Today, 28 August, marks a very special milestone in our journey – five years as a Community Interest Company (CIC).
Since becoming a CIC, LCRIG has gone from strength to strength – growing, evolving, and proudly staying true to our mission of inspiring change across the highways sector and giving back to the community. Over the past five years, we’ve celebrated incredible milestones: delivering industry-leading events, championing innovation, and opening up exciting new opportunities for collaboration and learning.
LCRIG’s Impact
With more than 390 members, we are the largest sector organisation of our type, with a membership base consisting of local authorities (England, Scotland and Wales), key organisations (including Department for Transport, National Highways and the Welsh Government), academic institutions, professional bodies and supply chain organisations ranging from global institutions to innovative start-ups.
Here’s just some of the ways we have made a difference as a CIC:
- Established two leading industry events – Strictly Highways and the LCRIG Innovation and Learning Festival – creating a space where local authorities can connect with suppliers, discover innovations and share best practice. These events showcase suppliers and their products and solutions, featuring live demonstrations, CPD training and the introduction of a Start-Up Zone to champion emerging innovators.
- Delivered public sector fully funded places and support valued at over £1million to the sector.
- Created the LCRIG Innovation Board and delivered an Innovation Fund, providing direct financial support to kick-start new ideas in the sector.
- Hosted and managed the prestigious Department for Transport Special Recognition Awards and the Department for Transport Apprenticeship Awards.
- Developed the LCRIG Innovation Procurement System (IPS) in partnership with Crown Commercial Services, a first-of-its-kind platform for local authorities to buy innovative products and services. To date the IPS has supported £50m of live contracts.
- Established the Highways Maintenance Academy, creating 30 apprenticeship opportunities, donating two classroom facilities and securing over £90,000 of support in tools and materials from the sector.
- Launched the most in-depth report into innovation in the highways sector, committing to a programme of action that will support innovation adoption in the sector.
- Worked with every council in England through regional groups, one-to-one information services, recruitment, webinars, and fully funded events (5,000 attendees in five years).
- Hosted webinars engaging over 2,000 attendees in 2024 and 2025 alone.
- Managed the Transport Technology Forum on behalf of the Department for Transport, expanding it’s reach and creating greater opportunities for collaboration and adoption of innovation that supports local delivery of sustainable transport solutions. This included managing the Transport Technology Forum Conference, leading the UK presence at international congresses, supporting funding opportunities and management of the working groups.
- Supported SMEs and the Department for Transport at both European and World Congresses, showcasing UK innovation on the global stage and providing opportunities for international trade.
- Credited in government reports, mentioned in the national press and on podcasts, and invited to contribute to inquiries and roundtables including the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee and the National Infrastructure Commission.
- Advised and supported government on areas such as PAS2161, highways maintenance and transport technology.
- Organised over 700 Christmas gifts for care leavers over four years, with generous donations from organisations supporting the initiative to help make a difference to young people’s lives.
A Message from Our Managing Director
Kerry Winstanley, LCRIG Managing Director, reflected on the past five years:
“Five years ago, I said to Susanne that I wasn’t sure there would be enough work to make my role full-time at LCRIG – how wrong I was! We always knew LCRIG was special, but we couldn’t have imagined just how much we’d achieve in such a short time. I’m incredibly proud of what our amazing team of 10 women has accomplished and the impact we’ve had in the sector through our mission of giving back.
“From growing our flagship events, developing the Highways Maintenance Academy, being recognised as the 2023 Team of the Year and so much more in between, the past five years have been a whirlwind of hard work, progress, and lots of laughter. None of this would have been possible without the passion of our team and the incredible support from our members. We’ve got some exciting plans for the future, and I can’t wait to share them over the coming months.”
A Reflection from Our Relationship Director
Susanne Ingham, LCRIG Relationship Director, shared her thoughts on reaching this milestone:
“The past five years as a CIC have been such a proud chapter for me. From our humble beginnings – with Starlot and me working from the dining room table alongside two legends, Will Britain and Martin Duffy, and with the incredible support of the late, great Steve Berry OBE – to see LCRIG give back over £1 million worth of services to the sector, champion innovation through our events and funds, and bringing people together in a way that genuinely makes a difference has been incredible. What makes it even more special is knowing we’ve achieved it as a small but passionate team, with our members and partners at the heart of everything we do.”
Looking Back – Our Origins
Our Founder and former Head of Highways at Blackpool Council, Will Britain, shared his reflection on this milestone:
“Blackpool originally formed LCRIG in 2013 and the group supported by the late great Steve Berry gradually grew until in 2018 launched Strictly Highways. The conference was a roaring success and set a pathway for a self-fulfilling prophecy that LCRIG would become a success. LCRIG became a CIC to aid governance and financial transparency and since then I would like to thank all the dedicated LCRIG team for going further than ever imagined.”
Member Reflections
As a membership-based organisation, our success has always been shaped by our members and supporters. Aimee Dewse, Marketing Manager at Multevo, a longstanding LCRIG Corporate Member, shared what LCRIG has meant to them:
“We’ve seen LCRIG change and flourish over the years and it’s great to reflect on how our membership has impacted Multevo. There are many things that stand out – creating spaces where we can network with key individuals in the industry and providing opportunities for us to showcase our innovations and launch new products. But most of all their motivation to do things differently and change the industry has been key for us. The introduction of the Innovation Procurement System (IPS) has opened new doors for us, and has allowed local authorities to reap the benefits of our services in a compliant and barrier-free way. Our growth wouldn’t have been possible without this and we are very grateful.”
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate this important milestone, we’re extremely proud of the impact LCRIG has made – but we’re even more excited about what’s still to come.
With the continued support of our members, partners, and the wider sector, we’ll keep pushing forward, creating opportunities, driving innovation and delivering real value for our members.
Here’s to the next five years – and beyond.