The Local Council Roads Innovation Group (LCRIG) recently hosted the Southwest Group regional event, which took place on 7th March 2024 at Westpoint, Exeter.
The theme of the event, “Procuring Innovation,” sponsored by WJ Group, aimed to explore the dynamics of procuring innovative solutions. Speakers included representatives from local authorities, supply chain organisations, and LCRIG. Through diverse perspectives and insights, attendees were able to find out about strategies for procuring innovation, navigating challenges, and fostering collaboration between various stakeholders to drive innovation forward.
Over sixty delegates, including representatives from both local authorities and supply chain organisations attended the event.
Keely Metcalfe, Relationship Manager at LCRIG said: “It was great to hear local authorities in the Southwest share their experiences and journeys in procuring highways innovation. Additionally, it was also great to gain a private sector perspective from supply chain organisations.
“LCRIG exists to create opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and learning within the highways community, aiming to facilitate positive change. Events such as this play a key role in achieving these objectives by bringing together stakeholders to share insights, experiences, and best practices.”
Andy James, Business Director at Cornwall Highways said: “Events such as this provide a great regional opportunity for Local Authorities to collaborate and discuss innovations in the highways sector. Of equal importance is the input of trade colleagues who can showcase their latest products and innovations from industry.
“The highlight to me from these events is seeing the room full of highways colleagues networking and discussing common challenges and coming up with innovative solutions.
“Learning more about the LCRIG IPS and the opportunity to collaborate across Local Authority boundaries can realise efficient solutions which are welcome in today’s challenging environment.”
The Southwest Knowledge Exchange group is chaired by Cormac Solutions Ltd and represents 13 councils from across the Southwest as well as a number of supply chain organisations. The group is open to all types of organisations operating within the highways and transportation sector and its purpose is to share knowledge and best practice and to overcome challenges through fostering collaboration.
You can find out more about the event and view the presentations here.