell me what is happening in your operation
Whether you need an External Transport Manager, an independent audit or help with an Operator Licence issue, start with a straightforward conversation.