TRUST in training to keep leading the way

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MVIS’ ethos on day-to-day business is led by our approach to service.

Service to customers comes above all else, and we strive to provide world-class class service to each and every client on every single order- no matter how big or small.

So, how do we instil this attitude throughout the company?

Well, you embed it through training and culture: introducing MVIS’ TRUST:

T – Team Work
R – Respect
U – Understanding
S – Safe Working Practice
T – Training

To be able to be consistent with these values – which the whole MVIS team contributed to – staff need to be trained for safe working practices and also have understanding and respect for others. All supervisors have been on some sort of HR course to be able to supervise other staff.

MVIS staff training underpins MVIS’ value of TRUST and we are extremely proactive with the continued development of our staff. Most current employees are doing some sort of training right now. This continued commitment to upskilling staff means that retention is at an all-time high as employees are satisfied, challenged and stimulated in their employment.

Anne Ashman, MVIS General Manager said:

“We feel our employees develop a greater affinity to MVIS as they can see firsthand that we are doing all we can to give them every opportunity to develop in their positions. We provide training and support to every department of the business, and support the entire workforce fully on their journey here with us.”

Additionally, there is no ceiling for skills at MVIS, nor a feeling of ‘job done’ or ‘nothing left to learn’. Anne continued:

“Even as General Manager of the company, I’m encouraged to keep learning and developing my own skillset. I am currently in the midst of an OU Business and Management degree, as well as an ITOPS course. Last year I also did a CIPD HR course- so it really is a constant here to be always exploring how we can upskill our staff right through the company.

“We run internal health & safety, environmental and quality training workshops monthly, which ensures that everyone understands the company’s key policies and procedures along with keeping themselves and the environment safe. Vitally, it also gets everyone to buy in to our ISO 9001 & 14001 status.”

Apprentices

MVIS has for the last four years, dramatically increased their uptake of apprentices. By doing this, employees learn the principles of the MVIS ‘TRUST’ model from day one, becoming malleable workers in the MVIS way.

The career pathway is embedded into the company for apprentices, and impressively – Operations Supervisor Dom Bridge began his journey with MVIS as an apprentice just four years ago.

MVIS presently has five apprentices, as well as a further two former apprentices that are now permanently employed. Overall, we have an impressive apprentice retention value of almost 90%, meaning almost 9/10 apprentices that MVIS give an opportunity to, stay with us at the end of their apprenticeship.

The intention to train and keep each apprentice to the MVIS values is paying dividends, with skilful, capable employees being molded.

At present, all current admin staff apart from accounts have been apprentices or are currently finishing apprenticeships with MVIS. Of the five workshop staff, there are three apprentices at various levels.

Anne explained the main benefit to recruiting apprentices as opposed to more experienced people:

“Simply, we can train them to buy into the MVIS TRUST values and our attitude to customer service, and it reduces the likelihood of having to remove bad habits taken from previous employment.”

Proactive innovation wins the day

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The 14th Highways Awards (formerly the Highways Magazine Excellence Awards) took place on Wednesday 18th October in the jubilant atmosphere of the Nine Kings Suite at the Lancaster London.

Thirteen winners were announced by the delightful celebrity guest, Julia Bradbury – star of ITV’s recent Britain’s Best Walks and Best Walks with a View travelogues –  along with representatives from each of the five platinum sponsors and eight award sponsors.

Attended by just shy of 500 highway industry professionals, the Awards once again reflected another busy year in the sector, with each winning entry showing a real proactive approach to change, innovation and collaboration.

The Official Charity Partner for the gala evening dinner was construction industry charity, the Lighthouse Club, and an amazing £4,769 was raised during the evening, which was gratefully received by the charity’s Chief Executive, Bill Hill.

Big congratulations to all those winners and highly commended entrants in each of the 13 categories listed below, along with special thanks to all the Highways Awards’ judges, supporters and sponsors:

 

Most Innovative Highway Authority Scheme of the Year                     
Sponsored by Tripod Crest

Winner
London Borough of Waltham Forest
Enjoy Waltham Forest
Judges’ Comment: “An excellent example of community involvement to regenerate and change an area that was infrastructure heavy.”

Highly commended
Kier Highways & Surrey County Council
S-Skills

 

Site Safety Initiative Award
Platinum sponsorship Dynniq

Winner
WJ Group
WJ Guardian Road Stud Installation System
Judges’ Comment: “A very innovative and safe solution to a dangerous operation, that keeps both operatives and the travelling public safe.”

 

Road Safety Scheme of the Year
Sponsored by Keysoft Solutions

Winner
Scotland TranServ, Clearview Intelligence, Coeval and Transport Scotland
A75 Speeding related accidents, route action Variable Speed/Vehicle Class Activated Signs
Judges’ Comment: “An innovative approach identifying the class of vehicle causing issues and specifically targeting that class.”

 

Award for Environmental Sustainability in the Highways Sector                   
Platinum sponsorship Total Bitumen

Winner
Carillion Morgan Sindall Joint Venture
A1 Leeming to Barton Improvements (A1L2B)
Judges’ Comment: “Really impressive saving with 100,000m3 of existing pavement and 97% of waste diverted from landfill.”

Highly Commended
GRAHAM Construction & Metrobus
Metrobus Contract D

 

Road Marking Project of the Year                                                                  
Sponsored by RSMA

Winner
Lancashire County Council, WJ North Ltd & Meon UK Ltd
Bank Bridge, Tarleton
Judges’ Comment: “Impressed by the performance of the scheme and the strong supply chain collaboration.”

 

Major Project Award                                                                              
Sponsored by Tarmac

Winner
Skanska, Jacobs, Highways England & AECOM
M1 Junction 19 Improvement Scheme
Judges’ Comment: “A very worthwhile project, tackling a highly congested section of the network.”

Highly Commended
Aggregate Industries UK Ltd  and Costain Ltd
A556 Knutsford to Bowdon Environmental Improvement

 

Highway Industry Product of the Year                                                         
Platinum sponsorship Shell Bitumen

Winner
Tensar International Ltd
Spectra Pavement Optimisation System
Judges’ Comment:“Impressed by the potential environmental and benefits to society.”  

 

Team of the Year
Platinum sponsorship MWay Comms

Winner
A14 Integrated Delivery Team
Procurement & Supply Chain Team
Judges’ Comment: “Impressed by the clear objectives of the team and how these were executed, with the potential to raise wider industry standards.”

Highly Commended
Suffolk County Council & Kier
Suffolk Highways Surface Dressing
Delivery Team

Highly Commended
A-one+ & Highways England
One Team Approach

 

Highway Partnership Award                                   
Sponsored by WJ

Winner
Hanson UK & Dorset County Council
The Dorset/Hanson Strategic Partnership
Judges’ Comment: “Good performance improvements, clear efficiency targets and excellent to see the partnership charter really working.”

 

Highways Maintenance Efficiency Award
Sponsored by Kier

Winner
A-one+ Integrated Highways Services
& Highways England
Area 12 ASC Programme Delivery
Judges’ Comment: “Very impressive lean initiative taking a whole life cost approach and saving £0.5m.”

Highly Commended
Galliford Try, Capita & Salford City Council
Urban Vision

 

Award for the Best Use of New Technology in the Highways Industry        
Platinum sponsorship MVIS

Winner
Department for Transport, Gaist Solutions, Soenecs, Thurrock Council, Wiltshire Council & City of York Council
Gaist Pothole Spotter
Judges’ Comment: “High quality and frequently refreshed information on potholes across networks providing great potential for development.”

 

Apprentice of the Year 
Sponsored by the IHE

Winner
Lancashire County Council
Cameron Newsham
Judges’ Comment: “Cameron has gone beyond expectations and become a valuable contributor to the team.”

Highly Commended
Tarmac
Richard Denman

Highly Commended
Amey
Bradley Richardson         

 

The outstanding entry considered to be a ‘game changer’ by all the judges and awarded the Judges’ Special Merit Award, sponsored by Archway Products, was the A14 Integrated Delivery Team with their Procurement & Supply Chain Team.

The Highways Awards are independently judged by an esteemed panel of representatives from every corner of the United Kingdom, including the Department for Transport, Transport Scotland, the Welsh Government, Transport NI Eastern Division, Highways England and the Institute of Highway Engineers.

For more information, and for full details of all the shortlisted entries, please download a full copy of the Highways Awards 2017 Review document here, or visit the website here.

MVIS to Exhibit at Highways UK Event

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The Highways UK Event will return to the NEC in Birmingham on November 8 & 9 this year, and MVIS is proud to be exhibiting at this major traffic and roadwork show.

With a packed schedule of events and lectures across nine stages, the best minds in the industry will be present to discuss advancements and new technologies involved in the planning, designing, building, operating and future-proofing of the UK’s road network.

MVIS will be situated on Stand C06 and our team will be able to advise attendees about our extensive portfolio of traffic management systems and solutions and look forward to meeting new and familiar faces at this landmark event.

Download the programme summary here >

We look forward to seeing you there on Stand C06.  

Be seen with MVIS

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On today’s busy roads, motorists are often asked to respond to changes in their regular routines.

Whether it’s road closures, traffic accidents or planned maintenance work, there may be a need to re-route road users, and should that happen, you need to be able to inform them of any changes quickly, safely and succinctly.

MVIS’ variable message signs (VMS) – which are used to display important messages to road users – are portable and mobile, which means that they can quickly be put into position with minimum disruption.

If it’s planned maintenance, this gives you additional time to advertise the upcoming changes and warn motorists to make alternative plans. You can schedule messages to appear at different times and dates using our innovative Web Studio™, and you don’t even have to be present to change your display – it can be done by any Wi-Fi enabled Apple device, meaning that if your message suddenly needs to change, it’s quick and easy for you to do so.

If it’s an unplanned incident, MVIS has the use of 20 depots around the UK which means that our distribution team will be able to deploy a VMS to you quickly. We also have a 24/7 support line so if you require any assistance, no matter what time of day or night it is, someone will be on-hand to help.

MVIS supplies two different sized VMS products – the smaller of the two, the VMS-A is suitable for inner city and urban roads with a speed limit of 50mph or under, and the larger VMS-C which is suitable for all roads, especially motorways and locations with a speed limit of 60mph or more. The equipment is completely weatherproof and vandal resistant, so you can be assured of a high-quality, great performing product whatever the weather and its non-glare LED screen means your message will be completely visible at any time of the day or night.

All you need to think about is what message to put on your VMS.

If you would like to find out more about our range of VMS, please email sales@m-vis.co.uk or call us on 01629 580570.

The MVIS Approach

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We’re firm believers that MVIS should be responsible and ethical in its approach to work, and this applies to all of our processes, products and staff.

This is evident in the work we do within and beyond our local community, and how we constantly try to better ourselves, whether this is regular training courses for the team, or working to achieve industry standard quality milestones such as the ISO certification. Take a look at the different ways in which we’re committed to CSR here:

Supporting people

We’re keen supporters of our community and its people and regularly welcome work experience students from the nearby Highfield School in Matlock to help to integrate them into a working environment. We also employ a number of apprentices who have excelled in their roles, learning quickly and applying that knowledge to their day-to-day working life.

Supporting the environment

EnvironmentOur customers are often surprised to know that our portfolio of traffic management products is extremely environmentally friendly. Our VMS units are solar powered so need no mains electricity, and as we have use of over 20 depots around the UK, they needn’t travel a huge distance to get to you – meaning fewer carbon emissions. Our products can also help to educate drivers about the dangers of air pollution and encourage them to become more aware of how they drive. Read more about that here >

Supporting charities

CharityWe’re always keen to help out wherever we can, and over the past 12 months have taken part in different charity initiatives. Early this year, we donated equipment to a charity march in support of our local hospital and alongside this, two of the MVIS team – Anne and Tom – completed 10 x 10km runs in 10 months in aid of Sands Charity, raising over £5000.

Supporting clubs

MickelThere are many sports fans within ‘Team MVIS’ and this is reflected in the support that we offer to local sports teams and persons from the local area. We recently announced that we would be continuing to sponsor our local football team, Matlock Town FC, and as well as seeing our name on the shirts, fans will also see vital match day information on the fixed VMS unit that we donated to the ground to help keep their crowds up-to-date with important safety information and upcoming match details. Our sister company Bartco UK is also a proud sponsor of local kickboxer and ICO Super Middleweight World Champion, Karl Johnston, as well as the multiple championship winning team Mickel Motorsport. Sponsoring teams and clubs like this allows us to show our support throughout the wider community and provides vital funds for them to continue competing to a high level.

If you would like to find out more about MVIS, please call us on 01629 580570.

Get Social with MVIS

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We’re always keen to hear from our customers and always look forward to what they have to say – which is why we’ve made it as easy as possible to get in touch.

As well as the 24/7 care line, MVIS customers can connect with us via email, or through social media, where we are active on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Here, you can ask us any questions about our products, staff or policies, and can also discover important product information, details of our recent work and projects, and information about upcoming exhibitions and where you can find us as well as links to corporate news, job opportunities and staff profiles.

If you have a question about any of our products, then please feel free to get in touch on social media where we will be happy to answer your query.

Find us on Twitter: @MVISLtd
Find us on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company-beta/2941962/
Emails us: sales@m-vis.co.uk
Call us: 01629 580570

Introducing…Jon Larkins

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Dependable and quick to learn, Jon has been developing his knowledge of our varied product lines and has shown himself to be a great team player.

Meet him here.

How long have you been with MVIS?:
I joined MVIS on the 10th July. I’m in my fourth week here and loving it.

Job role:
Delivery and Maintenance Operative at the north depot.

Recent projects:
I recently worked at a plant in Barking which needed 15 VMS units. It was great as the north and south depots worked together to deliver all products on time. I also worked at Silverstone F1, setting up CCTV during my first week which was a great introduction to the business.

How did you get into the industry?:
I worked as a refuse collector for 12 years and was in need of a change. After hearing the great reputation that MVIS as a company and employer had, I searched the internet for any vacancies and like magic, there was the job for a Delivery and Maintenance Operative.

From my first interview with Anne and Darren, I could sense that the staff at MVIS were like one big, happy family and wanted to be a part of that environment.

Most fulfilling part of your role?:
The diversity of the job. You could be delivering from one end of the country to the other so you get to see many different parts of the country which is fantastic.

The workshop environment is great fun too. No two days are ever the same.

More about me:
I’m a family man and like nothing better than spending my free time with my wife and two daughters enjoying days out or acting daft on rainy days.

I also enjoy motorbikes and often visit the Isle of Man for the TT races and take part in track days.

Introducing…Cain Gregory

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We stole a few minutes out of Cain’s busy day to find out what life is like as part of the MVIS team.

Full Name:
Cain Gregory

How long have you been with MVIS?
I started in July 2017.

Job role:
I joined the team as a Technical Apprentice. This involves assisting in the warehouse, researching methods to develop my skills, identifying solutions to problems and constantly thinking how to complete a job to the best of my ability.

Recent projects:
I’ve been stripping MTS trailers ready for the technicians to begin to upgrade the units. I have also been had training from some of the MVIS team on how to build a VMS unit. Later in my training, I will be able to build and work on the units that MVIS supply by myself which I’m really looking forward to. The training will develop my skills in a manual industry so I will become more capable within the warehouse.

How did you get into the industry?: 
I first came to MVIS in 2016 as part of my work experience from Highfields School in Matlock. I carried out small activities, such as checking and using the hand held equipment. I really enjoyed my time here and the tasks I was set – it was challenging but very enjoyable. After finishing my GCSEs earlier in 2017, I got in touch with MVIS to see if there were any positions available. They offered me a role as a Technical Apprentice and I started straight away.

Most fulfilling part of your role?:
Developing new skills – I really enjoy taking on new tasks and I learn something new every day. The team here is great and is always on hand with friendly advice if I get stuck with something.

More about me:
I attend boxing training and enjoy spending my time socialising and meeting my friends.

Discover MVIS’ Datex JTS

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The technical team at MVIS are an innovative bunch, and like to stay one step ahead when it comes to new traffic management initiatives. One of our most recent products, the Datex Journey Time Solution (JTS) system does just this as it enables real-time journey time information for roads from Highways England’s National Traffic Operations Centre (NTOC).

The system was the first such solution to enable real-time journey time information from the NTOC that is displayed on portable variable message signs, and is now being used by a number of traffic management companies across the UK.

Because the date is communicated directly from NTOC in DATEX II format, this means that it is highly effective and accurate when it comes to informing road users of any disruptions or road closures in real time. This then helps to ease congestion and prevents long delays as road users are able to find alternative routes rather than sit idling in traffic.

It also encourages a more environmentally friendly approach too, as shorter queue times help reduce harmful emissions caused by static traffic jams.

A hardy and robust product, the Datex Journey Time Solution was designed to withstand varied weather conditions, so no matter whether rain or shine, you are guaranteed a reliable and quality performance.

If you would like to find out more about how the Datex JTS can become a valued part of your traffic management solutions, please call us on 01629 580 570 or email sales@m-vis.co.uk

Specialised should not mean scarce

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Here at MVIS, we’ve always been keen to support local businesses and people wherever possible, and as such, have always welcomed apprentices and traineeships as part of our growing workforce.

MVIS, and its sister company Bartco UK have a long-standing partnership with local education provider Highfields School in Matlock, and we often run work experience programmes for the Year 10s. This sees them working closely with our technical team, and will hopefully inspire them to consider a career within the ITS industry – which is facing as a shortage of recruits.

The ITS industry requires highly-skilled workers who possess good technical knowledge, and to try to ignite a spark with younger students, this year MVIS has extended an invitation for Year 8 pupils to encourage them to think about the role that ITS equipment could perform outside the transport sector.

We hope that initiatives like this will inform youngsters of the varied roles available to them within the industry, and demonstrate the type of skills that are required.

MVIS will also welcome one of last year’s Highfields’ work experience students who is about to embark on a four-year apprenticeship with the company. He will join four other apprentices working across various departments, from administration to technical.

MVIS’ apprenticeship scheme has proved to be a storming success, and both the Operations and Service Coordinator and Administration Assistant began their careers at MVIS through apprenticeships and have grown in confidence and skills during their time here.

One of the reasons this initiative has worked so well is that the MVIS team always ensure that, however busy they are, that the apprentices are given adequate time to undertake all of their apprenticeship work within office hours. Not every organisation does this, and MVIS’ training provider advises that this can compromise the output, from the perspective both of the individuals concerned and of their employers.

And it’s not only the apprentices that are developing their learning, the rest of the staff regularly undertake additional training courses and exams to ensure that they are up-to-date with all of the new regulations within the industry. It’s never too late to learn!

If you are interested in a career in the ITS industry or would like to know more about MVIS, please email us on sales@m-vis.co.uk or call us on 01629 580 570.

5 Benefits of the Datex Journey Time Solution

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Originally developed for use on Highways England’s Manchester Smart Motorways initiative, our Datex Journey Time Solution is the first to display real-time journey time information from Highways England’s National Traffic Operations Centre (NTOC) on portable variable message signs.

It is now being used by traffic managers across a range of projects. Here’s why:

  1. It helps ease congestion and emissions

By advising road users of potential delays it encourages them to take alternative routes, easing traffic in congested areas and reducing emissions.

  1. It’s accurate and reliable

Communicated directly from NTOC in DATEX II format, data is displayed in real time for highly accurate journey times.

  1. It’s adaptable

Because the information is displayed on portable VMS, traffic managers can respond quickly and decisively to changing road traffic scenarios. MVIS’ products are available nationwide via a network of UK-wide depots.

  1. It improves road safety

Providing road users with accurate journey time information and alerting them to delays on the road ahead, helps them to avoid incidents, make informed decisions about their onward journey and reduce frustration – all of which helps improve road safety.

  1. It comes with built-in safeguards

The Datex Journey Time Solution is designed with safeguards to ensure the journey times calculated don’t fall outside of the range allowed by current speed limits or conflict with the messages on any permanent VMS.  Automated VMS messages can be manually overridden in the event of a network incident.

Always moving forward

The Datex Journey Time Solution is part of MVIS’ range of innovative bespoke temporary ITS solutions designed to ensure the road network operates as efficiently and safely as possible.

To find out how we can help you call 01629 580 570 or email sales@m-vis.co.uk

 

Two success stories in one week for MVIS

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MVIS and its sister company Bartco UK, saw two successes stories in one week as two of their sponsored sports stars and teams brought home the silverware. 

Boxing Clever

On Wednesday 17th May, The Original Jesters’ man from Matlock, Karl ‘Tinker’ Johnston, stepped into the ring to face Cyprus’ Kimbo Super Fight Champion, Christakis Alexandrou, to decide who was going to take the ICO Super Middleweight World Champion title.

Karl’s successful defence of his European crown in April 2017 secured his shot at the title, and with the fight being held on UK soil, Karl’s army of fans made the trip to Birmingham to show their support.

Despite round one showing that Johnston was in for a tough fight, Karl’s conditioning and strength shone through as he landed more and more damaging shots at Alexandrou as the fight went on.

In the fourth round, Alexandrou only had the bell to thank for his survival, however, in round five Johnston pushed the tough Cypriot on to final bell before having his arm raised and being crowned the new ICO Super Middleweight champion.

As a result of his success, Karl will now fight under new boxing rules before the end of 2017, and then he will make his first defence of his title in 2018.

On behalf of all the team at MVIS, we would like to congratulate Karl on his continuous success and we wish him all the best of luck in his future fights.

A Match Made in Heaven

Matlock Town FC scored a winning result in their recent cup final, beating Gresley FC 5 – 0 in a distinctly one-sided match to see The Gladiators become DCFA Senior Challenge Cup Champions.

Marc Newsham opened the score sheet by driving home a 25-yard shot into the top left-hand corner, with the second headed home by Michael Williams just before half-time.

Newsham netted his second – and The Gladiator’s third – soon into the second half, with Jake Green scoring the fourth from a free kick in the 54th minute.

Niall McManus closed the scoring with a thunderous strike to the top right-hand corner in the 72nd minute, taking Matlock to a convincing 5 – 0 victory.

The MVIS team would like to offer big congratulations to The Gladiators for a thrilling season, and we look forward to sponsoring and watching your continued success in the next.

Mobile Visual Information Systems

01629 580 570

MVIS, Units 6-8, Brookfield Way, Brookfield Industrial Estate, Tansley, Matlock, Derbyshire. DE4 5ND

© 2022. Company registered in England No. 8130402 - Registered Office: Units 6-8, Brookfield Way, Brookfield Industrial Estate, Tansley, Matlock, Derbyshire. DE4 5ND