It

was great to be in Birmingham to attend Highways UK, the event brings together over 200 exhibitors from across the globe as well as several speakers to discuss all things roads - whether it be planning, developing, maintaining and future-proofing the UK’s road networks.

The Conference boasted attendance from National Highways, the Department for Transport, the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles, Active Travel England and many of our ACE members.

With key themes of innovation, sustainability and investment it was a wonderful opportunity to meet and listen to key players in the sector discuss topics such as social value, PAS2080, excellence in procurement and many more. The event was an opportunity for all those who attend to enhance their knowledge on the latest innovation and meet like-minded individuals.  

Seeing our bustling members stands at the event, reinforced the fact our members are the best at what they do; innovating at the forefront of the industry with sustainability and value-driven decision-making always in mind.

Seeing our bustling members stands at the event, reinforced the fact our members are the best at what they do; innovating at the forefront of the industry with sustainability and value-driven decision-making always in mind. Olivia Smalley, ACE.

The NEC was transformed to showcase a number of exhibitors’ innovative stands as well as the Big Thinking stage, National Highways theatre, the Sustainability theatre, and many more.

In-person events like Highways UK are a great opportunity to see our members work in the sector and I look forward to attending next year. It was also a wonderful chance to prepare for our next Transport and Mobility Advocacy Group meeting where we will be discussing our recommendations for Government in 2023.

This builds on our advocacy to date which included a discussion with the Director General a the Department for Transport last week. We shared our Blueprint and highlighted member priorities and concerns. We look forward to continuing this engagement on behalf of our members in the weeks and months ahead.

We’re also delighted to be able to share our latest member-guide. Net Zero Roads is a vital document for anyone working to deliver roads within the context of our climate ambitions. With a range of case studies and handy summaries of policies from across the UK and Northern Ireland, it will help anyone working on road projects across the country.

Members can download the guide below once they are registered or logged into our site with their work email address.

Olivia Smalley is policy and advocacy officer at the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE).