National Highways and its supply chain have pledged to continue to source signs for the strategic road network from a social enterprise that provides employment for veterans and people with disabilities.
The signs are manfactured at the Kent factory of Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company (BBMC), a social enterprise of Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI).
A new pledge from Vinci (Ringway), Amey, Colas, H W Martin, Chevron and Highway Traffic Management will see the factory continuing to operate.
A sign created by RBLI installed by Amey
Michelle Ferguson, managing director of RBLI’s social enterprises, said: ‘It is more important than ever that businesses come together to make meaningful choices that have a demonstrable, positive impact on peoples’ lives.
‘This ongoing commitment from National Highways and their supply chain means we have been able to promote military veterans to more senior positions, hire more people with disabilities and for the whole of RBLI to become a real living wage employer.’
National Highways executive director of commercial and procurement Malcolm Dare said: ‘We’re pleased to be supporting such a great cause as they continue to produce signs that are used on our roads, and in turn helping to support the veterans and disabled people that rely on this vital work.’
Amey has worked with RBLI since 2014 in a partnership that has produced more than 20,000 road signs so far and supported more than 150 military veterans and people with disabilities.
Managing director of transport infrastructure Peter Anderson said: ‘It’s a cherished relationship which demonstrates how social enterprises and businesses can work together successfully to provide industry-leading, value for money products and services and create tangible, positive impact on peoples’ lives long-term.
‘Today’s pledge with the wider supply chain to commit to an ongoing spend with the RBLI is an excellent step forward. A guaranteed, sustainable pipeline of work will enable RBLI to invest in the latest technology, which creates operational efficiencies and offers even more vital employment opportunities to those who need them most.’
Chevron Traffic Management has been purchasing its signs from the RBLI since April 2021 and has pledged to spend £150,000 over the financial year.
