This week, Martin is having a well-deserved break and has asked me to step in and write some words for his CEO update. Which I do with great pleasure. I’m coming up to five months at LCRIG now, it has gone at lightning speed and sometimes I think I have the most interesting job in the whole world and I don’t say this lightly!
As Director, Government and Strategy, I get to spend much of my time in conversations about the different ways innovation can be put to work either at local or national level whilst helping make the case for local roads. I get to spend my days talking to the people in councils, government and businesses about taking big steps to solve big problems: decarbonisation strategies and climate change, service improvements, supply chain challenges, highways maintenance, skills shortages, transport technology, smart technology and future AI and even Skyways of the future. It’s heady stuff and I don’t think I’ve yet spoken to anyone that isn’t passionate about the work they do. I also get the luxury of attending or supporting events such the TTF Conference, LGTAG, JCT Symposium last week and meetings across the nations. Speaking of nations our very own Gill Butcher is currently at the ITS World Congress for TTF, managed by LCRIG, supporting partners and SMEs on a global platform.
These conversations inspire me so much. And I hope at this year’s Strictly Highways, our premier conference of the year, you can find similar inspiration as we bring the discussions we typically conduct behind the scenes onto the public stage.
Alec and I have worked closely together to build a diverse programme, whilst the rest of the LCRIG team; Susanne, Kerry, Charlotte (Star-lotty), Shelley, Karla, Emily and Adam are working furiously behind the scenes to bring attendees a remarkable event with the most interesting speakers, attendees and exhibitors. Conferences like Strictly aren’t just about the programme, they are about speaking with suppliers, peers, and the atmosphere of collaboration. This year for the first time Strictly Highways will be a CPD Accredited event, testament to our ongoing drive to continue to support the sector. Find out more here.
So, in my final remarks, Strictly Highways is an opportunity to do some Moonshot thinking, peer learn, seek out new solutions and importantly celebrate whatever innovation journey people are on whether at the start or mature service innovators.
Paula Claytonsmith, MIHE, M.RMets
Director, Government and Strategy