LCRIG content director Alec Peachey carries out regular interviews with members to highlight the work they’re doing and the types of technologies that are driving innovation forward. This week, Steve Barnes, Business Development Manager at Gramm Barriers – highlights the reasons why he thinks the sector needs to have a common goal when it comes to delivering innovation.
Q. What is the best way to try innovations on a huge customer base?
A. “By seeking a project with a large client who has a high profile and who’s business is the leader in their sector. For instance if you can manage to pilot an innovative product with Highways England many local authorities adopt the same specifications used by the DMRB and MCHW. Therefore it’s a natural progression to then have an adopted use on local authority road schemes with a little bit of promotion and push of course.
“Also SRN’s tend to have designated funds from the Government to promote innovation on the network which promotes efficiencies. Although councils also have this type of support from the Government through schemes like Live Labs with ADEPT albeit at a local authority level. This is a great way to showcase your innovation and be part of a growing initiative.”
Q. As an SME, what are some of the main challenges you face when it comes to engaging with the wider sector?
A. “For them to be willing to embrace innovation and costs. Most projects are of the mentality of why fix something which isn’t broke, but that’s the irony. Most clients we speak to about their noise barriers scheme is because they break prematurely.
“There’s still definitely a focus on cheaper options as budgets for maintenance are not taken into consideration so its left for somebody else to pick up the pieces. Don’t get me wrong it is getting better and more clients are appreciating systems which now offer better whole life costs.”
Q. What cutting edge technologies are you most excited about?
A. “Driverless cars and their connection with the network in terms of accidents, air pollution. SMART technology allowing vehicles to be more intuitive and let the non-driver then be aware of issues up ahead or ways their driving behaviour can be controlled to affect the environment positively.”
Q. In what ways does the sector need to evolve?
A. “I can see change in terms of evolution, but I think there needs to be a common goal which is mutually beneficial. Its difficult with limited budgets, contractors need to embrace innovation and want to showcase it to their clients not hide it away sometimes because its not in the budget. Clients rely on their consultants and contractors to suggest new ways of thinking so its an all round effort from the entire supply chain.”
Q. Can regulation be a barrier to innovation?
A. “Sometimes, for example we see this a lot when specifications mention noise barrier bay lengths which are talked about as having a maximum 3M width. We ask why and they say this is the most width a timber barrier can do, but who mentioned timber? It’s being about being more performance based and having a product which suits that.
“Things like DMRB are having major changes and trying to encourage innovation but that will also rely on the consultants being a bit braver in their recommendations where solutions can offer benefits to the project and client.”
Q. In what ways can the industry work better with local authorities and should there be a greater sharing of knowledge?
A. “The word collaboration is banded around so much yet when you dig deep enough there are now lots of virtual meetings talking a good talk but putting it into practice is another thing. I have found that many organisations were totally oblivious to projects where efficiency, whole life costs, etc, were only a few miles away.
“Currently I feel its down to companies like ourselves to share this knowledge through networking, social media and someone has to drive the bandwagon of innovation for others to jump on the back of during this journey. I believe an organisation such as LCRIG is an excellent vehicle to showcase innovation but real world examples are key to their adoption. Nobody wants to be the first to try something in case of failure and within already tighter budgets for local authority spending.”
Q. How do you stop innovation from just being another buzzword and instead something that is acted upon?
A. “Try , try and try again. Perseverance and a good sponsor with a SRN or local authority who have the same beliefs as you. Someone who agrees that things must change and that change can have an impact on safety, the environment and benefit the tax payer who is paying for it.”