After two weeks recovering from a particularly stubborn flu where I missed being able to attend a number of meetings and events (Covid? Let’s just whisper that one…) and a much-needed break in the peaceful corners of rural France – yes, home-from-home but ideal for recharging, I hit the ground running with a whirlwind return to travel, events, and reconnecting with our amazing network.
Back in the swing of things, I’ve been energised by the LCRIG team and the work they are doing around the upcoming Innovation and Learning Festival and I can confidently say, this year’s is going to be our best yet! More councils than ever are coming, cutting-edge demos are planned, Innovation Think Pavilion Sessions will be engaging and thought-provoking, fully funded places are being provided for apprentices, plus a whole host of surprises. Final exhibitor and delegate spots are vanishing fast, so if you haven’t secured your place yet, now’s the time!
My first stop this week was in Leeds, where I met with colleagues from the Department for Transport to dive into policy discussions and share updates. It was also a chance to update on the work we have underway refreshing the TTF Procurement Guide. In light of the new Procurement Act, the important changes that we’re making will ensure it is more accessible and practical for councils and suppliers.
From there, it was off to the ITS Parliamentary Reception at the House of Commons, helped along by glorious sunshine and an engaged audience. We heard compelling messages from across the political spectrum and Government 
Ministers, highlighting just how vital Intelligent Transport Systems are. It was particularly heartening to hear specific recognition of the Transport Technology Forum, which we manage and the National Parking Platform, another project we’re incredibly proud to support.
My personal highlight? Chatting with Lilian Greenwood. It’s always good when a Minister not only knows your name but genuinely wants to connect and is pleased to see you. That’s a great sign of the impact we’re having. The reception was also a brilliant space to catch up with familiar faces and spark new conversations with people eager to learn more about LCRIG and the difference we’re making.
While in Whitehall, I had productive meetings with Dominik Lengauer, DfT’s new Head of Local Roads, and Tim Rowland-Deverell, who leads on Local Highways Strategy and Environment. With changes flowing from the recent Spending Review, it’s crucial that we stay one step ahead and ensure councils and suppliers are well-informed. That’s why I’m thrilled Dominik and Tim will be joining our Quarterly Council Members Update this Friday to talk about the latest transparency requirements. If your council hasn’t registered yet – make sure you don’t miss out!
The week wrapped up on a high note at CIHT, where we gathered to celebrate Mitesh Solanki, MD of Ringway Infrastructure Services, being inaugurated as CIHT President. He follows in the footsteps of Professor Glenn Lyons – and what a handover it was. 
Mitesh’s speech was heartfelt, humorous, and deeply inspiring. His journey into engineering and leadership, shared with such honesty and warmth, left few dry eyes in the room. It was a powerful reminder that our sector is shaped by people from lots of diverse backgrounds and with differing stories and that these non-traditional stories about routes into sector need to be heard just as much as traditional routes into the sector.
As I make my way back north from a sizzling hot London – I’m reflecting on a week filled with connection, collaboration, and celebration. From government engagement to championing our sector’s people and potential, it’s weeks like this that remind me why we do what we do and how much more we can achieve when we do it together.
Paula Claytonsmith, CEO