In our latest industry interview, we caught up with Jason Boasman, Highways Maintenance Manager at Leeds City Council. Jason and the team regularly attend LCRIG events and shared why these opportunities are so impactful for the authority. From discovering innovative solutions to trialling them on the network, attending LCRIG events and being part of the community has led to tangible benefits, helping the team identify new products and services and more efficient ways of working.
Q. What motivated your local authority to become part of LCRIG?
A. We were really looking for a way to tap into a wider network of innovation. In particular, we wanted access to a platform that showcases new and emerging technologies within the highways sector, something that would help us stay informed and bring fresh ideas into our operations.
Q. Which LCRIG events have you attended, and what value have they provided?
A. We regularly attend LCRIG events, such as the Innovation & Learning Festival and Strictly Highways, and they are always a great experience. They give us the opportunity to explore a range of companies offering services and technologies aligned with what we’re trying to achieve, from pothole repair solutions to innovations in winter service treatments. We’ve also joined LCRIG-hosted webinars, which provide another way to stay updated and ahead as an authority.
Q. How have these events helped your authority identify new technologies or innovative solutions?
A. One of the biggest benefits of attending LCRIG events has been the chance to meet suppliers face to face. It has allowed us to have more in-depth conversations, ask detailed questions, and really get into the technical side of things. That kind of interaction gives you a much clearer understanding of how a product or service could work in practice and support our day-to-day challenges.
Q. Can you share an example of an insight, innovation, or partnership that emerged through LCRIG?
A. We’re currently trialling solutions from three companies that we first connected with through LCRIG, which is really positive. Off the back of that, we’ve also set up a monthly innovation meeting where new suppliers, many introduced via LCRIG, can come in, present what they offer, and discuss how their solutions could benefit the road network across Leeds.
Q. How important is it to your authority that LCRIG events are fully funded?
A. It’s very important. As a local authority, every piece of spending is carefully scrutinised, so attending events like these isn’t always easy to justify. If they weren’t fully funded, it’s unlikely we’d be able to attend as often, which would mean missing out on valuable opportunities to explore innovation.
Q. What advice would you give to other local authorities considering joining or attending LCRIG events?
A. We’d definitely recommend it. The events have been really effective in helping us identify products and services that complement what we already do. With increasing pressure to find new, more efficient ways of working and procuring services, LCRIG offers a straightforward and impactful way to connect with suppliers and explore new ideas.
Thank you to Jason and the team at Leeds City Council for sharing their experience.
Our next event is the LCRIG Innovation & Learning Festival, taking place from 24-25 June at NAEC Stoneleigh.
Fully funded places are available for public sector delegates, including accommodation, transport between the hotel and venue, catering, and refreshments.
Register today to secure your place and be among the first to benefit from the learning and networking opportunities this summer.