SIB 2016: HE chief praises Highways SIB

09/11/2016 | HIGHWAYS REPORTERS

Highways England chief executive Jim O’Sullivan has described the range of products and demonstrations on display at this year’s Highways SIB (Seeing is Believing) event as “amazing”.

Earlier today Mr O’Sullivan (pictured) delivered a keynote address to attendees on safety and innovation.

As the show’s primary event partner, Highways England’s main focus has been on how they are transforming the strategic road network through improving the environment; free-flowing roads; a safe and accessible network; and supporting economic growth.

Senior staff from a number of Highways England’s key business areas are in attendance at the event. They are discussing the following topics:


  • Year two of the five-year Health and Safety Plan


  • Incident prevention initiatives


  • Smart motorways


  • RIS2


  • Stakeholder engagement.


Speaking to Highways Magazine, Mr O’Sullivan said: “This is a hugely important event for Highways England, bringing together all these different companies with all their different skills. And showing the knowledge they have and the products they produce with the rest of the industry. It’s a massively important thing for us to do.

“I think it’s important that engineers in their day to day working who don’t get a chance to see these products, get the chance to see them here.

“The range of products that are here today is amazing. For our people to see them and understand them and use them will make a contribution to our safety performance.”

With an ambitious government target of attracting 30,000 apprentices into road and rail by 2020, this year’s event has seen the introduction of an Apprenticeship/skills zone offering local students the chance to come along and find out about all the exciting opportunities that the sector has to offer.

Mr O’Sullivan continued: “This is a marvellous opportunity for apprentices and graduates to see the breadth of our industry. Actually, once you get into roads it’s hugely exciting. Highways England have taken on 51 graduates this year, which is more than before. Indeed, our apprentice numbers are up to. We expect that trend to continue in the long term.”

Highways SIB (Seeing is Believing) is taking place at Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground in Leicestershire from 9-10 November. It is Europe’s only event for indoor showcasing of highway products as well as outdoor demonstrations in all lighting conditions.

You can read a full and exclusive interview with Jim O’Sullivan in the December 2016 issue of Highways Magazine.

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Director of Transport

£112,924
East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is on a bold journey. East Midlands Region
Recruiter: East Midlands Combined County Authority

Ferry Host - WMF3049i

£25,584 - £25,992
Ferry Host - WMF3049i Windermere, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Director of Streetscene

£94,972 - £108,767
We continue to have big ambitions for our borough Fareham, Hampshire
Recruiter: Fareham Borough Council

Principal Engineer - Urban Traffic Control (UTC)

£44,711 - £49,764
Liverpool is home to vibrant, energetic and engaged communities. Liverpool, Merseyside
Recruiter: Liverpool City Council

Roadworker/Driver

Grade 6 £25,183 - £25,638 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We’re looking for Roadworker/trainee LGV drivers to be part of our team Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Project Chargehand (2 Posts)

Grade 9 £31,344 - £33,253 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We’re looking for experienced Project Chargehands to be part of the Highways Construction Services team Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Lawyer 2- Planning and Highways

£49,764 - £54,181
We are looking for a fresh thinking and enthusiastic Planning and Highways Lawyer Hereford, Herefordshire
Recruiter: Herefordshire Council

Development Engineer

£35,967 - £41,268 per annum
Are you ready to play a key role in shaping and safeguarding the future of our highways and public spaces? Bexley (City/Town), London (Greater)
Recruiter: London Borough of Bexley

Professional Services Partnering Manager

Grade 13 £47,653 - £51,296 per annum (pay award pending)
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Professional Services Partnering Manager to lead the strategic management Darley Dale, Matlock
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Technical Supervision Manager

Grade 13 £47,653 - £51,296 per annum (pay award pending)
We are looking for an experienced and driven Technical Supervision Manager to lead our technical supervision teams within the Highways Service. Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Street Lighting Electrician (CDC)

Grade 8, £32,662 - £36,239 (pay award pending)
Highways Operations is a growing service area within the Place directorate. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: City Of Doncaster Council

Highways Assistant Engineer WMF2133e

£39,513 to £40,476
We have an exciting opportunity for the right person to work within the challenging and ever-changing landscape. Penrith, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Highways Inspector/NRSWA

£36,345 - £40,344
We are looking for an organised and self-motivated individual to join our Streetworks Team based in Hackney Central. Hackney, London (Greater)
Recruiter: London Borough of Hackney Council

Structures Commissioner

Grade 14 £53,166 - £59,080 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join our team as the Structures Commissioner. Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Team Leader Network Co-ordination

£51,429 - £58,140
As Team Leader for Network Coordination, you’ll manage a team that oversees all works and events on our public highways. Kensington and Chelsea, London (Greater)
Recruiter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT PLANNING OFFICER

£43693 - £46731
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team in Hull as a Principal Transport Planning Officer. Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Recruiter: Hull City Council

HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC ENGINEER - 4 POSTS

£43693 - £46731
We have several exciting opportunities for suitably qualified Highways Civil Engineers and Traffic Engineers Wilson Centre, 1st floor, Hull HU1 2AG
Recruiter: Hull City Council

Principal Transport Planner

£45,718 to £49,764
Do you have considerable experience in the transport strategy and policy, and are you looking for your next career development opportunity? Sheffield, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: Sheffield City Council

Project Lead - Bridges and Structures WMF3037e

£45,718 to £46,731
We are currently seeking to recruit a Project Lead to join our Bridges and Structures team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW