At Strictly Highways 2023, Andy Wilde, Interim Assistant Director of Highways & Transport at Shropshire Council, took the stage to share a transformative journey marked by innovation and collaboration through procurement.
Challenges Leading to Transformation
Andy Wilde began by acknowledging the challenges faced by Shropshire Council in the realm of highway maintenance. Reflecting on past practices, Andy highlighted a realisation that traditional maintenance contracts fell short in meeting the council’s objectives. The absence of clear priorities, coupled with budget constraints and a lack of community engagement, led to a fragmented approach and a backlog of issues.
Rethinking Priorities and Approach
Recognising the need for change, Shropshire Council embarked on a fundamental rethink of its highway service approach. Key priorities emerged, including a stronger focus on reactive maintenance, quality repairs, and long-term preventative measures. Crucially, this shift was not made in isolation but was informed by extensive community engagement and a data-driven approach, laying the foundation for informed decision-making.
The Power of Collaboration and Innovation
Central to Shropshire’s transformation was a collaborative effort involving various stakeholders, including term maintenance contractors like Kier and strategic partners like WSP. Through open dialogue and shared ambitions, a new service model emerged, blending self-delivery with partnerships at various tiers to cater to the county’s diverse needs. This mixed economy approach aimed to deliver more tailored solutions in a large rural county.
Embracing Innovation Through Procurement
Shropshire Council were the first Local Authority to trial LCRIG’s Innovation Procurement System (IPS). Once requirement was established within the council, utilising LCRIG’s IPS, Shropshire council were able to procure their innovation within 2 weeks. Designed to facilitate the procurement of unique, innovative solutions compliant with legislation, the IPS offers a streamlined approach for accessing proven, scalable innovations in highway services.
Looking Ahead: A Path to Sustainable Success
As the presentation concluded, the focus shifted to the future. With a redefined operating model, strengthened partnerships, and a commitment to continuous innovation, Shropshire Council positioned itself for sustainable success in delivering high-quality highway services.
This case study showcases the power of collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and a willingness to embrace innovation to meet evolving community needs effectively.
Watch the presentation here:
If you’re a Local Authority looking to buy innovative products and services, or a supplier with an innovative product or service, reach out to LCRIG today to learn more about the benefits of the LCRIG IPS.
You can also find out more by visiting the dedicated IPS page on the LCRIG website here.