View from the top: Thinking ahead

As the mornings and evenings darken, my thoughts are already starting to turn towards what we might get involved with, in a strategic sense, next year.

It may seem early to be thinking about next year already, but I want to make use of the conference season ahead. I like being able to talk face to face with our associate members and councils who will be Strictly Highways, TTF Autumn Update, Awards ceremonies, Highways UK and other events I’ll be at. I think it’s really important that we listen to our members, especially if we are to remain relevant and helpful to all that we work with.

This week, I was at the AIA Parliamentary Reception for the launch of their report “working for better roads”. It also meant I got a chance to catch up with Paul Goosey, Managing Director, Production at Eurovia. Paul is also chair of REA, and he is driving, along with the RSTA, the joint campaign aimed at promoting the benefits of surface dressing as part of a proactive highways maintenance strategy. Talking of AIA, we have started discussions about some combined work that will build on both our well-respected reputations for next year.

This week, I was also pleased to spend some time talking with JCB, IHE colleagues, and a particularly interesting conversation with Amey around Livelabs2. Amey are leading the Livelabs2 bid to create a UK Centre of Excellence for material decarbonisation in local roads. They are working with North Lanarkshire Council, Transport for West Midlands, and other partners.

Finally, it would be remiss of me if I didn’t mention how thrilled we are to have been shortlisted for this year’s Highways Awards Team of the Year. We are amongst some worthy shortlisted teams but a great recognition that we are thrilled with.