Colas Ltd

[PFI Anniversary 🎉] Celebrating 20 Years of Highways Maintenance PFI Contract in Portsmouth. This week, we have been celebrating the 20th anniversary of the twenty-five-year Highways Maintenance PFI contract in Portsmouth. The maintenance contract was signed between Ensign Highways Ltd, and Portsmouth City Council in 2004. Subsequently, Colas was selected as the subcontractor responsible for maintaining and managing the Portsmouth network 365 days of the year. Since the contract began, the PFI team has been responsible for the management and maintenance of the city’s highways infrastructure, including roads, footways, cleansing, and streetlighting. In that time, the PFI team have worked with Portsmouth City Council to introduce innovative and sustainable solutions to the city, including the installation of the UK’s first Flowell crossing. Happy anniversary to the PFI team!

A few weeks ago, some of the Colas Ltd senior team had the privilege of being invited to hold a meeting at the Bouygues joint venture Hinkley Point C site, providing a valuable opportunity gain learnings from the impressive project site, and interact with the team. The Hinkley Point C ByLor project is a joint venture between Bouygues Travaux Publics, an entity from within the Colas group, and Laing O'Rourke, and upon completion, will be the first in a new generation of nuclear power stations in the UK. One of the huge benefits we have in belonging to the global Bouygues Group is to share knowledge. By visiting extremely complex projects like Hinkley Point C, we gain insights into a different type of operation which can then be brought back to our own business in order to continue to make improvements and adjustments the benefit our customers, end users and suppliers. Read more on our website.

We are delighted to announce that Colas has been nominated in two categories in the upcoming Highways Awards! In the Digital Transformation Award category, Colas has been jointly shortlisted as finalists in partnership National Highways and FYLD in recognition of our innovative efforts in driving industry transformation. In the Health, Wellbeing, & Inclusion Award category, Colas has been shortlisted in recognition of our women’s wellness campaign, Period Dignity: Ending the Stigma. We look forward to the event in September!

Recognising the significance of supporting charitable organisations within our local communities, Colas prioritises initiatives that make a positive impact. Throughout the year, our business units actively contribute to various causes aligned with our values, aiming to foster positive change in the local communities in which we operate. Recently, our colleagues have taken on exciting challenges to further contribute to charitable causes. As a sponsor for the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, a team of eight from the Area 9 team climbed the summit of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the Scotland, the UK, and the British Isles to raise funds for the life-saving charity. Last week, ten colleagues from the Cheshire West and Chester team climbed Mount Snowdon, raising funds for Changing Lives Together, a cheshire based charity focused on making a difference in the lives of local people and having an impact on the wider environment. These remarkable endeavours demonstrate the dedication, passion, and collective spirit of our colleagues in giving back to their communities and making a positive impact. Well done to both teams!

[Decarbonisation 🌍] Our National Technical Manager, Paul Acock, and Innovation Manager Joe Kimberley will be presenting at today's CIHT Masterclass which is focussed on the topic of Decarbonisation.   They will share insights into a solution based approach to protecting and maintaining surfaces by exploring the many options available, as well as discussing our project, "Recycol in Cheshire West and Chester - Low carbon 100% binder course cold-recycling for the strategic road network," which received ‘Highly Commended’ in the ‘CIHT & Ringway Decarbonisation Award’ category at the recent CIHT Awards. #ColasShares #Decarbonisation

[Working in our local communities 🧑🤝🧑] VRS installation at Merseyside Fire and Rescue Training centre     Colas has recently completed the installation of a Vehicle Restraint System (VRS) at the new state-of-the-art Training and Development Fire Station in Aintree, Liverpool. The project, undertaken by Wates Group, aims to enhance the training capabilities of the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) by creating immersive and realistic training zones, which includes a mock-up motorway equipped with a VRS system. To find a specialist for this critical component, the Wates Group approached National Highways, who in turn contacted Colas Ltd to enquire if they could contribute their knowledge and resources to the installation of the VRS system. The installation process, executed by our skilled SDF team, was carried out over a five-day period, with the team ensuring that the VRS system provides a realistic and secure environment to simulate motorway incidents for training purposes. #ColasCares #Colasshares

In June, Colas Ltd joined BOUYGUES UK, Colas Rail UK, and Equans UK & Ireland - In Focus to host an empowering Women in Leadership event! Marking the significance of #InternationalWomeninEngineeringDay on the 23rd June, the event brought together industry leaders, visionaries and aspiring professionals to discuss gender inclusivity in STEM fields. Through engaging conversations and insightful presentations, attendees gained valuable insights, shared experiences, and were also motivated to take powerful action for continued progress. Some highlights from the day included exploring inclusive initiatives within our businesses, gaining insight into Meg Khan's impactful "Seen the Stories" project, and being inspired by esteemed guest speaker, Griselda Togobo, who gave an empowering presentation on thriving in male-dominated fields. Check out the highlight video!

Colas has completed the installation of a vibrant, new LGBTQIA+ crossing in the city centre of Newcastle. The installation, completed on 19th June on behalf of Newcastle NE1, is the first for the city in a new programme to promote and celebrate distinct areas of Newcastle. The crossing is not only a vibrant addition to the city's landscape, but also a powerful symbol of unity and inclusion. The artwork, named 'United Together,' showcases an abstract depiction of two hands held tightly together in solidarity. To achieve both visual appeal and longevity, the team utilised an innovative pre-formed thermoplastic material in the installation process, which not only ensures a visually striking result but also a durable and long-lasting artwork that will continue to make a positive impact for years to come. Watch the full video on our website.

Colas is proud to support Voluntary Action Swindon (VAS) in sponsoring the Swindon Shopmobility scheme, a vital initiative that enhances the mobility and independence of local residents with limited mobility. We understand the profound importance of maintaining independence and recognise the challenges faced by individuals with mobility limitations, including loneliness and isolation. Through this sponsorship, we can ensure the operation of 25 mobility scooters throughout the year, empowering residents to maintain their independence. Colas’ commitment to caring extends beyond our core operations. Through our partnership with VAS, and support of the Swindon Shopmobility scheme, we actively work towards creating a more inclusive and accessible community for residents with limited mobility. 

This week, alongside BOUYGUES UK, Colas Rail UK and Equans UK & Ireland we hosted a collaborative Women in Leadership event. This event was not only a testament to the strides made in promoting gender diversity in engineering and leadership but also a powerful call to action for continued progress. Marking the significance of #InternationalWomeninEngineeringDay, the event brought together industry leaders, visionaries, and aspiring professionals to discuss gender inclusivity in STEM fields. Fabienne Viala, Chair and CEO of Bouygues UK opened the event with her speech underscoring the importance of diversity and inclusion within the industry. Amelle Mestari, Director of Procurement & CSR at Equans UK & Ireland, showcased initiatives that foster inclusivity and support women in engineering across the Bouygues Group, in the UK. One of the event's highlights was a presentation by Meg Khan, a London-based photographer, designer, and storyteller. Her project, "Seen the Stories," delves into the impact of storytelling and visibility in amplifying the voices of marginalised individuals. Griselda Togobo, the esteemed guest speaker, provided valuable insights and strategies for thriving in male-dominated industries. Togobo emphasised the necessity of bravery in advancing gender equality and unlocking the full potential of talent in STEM fields. Her passionate advocacy for more women leaders at decision-making tables resonated deeply with the audience. Read the full story on our website - link in comments #ColasCares #WomeninConstruction