IPAF Rental+ ensures rental companies are independently audited by an ISO 9001 lead auditor every 12 months and tested against the most stringent standards.

The 70 key criteria tested include training, advice, equipment and customer satisfaction.

Having been audited and certified to Silver level in 2017 (the first IPAF member to achieve that level), Nationwide Platforms was awarded Gold certification in December 2018.

Brian Stead, Director of Compliance and Project Management at Nationwide Platforms, said: “To achieve Gold status, you must achieve a Gold score against 85% of the 70 criteria, and at least Silver against the other 15%.

“I’m delighted to say that Nationwide Platforms achieved a Gold score against 69 of the 70 criteria.

“This means Nationwide Platforms has displayed exemplary standards recognised by IPAF and invested significantly to go above and beyond minimum standards of legal compliance and best practice.”

Stead was deeply involved in the development of the Rental+ standard in his role as chair of IPAF’s UK Country Council.

He said: “It’s a huge step forward for IPAF. We will encourage existing and potential customers to check everyone on their tender shortlists is accredited to IPAF Rental+ or is at least working towards Bronze certification within a reasonable time frame.

“Furthermore, we would encourage customers to request a copy of a company’s certificate and to check the IPAF website to confirm that certification.”