I have returned from a two-week break, which I must confess was desperately needed after a very busy first half of the year. Those who watch my LinkedIn Friday Vlogs won’t be surprised to hear I spent a glorious amount of time enjoying my local scenic surroundings with relaxation under trees, afternoon teas (why not) and the return of my home-bred competition horse.
The health benefits of decompressing during a longer break over and above weekends is well documented. Unfortunately, stress and overwork does seem endemic in our industry, and although I love my job, I have learnt from bitter experience that a break is vital for reinvigorating the creative part of your brain. I have returned with a fizzing brain of creative ideas and thoughts!
I have also returned to lots of great LCRIG news. Just before I took my break, I was with the ISO 44001 Inspector and so I was very thrilled to find out we achieved re-certification. I have also returned to the fantastic news that the pioneering collaboration between LCRIG, Salford City College, Salford City Council, and industry partners has been selected as a finalist for the Highway Partnership Award at the prestigious Highways Awards.
In addition, the team have been analysing the feedback from the brilliant, and the results prove it, Innovation and Learning Festival and of course the numbers are staggering too. We’ve also announced in this week’s Insight the companies sponsoring the DfT recognition awards at this year’s Strictly Highways and it is always great to see the entries.
Next week me, Kerry and Susanne will be spending 24 hours with our LCRIG advisory board. This is something new that we are starting and thank you to JCB for providing facilities for us to do this (and we look forward to going to other organisations too). This will be an opportunity for us to start planning our work in 2025, in particular our knowledge insights work and how we can continue to support members in 2025 and beyond.
Finally, a quick plug and reminder to get speaking submissions in for this year’s Strictly Highways. We have a limited number of spaces for councils to suggest a presentation with their suppliers. The sessions must be led by a council with their partner, but already it has been a real treat seeing the suggestions coming in and I know the LCRIG Advisory Board and I are looking forward to seeing the final suggestions!
Paula Claytonsmith, CEO