Can you believe it’s the last week of August and that we’re celebrating five years as a Community Interest Company? In our latest blog, you’ll find a look back at all the incredible things we’ve achieved, along with Kerry and Susanne’s reflections on their journey with LCRIG.
Each of us arrived here in different ways. I first came across LCRIG shortly after joining the sector a decade ago. Back then, it was a small group of North West authorities brought together by the one and only Will Britain – a quiet but determined force of nature. Known then as LCHIG, the Local Councils Highways Investment Group, it quickly became clear that this was about much more than tackling day-to-day challenges. The founding members were passionate about innovation, sharing new ideas, and doing things differently.
My own background wasn’t in highways. I’d worked in charity lobbying, government policy and advisory roles, local government performance, and big four consultancy. So, coming across a grassroots council group intent on driving improvement really caught my attention. That’s when I first met Susanne, actually, I heard her laugh before I met her, and she brought with her a whole new energy and network. With Will’s determination and Susanne’s connections, the group grew. Many of our first supplier members are still with us today, and we’ve now become the largest organisation of our kind in the sector.
When Kerry joined, she never imagined it would turn into a full-time role. Now, as Managing Director, she’s not only brought stability but also helped drive our growth, ambition, and success. Martin Duffy, our first Chief Executive added heavyweight sector experience, establishing us as a credible national voice. But truthfully, reaching this five-year milestone has been down to something simple yet powerful; a brilliant team, engaged councils, and suppliers who form the backbone of everything we do. Through determination and hard work, we’ve won over early critics, and today our strong relationship with DfT means our advice is sought, national players involve us in key decisions, and Ministers value and admire our passion.
On a personal note, I’m grateful to Martin for encouraging me to join LCRIG in 2022 when I was considering my next career move. I’d been offered a return to consultancy, but the chance to help build an ambitious CIC felt far more exciting. Having been a board member since around 2018, I knew LCRIG had huge potential, and it hasn’t disappointed. Working alongside such a dedicated team and a sector united by a shared goal has been nothing short of inspiring.
Looking back is important but so is looking ahead. Our newly published Innovation Report will shape the next phase of our journey. At Strictly Highways, we’ll share more, but rest assured the things that make us who we are; our events, our support for members, and our collaborative spirit will only continue to grow. For us, success is important, but value to our members matters even more. That’s what drives us forward, and that’s what we’ll keep delivering.
Paula Claytonsmith, CEO