As we bid farewell to 2023, there’s no better time to reflect on our accomplishments this year. In this comprehensive review, we delve into our key highlights and milestones...

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• Raising the Bar with TMCA:

  We kicked off the year by joining the Traffic Management Contractors Association (TMCA) as Associate Members, following in an-depth application process. A fantastic opportunity, TMCA provides us with an opportunity to share and learn more about best practices within our sector, raising standards through collaboration and innovation to benefit authorities and road users.
  
  

• Sustainable Traffic Management:

  This year, we have taken significant strides in the development of intelligent traffic management solutions, leveraging cutting-edge technology to improve overall traffic management efficiency and a reduction in fuel consumption and emissions.

  In March, we launched the revolutionary SRL Solar PLUS, an innovation retrofit onto our portable signals, portable CCTV and UTMC. With nearly 1,000 SRL Solar PLUS now on hire, users experience unparalleled benefits derived from reduced battery exchanges – fewer site visits result in reduced vehicle emissions, less time spent on live lanes improves worker safety, and reduced expenditure on electricity from the grid.

  In the same month, we also achieved Achilles Carbon Reduce Certification. Further to an in-depth three-day audit, we demonstrated our commitment to managing and reducing emissions in respect to our operational activities. 
  
  

• Great Products, and an Even Better Team:
  

  In what was an incredibly busy month, we were also joined by Operations Director, Dave Ingleby. A highly regarded figure in the rental industry, his experience of running multi-depot regions was immediately evident. Dave spearheads our next phase of growth in the hire division, establishing, and delivering new processes to better serve our customers.

  In June, we were delighted to welcome the wonderful Claire Woodhouse to the team. Leading our operations in London and the Southeast is no mean feat, but Claire has taken the challenges in her stride and continues to conduct her team with a positive, can-do attitude. Customers in the region benefit from invigorated, responsive service.

  Meanwhile, Transport Manager, Andy Fay joined the team to develop our vehicle strategy. Our lynchpin for operations, Andy is instilling new systems to ensure we are compliant, work cost-effectively and, most importantly, safely. 
  
  

• Health & Safety:

  In the Spring, SRL received the internationally recognised RoSPA Gold Award for demonstrating high health and safety standards. One of the most prestigious health and safety schemes in the world, RoSPA rewards companies for their commitment to continuous improvement in the prevention of accidents and ill health at work.
  
  

• Depot Investment:

  In May, we hosted our first depot open day at our new East Grinstead depot. The new site enables us to provide a more responsive and complete hire service, with twice the capacity of our previous depot. A little later this year, we also opened a new Aberdeen depot to bolster our offering to our customers in the North of Scotland.
  
  

• Summer of VMS:

  With the arrival of Paul Burnham as Key Account Manager for VMS (Events), in collaboration with Caroline Weller, Matt Felce and the team, our VMS division has had an incredibly busy year. This summer, we were proud to provide VMS for a host of well-known events including The British Grand Prix, Reading & Leeds Festivals, Boardmasters, Finsbury Park & Glastonbury Festival, among others.

  VMS continue to play a pivotal role in enhancing driver safety and communication. Whether conveying real-time traffic advisories or emergency notifications, VMS prove to be a versatile tool in promoting safer driving practices.
  
  

• Industry Recognition:

  SRL were shortlisted as finalists for prizes at two renowned industry awards – the Hire Awards of Excellence, and Highways Awards, respectively. We were delighted to go one step further and win 'Product of the Year' for our new, patented Haul Route PLUS plant crossing solution. The only wireless plant crossing solution, the intelligent system incorporates solar-powered temporary signals, safety barriers and CCTV, automatically switching between the main road and haul route barrier system through the detection of plant vehicles.
  
  

• Product Development:

  Since it’s opening in 2022, our Technical and Innovation Centre in Beeston, Nottingham, has been a hotbed for product development. Further to the introduction of our SRL Solar PLUS and Haul Route PLUS solutions, we’ve also introduced SRL Telematics, our custom web-based telematics software, and most recently, our upgraded Portable CCTV. New benefits include: an easy-to-use web-based platform, software/hardware updates that reduce battery drain, enhanced reliability, and one-month’s continuous recording.

  This autumn, we’ve also released updates to our Urban64 system which accommodates off-site build, saving customers traffic management time and money. They also benefit from a slicker look and feel, and an adjustable base for enhanced stability.
  
  

• Community Engagement and Education:

  Recognising the importance of community engagement, throughout the year, we actively participated in educational initiatives aimed at promoting road safety awareness. Campaigns, collaborations with local communities and one-off commitments, underscored our pledge to foster a culture of responsible and safe road use.
  
  

As we conclude the year, we can certainly look back proudly. Indeed, we finished on a high this month, completing our ISO recertification in review of ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001, respectively. A brilliant achievement for everyone in the business.

This year, it's evident that we’ve made significant strides in honing the landscape of traffic management and road safety and demonstrated a commitment to innovation and excellence.

We’d like to take this opportunity to thank our colleagues, customers, partners, suppliers, and friends for all your support in 2023. Have a wonderful festive break, and we look forward to even greater success together, next year.-