AAH’s 730 vans and HGVs travel 95,000 miles each day to deliver medicines to thousands of pharmacies, GP practices and hospitals throughout the UK each working day.

The organisation has become the first wholesaler to be awarded under the accreditation and says that it's extremely proud.

Geoff Wright, head of corporate services at AAH, said: 'This accreditation is recognition that the AAH fleet operates the highest standards and has achieved excellence in the way it works.

'Gaining the accreditation was tough and the audit process was rigorous, but it needs to be in order to drive up standards.

'Ensuring our fleet operates to the highest standards is important to AAH. Getting medicines to patients who need them is more than just moving boxes. And we recognise we owe it to the public and our drivers to ensure we provide a safe working environment and practices.'

Mark Cartwright, project manager of Van Excellence, said: 'Being a high-quality and leading van operator already, AAH has shown a real keenness to get behind Van Excellence and support what it stands for. As one of the early adopters AAH is helping to pave the way for many more companies to do the same and improve the van industry's image in the UK.'