The purpose of the IRTE Skills Challenge is to support the bus and coach sector by highlighting the most essential of its parts; technicians. The sector must continue to produce technicians and apprentices who keep the vehicles safely on the road, and this competition aims to give them the platform to show what they can do. The contribution of our sponsors, supporters and partners, who support the SOE in adapting the competition to meet the demands of the sector, cannot be underestimated.
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Proud sponsors of the IRTE Skills Challenge
FCL Organisation
FCL Organisation is the UK’s leading distributor and manufacturer of engine filtration technology, batteries, lubricants, coolants and components for the commercial vehicle, rail, automotive, marine and industrial sectors worldwide. Our core aim is to supply the highest possible quality products at the most competitive prices with an unsurpassed level of customer service and support in the global aftermarket.

Imperial Engineering
Based in Cheshunt since 1971, Imperial Engineering is a fifth-generation family owned business that has developed into the UK’s principal independent distributor of OE bus parts and coach spares and components.
Our OE bus and coach parts
As specialist coach parts suppliers and second to none when it comes to the sourcing of original, brand new bus and coach parts in support of the whole UK industry, Imperial Engineering is proud of its longstanding responsibility in contributing to the safety and reliability of the nation’s public and private transportation service. Imperial Engineering supplies a massive range of PSV parts and components, directly from leading global OE bus and coach parts manufacturers, including Knorr-Bremse, Wabco spares, Haldex, Meritor, Dana and PSS.
Encompassing all areas of the vehicle, from braking and friction products, drivetrain, propshafts, steering components and water pumps, to turbochargers and airbags, in fact, all coach spares, bus parts and PSV parts that operators need, Imperial Engineering offers the highest level of product knowledge, engineering expertise, simplicity of purchase, aftersales and service reliability.
Recognising the demands of operators both large and small, Imperial Engineering has built a reputation for supporting the needs of its bus and coach parts customers in a fast-moving industry with leading brands such as Optare parts and Wabco spares. We keep things simple, reliable and cost effective.

Knorr-Bremse
Knorr-Bremse is the global market leader for braking systems and a leading supplier of other safety-critical rail and commercial vehicle systems. Knorr-Bremse`s products have been making a decisive contribution to greater safety and energy efficiency on rail tracks and roads around the world. For more than 113 years the company has been the industry innovator, driving innovation in mobility and transportation technologies with an edge in connected system solutions. Knorr-Bremse is one of Germany’s most successful industrial companies and profits from the key global megatrends: urbanization, eco-efficiency, digitization and automated driving.
About 28,000 employees at over 100 sites in more than 30 countries use their competence and motivation to satisfy customers worldwide with products and services. Localization is a central focus of Knorr-Bremse's strategy. Knorr-Bremse delivers braking, entrance, control and auxiliary power supply systems, HVAC and driver assistance systems for rail vehicles, as well as braking, steering, powertrain and transmission control solutions, and driver assistance systems for commercial vehicles.
In 2017, Knorr-Bremse generated in both its divisions revenues of EUR 6.2 billion (IFRS). A comprehensive and growing aftermarket & services business with high entry barriers gives these revenues increasingly cyclically independent stability. The company benefits from a strong, entrepreneurial and experienced management. Technical excellence, reliability, passion and responsibility are deeply embedded in its corporate culture.
Our range of aftermarket services:
TruckServices is the aftermarket brand of Knorr-Bremse and supplies vehicle owners, workshops and distributors with high-quality products and service solutions for commercial vehicles of all kinds and all ages: with the expertise of an OE manufacturer and our experience gained from more than 110 years in the commercial vehicle aftermarket.

Teng Tools
The company got its name from a 12th century Japanese folk hero whose symbol stood for power and control, a fitting representation for the Teng Tools’ quality guaranteed products. Today the company offers over 2,200 tools distributed across more than thirty countries.
The company’s guaranteed tools and their unique tool control system do more than just get the job done, they help to improve workflow by creating a more organised and efficient workshop with smoother performance. With Teng on your side, you’ll save money and time by eliminating the hassle of searching for misplaced tools.
Teng Tools’ clients range from major industry leaders and respected vehicle manufacturers, to the top names in racing and even your next-door neighbour with the great garage. The company offers a worldwide distribution network to accommodate large or small orders with fast service, competitive prices and optimal quality.
Teng Tools continues to anticipate new user needs by working closely with professional users and applying their feedback to the development of new and even better tools and toolsets. Only Teng Tools offers Swedish design, the dependability of Taiwanese production, and costs competitive enough to please price-conscious professional users all over the world.

Freeway Fleet Systems
Freeway Fleet Systems has been providing asset/fleet management software to organisations of varying scope and complexity for more than 25 years, with core expertise in providing enterprise level solutions. Freeway users are typically involved in some form of transport across both the private and public sectors.
The longevity of their business has given them an in-depth knowledge of the unique challenges faced by those managing fleets in the transport/logistics and passenger carrying sectors and offers those investing in the system peace of mind that they will continue to support their product.

Proud partners of the IRTE Skills Challenge
Route One
The indispensable resource for coach and bus professionals.
Our approach to news is different to all other UK PCV trade publications. We are acutely aware of the time constraints forced upon today’s operators; therefore, the news we offer is credible and adds value to their businesses.
We aim to serve the needs of our readers by putting them first; they are engaged and invested in our publication.
Whether you are looking to promote a service, launch a product, increase brand exposure, sell vehicles or recruit for that next key appointment, we have a package available to suit your needs.
Our circulation is verified by the ABC (Audit Bureau of Circulations), so you can be confident your message will reach the right hands.

S&B Automotive Academy
At the forefront of developing individuals in the motor vehicle and road transport sectors for over forty years, S&B; Automotive Academy is a pioneering, not-for-profit training provider, based in Bristol.
Recognised across the commercial vehicle industry for its research and application of leading edge technologies in support of learning, S&B; Automotive Academy has developed innovative and sustainable methods of improving individual and business performance within the national qualifications framework.

Transport Engineer
Transport Engineer is the official magazine of the IRTE (Institute of Road Transport Engineers), a Professional Sector of SOE (Society of Operations Engineers).
Highly-respected throughout industry since 1970, Transport Engineer provides independent, technical news analysis and features every month.
With an ABC-audited circulation of 14,448 (ABC audit 2011).
Updated daily with news, jobs, videos, a supplier directory, white papers and more, Transport Engineer is now also online at www.transportengineer.org.uk.
Register for the free Transport Engineer e-zine and get breaking news direct to your email inbox.
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- Sign up for the free monthly Transport Engineer e-zine.

Proud supporters the IRTE Skills Challenge
DVSA
We carry out driving tests, approve people to be driving instructors and MOT testers, carry out tests to make sure lorries and buses are safe to drive, carry out roadside checks on drivers and vehicles, and monitor vehicle recalls.
We help you stay safe on Great Britain’s roads by:
- helping you through a lifetime of safe driving
- helping you keep your vehicle safe to drive
- protecting you from unsafe drivers and vehicles
We employ around 4,600 people across Great Britain to do this. They include:
- driving examiners
- vehicle standards assessors
- vehicle examiners
- traffic examiners
- customer service agents
- registration and licensing officers
- digital services and technology experts
- corporate services experts, such as communications, finance and HR
