C. Jackson & Sons Retains FORS Bronze Accreditation Following Successful Audit
C. Jackson & Sons Retains FORS Bronze Accreditation Following Successful Audit
C. Jackson & Sons (Bedford) Ltd is proud to announce that we have once again achieved FORS Bronze Accreditation, reaffirming our commitment to safe, efficient and responsible fleet operations across all areas of our business.
The Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) is a nationally recognised accreditation that promotes best practice in safety, sustainability and operational management. Retaining Bronze status demonstrates that our systems, processes and day‑to‑day practices continue to meet the rigorous standards expected of professional fleet operators.
C. Jackson & Sons (Bedford) Ltd also hold FORS Silver accreditation, further demonstrating our commitment to exceeding industry standards in safety, environmental performance and operational excellence.
A Team Effort Driven by High Standards
This year’s successful audit reflects the dedication and professionalism of our fleet and compliance team.
- Our team of highly skilled drivers play a crucial role, consistently demonstrating the safe driving behaviours, vehicle care and professionalism that FORS expects.
- Fleet Manager, Pete Jackson, continues to lead the operational side of our transport activities with precision and a strong focus on safety.
- Jamie Jackson oversees the administrative and compliance requirements that underpin our fleet management systems, ensuring every process is documented, monitored and continuously improved.
Their combined efforts ensure that our fleet not only meets industry standards but actively sets a benchmark for others.
Expert Support and Continuous Improvement
We would also like to extend our thanks to Amanda Duffy, Duffy Logistics Ltd, whose expertise and guidance as our external consultant continues to strengthen our compliance framework. Her support has been invaluable in helping us maintain a robust, audit‑ready operation.
Why FORS Matters to Us
Achieving FORS Bronze is more than a certificate — it reflects our wider commitment to:
- Safer roads for our workforce and the public
- Reduced environmental impact through responsible fleet management
- Efficient operations that support our clients and project partners
- Continuous improvement across all areas of transport and logistics
As our business continues to grow, maintaining high standards in fleet safety and compliance remains central to how we operate.
Looking Ahead
This accreditation marks another positive milestone for the company and reinforces our long‑standing reputation for professionalism across all aspects of our work. We remain committed to building on this success as we continue to invest in our people, our fleet and our operational systems.
Well done to everyone involved — a great achievement for the whole team.
C. Jackson & Sons Begins Careful Dismantling of Queens Foot Bridge in Kempston
C. Jackson & Sons has begun the controlled dismantling of the Queens Foot Bridge in Kempston, following its emergency closure last year after serious structural decay was discovered in the timber arches.
The 40‑year‑old pedestrian and cycle bridge — a key link between Queens Park and Kempston — was closed in August 2025 when intrusive inspections revealed extensive internal rot within the laminated Ekki hardwood beams. With the structural integrity compromised beyond repair, Bedford Borough Council approved full removal ahead of a future replacement structure.
A Carefully Planned Demolition
Working on behalf of Breheny Civil Engineering, our team is carrying out the dismantling in a series of planned crane lifts, removing the bridge in manageable sections to maintain stability throughout the process.
The works include:
- Sectional removal of the timber deck and glulam arches using a 300‑tonne mobile crane
- Precision cutting using reciprocating saws, chainsaws and controlled hot‑works procedures
- Daily lifting of access equipment, including a tracked boom lift positioned on the south bank
- Safe transport of bridge sections via articulated flatbed vehicles & RoRo waste skips
A rescue boat is in place throughout the operation, and all work at height is carried out from MEWPs under strict weather‑dependent controls.
Minimising Disruption to the Community
Footpaths on both sides of the river have been temporarily closed, with diversions in place to maintain safe pedestrian routes. Parking suspensions along Ford End Road allow access for heavy plant and crane operations.
Working hours follow local restrictions and flexibility built in to accommodate weather conditions — particularly wind speeds, which directly affect crane operations.
Commitment to Safety and Environmental Protection
The project is being delivered under a comprehensive Demolition Risk Assessment and Method Statement, covering:
- Fall‑prevention measures
- MEWP operation and rescue procedures
- Manual handling controls
- Dust and noise mitigation
- Hot‑works permitting
- Spill prevention and environmental safeguards
No asbestos was identified within the structure, and all waste timber and metalwork is being removed from site in controlled loads for appropriate disposal or recycling.
A Significant Local Landmark
Queens Foot Bridge has served the community since 1984, providing a well‑used walking and cycling route across the River Great Ouse. While its removal marks the end of an era, it also clears the way for a safer, modern replacement to reconnect the two neighbourhoods.
C. Jackson & Sons is proud to support Breheny Civil Engineering and Bedford Borough Council in delivering this important phase of the project safely, efficiently and with minimal disruption to residents.
C. Jackson & Sons updates fleet with two new DAF XDC 450 lorries
C. Jackson & Sons updates fleet with two new DAF XDC 450 lorries, boosting efficiency and sustainability across operations.
C. Jackson & Sons are proud to announce the latest addition to our fleet: two state-of-the-art DAF XDC 450 lorries, marking a significant investment in our commitment to operational excellence, environmental responsibility, and driver comfort.
About the DAF XDC 450
The DAF XDC 450 is part of DAF’s New Generation construction series, engineered specifically for vocational and off-road applications. These trucks are designed to thrive in tough environments while delivering exceptional payload capacity and driver comfort. Key features include:
- PACCAR MX-11 10.8-litre Euro VI engine, producing 330 kW (449 hp) and up to 2300 Nm of torque
- 6×4 drive configuration, offering superior traction and stability on uneven terrain
- TraXon 12-speed automated transmission, with off-road optimized software for smooth and responsive handling
- High ground clearance and large approach angle, ideal for construction sites and challenging access routes
- Robust exterior design, featuring a reinforced bumper, steel radiator protection plate, and signature DAF grille
- Gross vehicle weight of 32 tonnes, with a gross combination weight of up to 38 tonnes.
These lorries are built to perform under pressure, making them a perfect fit for our operations.
What This Means for Our Clients
The addition of these two new generation lorries enhances our logistics capabilities, allowing us to:
- Improve delivery times and route efficiency
- Reduce fuel consumption and emissions
- Provide a safer, more comfortable experience for our drivers
- Maintain the high standards of service our clients expect
Our investment in these new DAF lorries reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation and quality.
We’re excited about the benefits they bring to our operations and the positive impact on our carbon footprint.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to grow and evolve our fleet to meet the needs of a changing industry.
Demolition of the 'Captain Tom Building' Starts
C. Jackson & Sons have found themselves in the news with a high-profile project garnering national interest.
We have been contracted to undertake the demolition of the ‘Captain Tom Building’, a former Spa Building in Marston Moretaine, following an unsuccessful planning application appeal.
Due to the public interest, the works have been covered by many of the national and local news outlets, including the daily presence of photographers and drone cameras.
Last week we removed the roof to a section of the building by hand to allow the pool removal by crane.
Now this has been completed our excavator has arrived on site and we are proceeding with the mechanical demolition of the building.
If you would like to discuss an upcoming project, please get in touch on our contact us page.
C. Jackson & Sons Push Forward into 2024 with Cutting-Edge Excavator Upgrade
C. Jackson & Sons Push Forward into 2024 with Cutting-Edge Excavator Upgrade
Enthusiastic for the year ahead C. Jackson & Sons have recently taken delivery of a new 14 tonne excavator.
The brand-new machine incorporates the latest technology to reduce emissions and consumption whilst increasing productivity. This will help C. Jackson & Sons hit environmental targets by reducing our impact on the environment with no reduction in output.
The Volvo EC140E has some brilliant features to improve the efficiency, safety and flexibility of our demolition operations. Including:
- As well as the rear-view camera, there is now a side view camera option to cover the visual blind spot. Creating a safer working environment, protecting the operator and personnel on the ground.
- Machine interface ergonomically positioned and designed for optimum control and efficiency.
- Compatibility with a range of attachments, plus enhanced performance by easily and quickly switching to accommodate any needs.
The Volvo EC140E has been sign written and is ready to head straight to site.
If you would like to discuss an upcoming project, please get in touch on our contact us page.
C. Jackson & Sons Add New Van's to the Fleet
C. Jackson & Sons Add New Van’s to the Fleet
C. Jackson & Sons continue to invest in our fleet with the arrival of two new van’s.
All off our fleet is owned by the company and maintained in house to ensure we are able to provide a consistent and reliable service for many years to come.
These are the first of our van’s to be decked out in our new C. Jackson & Sons sign writing which we think looks great!
You’ll see these on our demolition projects throughout Bedford, Cambridge, Luton, Milton Keynes, Northampton, Peterborough, St Albans, Stevenage, Watford, Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire & North London.
If you have any upcoming projects, please get in touch with us here:
C. Jackson & Sons Attend to Structural Damage Following Explosion and Fire at Redwood Grove, Bedford
C. Jackson & Sons Attend to Structural Damage Following Explosion and Fire at Redwood Grove, Bedford
Emergency services were called out to an explosion and fire on Redwood Grove in Bedford at around 9.10am on Monday 4 July.
A three-storey block of flats was significantly damaged in the fire, which also caused a large section of the roof to collapse.
C. Jackson & Sons were approached by Bedfordshire Police to work alongside structural engineers, and forensic investigators.
Initially our work involved making the building safe to facilitate access for the Police & Fire forensic teams, whilst preserving the scene:
- Loose hanging fire damaged debris was removed from external elevations using MEWP access
- Temporary propping was installed to specified ground and first floor flats
- Independent scaffold was erected on the second floor to remove unsafe free standing internal corridor walls
- The blast damaged external wall was demolished by hand from the outside using MEWP access
- Walls were demolished into controlled drop zones
- The blast caused the 2nd floor beam and block floor to collapse, resulting in the inner leaf of the cavity wall to be unsupported. We carefully removed the beams using our telehandler, and infilled “gaps” with brickwork to support the inner leaf of the cavity wall
Once the building was deemed safe by the structural engineer, Police & Fire forensic teams could continue their detailed examination of the scene.
Using our 5 tonne excavator fitted with bucket and grapple attachment, we assisted the Police & Fire services to methodically “sift through” debris at the site of the blast.
C. Jackson & Sons worked in close conjunction with the Police Force & Fire Service throughout the two month investigation.
Investing in Robotic Demolition
C. Jackson & Sons Investing in Robotic Demolition
Never ones to stand still at C. Jackson & Sons, we have recently invested in a Brokk 110 demolition robot. A move which will enable us to increase efficiency and enhance safety with minimal impact on our environment.
At less than 800mm wide and 1900mm long it may look a small machine but it wields the same demolition power as a 5 tonne excavator (five times its size!).
Compact Size
The Brokk 110 folds up into an incredibly small package which belies its power. It can fit through doors, onto elevators and can climb stairs. Weighing less than 1000kg’s it is also the perfect machine on weaker floor loads. Despite this, it has an incredible 3.5 metre reach including tool.
All this means it can reach the places where traditional demolition methods have struggled and will take on the tasks efficiently and safely.
Safe & Efficient
The Brokk 110 is controlled remotely by one of our operators enabling them to manoeuvre the machine efficiently with a better, safer view of the work. The remote control keeps the operator clear of exposed areas and eliminates the risk of harmful vibrations.
The move to demolition robotics really is a sign of the advancing times. Not only does it create a much safer working environment by removing the operator from the ‘front line’ it also provides a solution to existing environmental problems. The Brokk is electro-hydraulically powered which means it can operate internally in confined spaces with zero emissions of harmful fumes. Noise and vibrations are also vastly reduced ensuring the impact on our environment really is kept to a minimum.
We wasted no time in getting it to work. The Brokk was delivered straight to site on a prestigious demolition contract in Central Cambridge. More of which I’m sure will feature on our case studies page in the near future.
If you would like to discuss any upcoming projects you may have please get in touch on our contact us page.
Introducing Our New Lorry
Introducing Our New Lorry
As part of C Jackson & Sons continual investment into the company we are pleased to have taken delivery of our new lorry.
The SCANIA P410 XT, pictured here in our new sign writing, is a market leader renowned for its incredible performance, durability and reliability. Attributes highly valued at C Jackson & Sons.
The new lorry will be driven by Barry, forcing his previous Scania into a well deserved retirement having served him and the company so reliably since 2008 and clocking almost 290,000 miles.
Whilst our fleet of Roll On / Roll Off skip Lorries mainly service our own demolition and asbestos removal works we also provide a standalone service. We are able to supply 20, 30 & 40 cubic yard Roll On / Roll Off skips including haulage & waste disposal. We operate our lorries throughout Bedford, Cambridge, Luton, Milton Keynes, Northampton, Peterborough, St Albans, Stevenage, Watford, Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire & North London.
Working Safely During Covid-19
C. Jackson & Sons continue to support our clients, present and new, throughout the Covid-19 epidemic.
Whilst the Covid-19 epidemic does pose us new challenges, we are keenly following guidance issued by the Government, The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) and industry bodies to ensure we are able to provide safest working practices.
Our detailed Covid-19 procedures and risk assessments take into account:
- Travel to work
- Site Access and Egress Points
- Handwashing
- Toilet Facilities
- Canteens, Kitchens & Rest Areas
- Use of Changing facilities, shorts and drying rooms
- Work planning to avoid close working
- Situations Social Distancing cannot be applied
- Cleaning
We have invested heavily in training, awareness and resources to ensure our work has minimal impact on the people and environments in which we work.
You can continue to contact us using all of the regular channels.