This week has not turned out quite how I expected, and it involves crutches….
I had a full week of meetings and travel planned, starting with my first IHE Council meeting, followed by the CiHT Resilience Report launch in London, and then joining a supplier at the NW CECA Awards.
Yet here I am at home, leg propped up, with crutches resting against the settee. On Monday, whilst tending to the horses, I tripped and fell. Thankfully, nothing broken, but as an active person, I’ve found the need to rest frustrating. However, it has meant I’ve been forced to slow down, rest a lovely fat knee, and have time to think about the months ahead, and of course, reflect on last week’s Strictly Highways.
Strictly Highways had a fantastic turnout, with many new faces and exhibitors. I always love seeing people catch up with colleagues. During the event, I updated members on our amazing membership growth, both among Councils and Suppliers. I also talked about the increased activity we are seeing with LCRIG, with growing requests from both council and supplier members for us to do more. Additionally, I spoke about our national engagements, including the NAO report, PAS2161, national policy, and the work we do to support DfT.
We also heard some great panel discussion and speakers from both national and local government. However, what struck me more this year (more than in any previous year) was the diversity, energy, and range of ages in the audience. It truly felt different from any other year, and it was great to see!
I am always inspired listening to Susan Scurlock, CEO of Primary Engineer, and last week was no different. Inspiring young children around engineering is one our priorities in 2025. I also found the fireside chat with industry leaders from the public and private sector insightful. The way each panel member spoke about their career journey showed commonalities in accepting help from others, learning from mistakes, and working collaboratively rather than in isolation. We had new speakers this year and although some were nervous, their sessions went brilliantly.
Last week I also overheard many conversations around climate and the resources needed in a changed world. We heard some surprising results discussed in an LCRIG-inspired AIA panel, we heard surprising results from joint LCRIG/AIA surveys. The panel discussed the stark gaps between what councils say they are doing to decarbonise and the reality, as reflected in industry figures. There are some clear challenges that need to be addressed. The panel conversation clearly provoked some thinking, and during the evening I enjoyed talking with a group of young female Engineers and Asset Managers who were all very concerned by what they had heard. Of course, climate conversations are featuring in many discussions more generally this week, especially around Hurricane Milton. As a self-confessed meteorologist geek, whatever the final category the storm is classified as, the devastation not long after Hurricane Helene will be catastrophic.
Finally, reflecting on last week, collaboration wasn’t just the theme of the conference, it was something that ran through so many conversations I had or heard. If the sector is to solve some of the skills shortages, climate change, and financial pressures, collaboration will be key.
Paula Claytonsmith
CEO