Ben Kettell, Author at MVIS Ltd

The Great MVIS Bake Off Final 2023

Posted on 8th November 2023 at 2:40 pm.

We have had so much fun raising funds for Ashgate Hospice through various events and activities in 2023. Between September – November we held our in-house baking competition, The Great MVIS Bake Off, Inspired by the popular channel 4 show. This year the competition stepped up a level, with more fierce competition, more star bakers and a different theme each week.

Throughout the weeks, we saw delicious bakes including cupcakes, brownies, cookies & fudge cakes. Throughout the competition, the best bakers rose to the top and progressed to the knock-out stages, until there were just 2.

On Monday (6th Nov) we held our grand final between Purchasing Supervisor – Rebecca Prince & Technical Apprentice – Jacob Spencer. Jacob (Chucky) was going in to his second final in two years after being crowned the Great MVIS Bake Off Winner in 2022. Both bakers were required to bake a Red Velvet cake and neither finalist disappointed.

As the Bake Off is held in order to raise funds for our charity partner Ashgate Hospice, we felt it was only right to get our own guest judges involved. David Storer & Natalie Bell took up the rolls of Paul Hollywood & Prue Leith. After a lot of tasting, deliberation and consulting, not only on flavour but on appearance and texture, David & Natalie crowned Jacob the 2023 Great MVIS Bake Off winner.

We also felt that with our guest judges in attendance, this was the perfect chance to announce our grand total raised for Ashgate Hospice throughout 2023.

We provide support & funds for Ashgate Hospice throughout the year and try to get involved with as many events as we can. These include:

The Great MVIS Bake Off
Christmas Tree Cycle
Matlock Town Football Shirt Auction
Tote Bag Donation
Christmas Movie Event
Sponsorship of the High Peak Trail Walk

MVIS, also provides the hospice with VMS to promote events throughout the year, including The High Peak Trail & Sparkle Walk.

When. we combined everything we have contributed to Ashgate throughout the year and our grand total is……..£14,982! An incredible effort by all members or our amazing team.

David Storer from Ashgate Hospice said:

“MVIS are a fantastic supporter of Ashgate Hospice and always go above and beyond to help us out wherever they can. Whether that’s supplying their digital signs to help with the promotion and safety of our events, helping at our events or even hosting a Bake Off challenge with all proceeds kindly being donated to the Hospice.

The money that MVIS save and raise for the Hospice each year is phenomenal, this year alone the total is just shy of £15k! Amazing! This can do so much at the Hospice and goes towards ensuring that Ashgate Hospice will be here for the future when people need us the most. Thank you to Anne and all the team at MVIS. It’s such a warm and friendly place and we’re always made to feel welcome. We’re really looking forward to working with MVIS again in 2024.”

Investing in Our Most Valuable Assets

Posted on 1st November 2023 at 9:58 am.

Written by Ben Kettell

Here at MVIS we pride ourselves on investing in one of our most valuable assets… our staff.

Many of our staff members have had time and effort put into them to ensure they have the best qualifications. This is both to benefit our customers, MVIS as a company and to benefit the team member in their future endeavours. We always showcase our own certifications such as our ISO, FORS and Constructionline Platinum.

But our staff also have their own certifications to ensure customers that all onsite staff are qualified to the required standard. This is no different for our newest member of staff, Connor Dickson. Our Northern Hub Supervisor. Connor joined us from another company within ITS TM, but only had in-house training. We have fast- tracked him through external training for:

First Aid 3-day course
Fire Marshall
Manual Handling
Working at Height
Handheld Tools
Abrasive Wheels
IOSH Managing Safely
CSCS & 1 days Health & Safety

Giving him the skills and qualifications to work on the High-Speed network, using his HE Passport, and allowing him to deliver an excellent service to our TM lower speed schemes in the North region. Delivering nothing less than the Platinum Level Service that our customers have come to expect from MVIS.

Well done Connor on this great achievement!

MVIS returns to Highways UK

Posted on 13th October 2023 at 3:00 pm.

Written by Ben Kettell

We are exhibiting at Highways UK and we’re now only one week away. Highways UK is the sector’s must-attend event, it offers companies the opportunity to showcase their latest products or solutions, as well as explore other innovations in the market, and network with others in the industry.

If you are attending, make sure that you stop by Stand 312 in Hall 3 & 3A to say. Our dedicated Management and Sales team will be at the event to field any questions that you will need answering.

We will also be debuting our newest solution for people visiting our stand. Our brand-new Solar Barrier with a built-in ANPR Camera, perfect for programming. Also being showcased is our amazing HD Compact, Compact CCTV, and our Environmental Sensor.

Celebrating 10 years of Pat Musgrave

Posted on 18th September 2023 at 8:00 am.

Written by Ben Kettell

Our CEO, Pat Musgrave, is celebrating a decade since he first became MD of MVIS. We were able to find time in Pat’s schedule to sit down and talk to him about his time in the highways industry and working at MVIS and the team that runs it.

Here is what Pat had to say:

Where does your passion for ITS come from?

“I guess it stems from when I was a kid. I’ve always liked electronics and messing around with technology. I started off my career as a qualified electrician. Involved in highways, street lighting and that kind of stuff. Rapidly becoming more involved with CCTV and ITS products.

It’s always been more interesting than domestic, industrial and commercial wiring. So, it kind of progressed into that. “

Tell us about your past experience in ITS?

“I mean, obviously, back in the day, I first got involved with MVIS and help set up the company back in 2012 when we became a limited company with ambition, but I guess it was meeting up with Tony Price.

We used to install ANPR cameras something we still do today, and Tony price was working for a company called NDI technologies. I was at a trade show in London, went onto his stand, got chatting and realised that he owned a property at the mill just below our offices in Tansley. I won a few jobs For NDI technology installing ANPR cameras. That was my first sort of involvement in this side of the RTS side of things.”

He continued: “Tony reappeared a couple of years later with his VMS product that he was bringing in from Australia and was struggling with the product. He set up the company Colour Mobile VMS. He was struggling to do anything with it because the competition had already got supply chains in place from America and Canada and amber signs only, and they couldn’t see the value in a colour sign.

Tony, who was in the early stages of marketing the sign, contacted me to say he was displaying it at Traffex and asked if I would like to go along. I jumped in the car, drove to Darley Dale, had a cup of tea with him and it went from there.”

What has been your greatest challenge in the last 10 years?

Pat told us: “It has always been funding. It’s always been my role within the business, pre MVIS and post Colour Mobile to raise the relevant funding to do the projects.

That’s always a challenge, having the money to execute projects from start to finish. So yes, that’s the greatest challenge.”

Do you have a favourite product?

“I guess the Solar IP trailer is my favourite product because we worked really hard to get that developed back in 2011. It’s a very versatile product and the first of its kind to market.”

When asked about MVIS VMS, Pat told us: “The VMS are good and obviously the mainstay of the business. But I take a lot of pride in the solar IP because that was one of the things, we developed on the back of a cigarette packet in the early days.”

Which scheme has given you the most satisfaction?

“I think the first ROTTM scheme that we won along the M6 Junction 10 to 13. Apart from the Olympics, the Olympics is the main one, going back to 2012, but since then, I guess the ROTTM Scheme 10 to 13, because we were basically only really known as a portable supplier. We managed to break into the fixed market against the big boys which was a massive achievement.”

How has the industry changed over the last decade?

“More and more people have come on board and the competition has grown. We were very premature in things that we did in the early days. We had vehicle mounted VMS with CCTV cameras on, 6, 7, 8 years ago, we couldn’t get people engaged in those products back then.

More and more people have come into the market and these things are now coming to the forefront. The biggest thing is the amount of people involved in the industry. The number of competitors is the biggest change.”

What is your greatest achievement since you started MVIS?

“I think it’s having the key people in place and obviously the biggest challenge is having the right management in the right places.”

Pat reiterates: “So, it’s not necessarily my achievements. It’s the team’s achievements. Then there’s achievements of running the business on a day-to-day basis for the last 10 years. So, it’s not about my greatest achievements.

It’s the team’s greatest achievements. Having the right people doing the right roles. Having a pride and passion in that role.”

How many years have you worked in the Highways Industry?

“I guess I’m coming up now for my 40th year having just turned 58. When I left school, doing electrical work and progressed into the streetlighting arena, which had got me first into the highways industry, subcontracting to various streetlighting companies.

So, yeah, you could say I’m in my 40th year of being involved in the highways industry and the ITS arena.”

How has your role changed since promotion from UK MD earlier this year to Group CEO?

“I stayed on, was moved up to Group CEO and continued with the shareholding. I guess, it gives me more of an oversight role. I’ve got more involvement at a higher level. It’s very difficult to have an involvement in the business when it’s being run day-to-day.

Some clarity on my role and that role is basically overseeing strategic decisions, bringing the team together across the world and making us one company. So that’s my role now. I’ve got more involvement at a higher level. Anne runs the UK day to day with assistance from Graeme and Anthony runs Australia day to day.”

What does the future look like for MVIS?

“I suppose previously MVIS had got its own limited opportunities. Now that we are working more as a team between here and Australia, the Research and Development department is working together much more.

We can take MVIS and Bartco Australia together into new markets, new countries with new products. So, it’s an exciting time. If we can keep pace with recruiting the correct people to bring into the business to support the team we’ve got and keep on top of the R&D. Making sure that we are constantly bringing new products to market, that we’ve proved and tested and are fit for purpose.

We have the Solar Barrier coming through and also the new solar IP version 6, which will integrate more equipment and be more powerful. It’s exciting times for the group.”

What makes MVIS different? In our own words…

Posted on 1st September 2023 at 9:59 am.

Written by Ben Kettell

In the realm of Portable VMS & ITS, one name stands out as a tried & trusted leader in both fields – MVIS.

Renowned for pioneering solutions & a customer centric approach, we have consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation and service to become the company we are today, with a glowing reputation earned over the last decade.

In this exclusive interview, we delve into what sets us apart, as revealed by the very individuals who power our success.

Tom Hooton, R&D Manager told us: “The company’s commitment to innovation via its Research & Development.” Tom continued: “Our commitment to innovation is unwavering, and our Research and Development is the backbone of our success. We constantly explore cutting-edge technologies and methodologies to enhance our products.”

Juliette Wright, Sales and Business Development Manager gave her take on what makes MVIS unique and told us “For me, it’s our Platinum Service Promise.” Juliette shone a spotlight on this for us as she elaborated: “Our commitment doesn’t end with the sale or hire of VMS units. It begins there. It guarantees unparalleled pre & post-sales support and focuses around finding the right solution for our clients’ needs. We understand that our clients rely on our products for critical traffic management. We provide 24/7 support, ensuring that our solutions operate seamlessly. This level of service isn’t just a promise; it’s our ethos.”

Next, Graeme Lee, MVIS’ Sales Director spoke to us and added his thoughts on MVIS’ unique quality by telling us: “The dual sales & hire solution that we provide.” Graeme emphasises the unique approach we take. “Unlike others, we don’t focus solely on the sales or hire of portable VMS units – MVIS is an all-around solution providing both options to our customers. “We understand that different clients have different needs.” Graeme continued. “Some prefer to invest permanently in their ITS equipment, while others benefit from flexible hiring options. Our dual approach ensures that we can cater to a diverse range of clients.”

Ben Kettell was next to share his thoughts with us, and the company’s Marketing Manager added: “I believe truly innovative solutions & product integrations set us apart.” “Take our Queue Detect system and Environmental Sensor, for instance. These are game changers. “Queue detect anticipates congestion and adjusts traffic flow, minimising bottlenecks and, as a result, gives the road user a smoother journey. Our environmental sensor gathers real-time data on air quality, enabling full data profiling of an area and highlights the need for adaptive responses. These innovations showcase our dedication to making roads smarter and safer, but the bigger picture is that we’re developing products and systems that can help to address major industry issues such as roadworker abuse and meeting key environmental targets.”

Our final conversation was with Anne Ashman, MVIS’ Group Commercial & Operations Director who told us: “Our long-term track record of success – as we’ve been delivering for our customers for over 10 years.” Anne then went on to say: “In a rapidly changing industry, consistency is key. We’ve been delivering exceptional VMS & ITS solutions for over a decade now, and our longevity speaks volumes about our expertise and adaptability.

“We’ve sparked technological shifts – bringing many firsts to the marketplace, as well as navigating some regulatory changes, and ever-evolving client needs. Our track record isn’t just a history of the company; it’s a platinum promise of continued excellence.” MVIS stands as a pillar of innovation, customer service, sustainability & safety, and continues to shape the future of portable VMS & ITS solutions across the highways sector. As these dedicated employees have shared, MVIS’s uniqueness is rooted in its relentless pursuit of excellence, making a lasting impact on our ever-changing industry.

MVIS renews its Achilles

Posted on 29th August 2023 at 8:23 am.

Written by Ben Kettell

We have a wide array of certifications in our business. These certificates alert customers of our dedication to Health and Safety, Corporate Social Responsibility and Legislation and

Regulations compliance, as well as being a badge of honour for the team at MVIS.

The Achilles Audit serves to independently verify that our management systems comply with the standards that have been agreed by buying organisations within the Chemicals & Allied Industries Community.

This means that we have hit the standard of buying organisations and our certification is a showcase of our operational excellence, our expertise, and our competency.

90% of suppliers state that the Achilles audit has added value to their organisation.

This also means that our certification ensures that our customers are assured we are compliant with Health and Safety Standards and that people can #TRUSTINMVIS.

MVIS’ National Coverage

Posted on 18th August 2023 at 10:00 am.

Written by Ben Kettell

We cover the entire UK, providing clients with products from strategically located hubs. This nationwide coverage is not just about reaching every corner of the country; it represents MVIS’s commitment to providing exceptional support and service to our customers, backed by our renowned Platinum Service promise.

Having the ability to cover the entire UK is a significant advantage, and we have achieved this through a network of strategically located hubs. This allows us to efficiently deliver products to any location. This comprehensive reach ensures that we can meet the diverse needs of our clients no matter where they are based.

In the world of VMS & ITS, where efficiency and safety are paramount, a fantastic support service is crucial. Clients need a reliable partner who can swiftly respond to their needs and provide expert assistance when required. We understand this need and have made it a top priority to deliver outstanding customer support.

The Platinum Service Promise

We are renowned for our Platinum Service, driven by a promise to our client base. This sets us apart from our competitors. This commitment to excellence means that we go above and beyond to ensure customers’ success.

National coverage isn’t just about delivering to various parts of the country – it’s an extension of our ethos. A message. That we can deliver on our service promise wherever the location, providing fast response times, on-time deliveries, and unparalleled technical expertise. This level of support instills confidence in clients, knowing they have a reliable partner to rely on.

With nationwide coverage, we can deliver our Platinum Service promise to customers in all regions of the UK. Whether it’s supplying portable Variable Message Signs for a construction project in Scotland or integrating environmental sensors for an event in Wales, we ensure that every customer receives the same platinum level of service.

Our nationwide coverage also means that we can actively support local communities, events and projects. Likewise, with our presence across the UK, we can better understand the unique challenges faced by different areas, tailor solutions accordingly, and provide targeted support for specific projects.

MVIS’ Group Commercial and Operations Director Anne Ashman told us:

“MVIS can efficiently reach every corner of the country, providing our VMS and other Intelligent Transport Solutions – and all with our exceptional support. The Platinum Service promise ensures that customers receive nothing less than the best, no matter where they are based.

“This is all utilising a more sustainable, multi-unit delivery model as we keep a close eye on our carbon footprint. Whilst we want to provide our service across the country – we want to deliver in the cleanest, greenest way possible.”

Paving the Way with Solar-Powered Solutions

Posted on 11th August 2023 at 8:00 am.

Written by Ben Kettell

In today’s fast-paced world, the push for sustainability has become more crucial than ever. As one of the UK’s leading providers of portable VMS & Intelligent Transport Solutions (ITS), we have taken a significant step towards a greener future by ensuring that all our solutions are solar-powered.

We have placed great emphasis on sustainability and environmental factors since our inception in 2012, and a fully solar powered fleet is one of the major elements of our sustainability policy.

Harnessing Solar Power for a Cleaner Environment…

The first and most apparent benefit of using solar power is its positive impact on the environment. By harnessing the sun’s energy, our solutions significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels and decrease greenhouse gas emissions. Solar-powered solutions such as Variable Message Signs and CCTV towers not only operate efficiently but also do so with minimal environmental impact.

The Road to Net Zero

The UK highways sector plays a crucial role in achieving the country’s ambitious environmental targets on the road to net zero emissions. As a key player in this sector, we have recognised the importance of adopting sustainable practices to align with the UK’s environmental goals. By utilising solar-powered ITS solutions, we help the highways sector transition to a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.

Human Factors

In addition to environmental benefits, solar-powered ITS solutions have a positive impact on the wellbeing of operatives working on the UK’s highways. A sustainable factor often overlooked is human sustainability – with environmental and economic factors often placed number 1 & 2 in the priority list.

By eradicating the need for frequent battery changes, our solar-powered devices reduce the exposure of workers to potentially hazardous conditions on the busy roads. This not only promotes the health and safety of operatives but also contributes to increased operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

“Solar is incredibly important to us.” Says MVIS Sales Director Graeme Lee.

“As the UK, and the UK highways sect strives to achieve its environmental targets and work towards a net-zero future, MVIS continues to lead the way, and we’re extremely proud to be able to say that our entire fleet runs from solar energy.

“Whilst we’ve always had an eye on our environmental impact – it shouldn’t be lost that the solar model also keeps our people out of harms way, as well as reduces exposure to any potential abuse whilst on a scheme or site.

“Sustainability is not just a buzzword to us, but a core value driving real change. We continue to learn and evolve and act accordingly – in both our product range and the way in which we deliver it, never losing sight of how our people fit into that equation too.”

MVIS Go Back to School as Part of Manchester Week.

Posted on 19th July 2023 at 2:20 pm.

Written by Ben Kettell

As part of our Corporate Social Responsibility, we are only too happy to get out into communities and not only educate young people on what we do on a daily basis but also give advice and information on careers available upon leaving school and college.

Our latest visit took us to The East Manchester Academy. The school is an age 11-16 High School, located in the heart of East Manchester’s regeneration area in Beswick and is a member of the Greater Manchester Education Trust. We spoke to a year 8 class about career paths and to give them a brief lesson in programming messages to display on our VMS via our web-based editing platform Web Studio.

Group Commercial & Operations Director, Anne Ashman & Marketing Manager Ben Kettell spent the afternoon giving the pupils an insight into how MVIS has grown since 2011 and also how their varied careers paths have brought them to this point.  Both Anne & Ben fielded questions from the group regarding all sorts of queries including salary expectations, day-to-day challenges, and the best route to go down in order to get into the industry.

It was then the students turn to programme their very own messages to be displayed on MVIS VMS-A positioned outside the school. Children learnt about just a few of the features a VMS-A has to offer including the 5 LED colour options and also getting to grips with the ability to resize their message depending on character size and length. They also turned their hand to creating their own imagery and pictograms to display, with some fantastic results.

Molly Reeve Year 8 Teacher said “It was great to host MVIS Ltd as part of TEMA’s Manchester week celebrations. Students were thoroughly engaged in the Q&A with Ben and Anne, and they loved the opportunity to try a design task for themselves and then to see their work displayed on a sign.”

Anne added: “It’s always nice to get out in the community, speak to students and help them get a better understanding of what MVIS signs do and how they work. Lots of the students that we spoke to had seen the MVIS signs before in and around the Etihad Stadium next to the school, so next time they see them, they will have a much better understanding of how the message has got there and the work that goes into it”.

MVIS Newest Temporary Recruits!

Posted on 17th July 2023 at 8:00 am.

Written by Ben Kettell

MVIS has always been open to receiving students for Work Experience.

Pupils from local schools come to MVIS to be taught on daily life working in a business. We teach them about our company and how we operate, this is no different for Lucas who joined us the week commencing 03/07/2023 in the workshop and Connor joining the week commencing 17/06/2023.

At the beginning of his week Lucas completed our “New Starter” pack. He undertook a right to work check, was given an employee handbook, shown around all the buildings facilities. He then met the team and had an induction on the workshop and our health and safety processes. He was also informed as to where the fire assembly point is and what to do in an evacuation situation.

He worked alongside our Workshop Supervisor, Cain Gregory, who showed Lucas how the workshop runs and operates during a week of work with us. Helping Lucas to understand what goes in to servicing after a VMS sign and giving him a better understanding of how the electronics of a sign works. Lucas was kept busy, washing signs and testing batteries. He learnt about the benefits of using solar panels and how we are an environmentally friendly company.

Connor assisted our Management Accountant, Augustine Shaijan. Working with an experienced member of staff ensured that Connor developed a deeper understanding in the world of accounting regarding VAT and the HMRC.

Connor then continued to work with Ben Kettell, our Marketing Manager, to analyse the trends of social media, researching when we need to upload posts to maximise traction from our social media posts. As the week drew to a close, Connor was tasked with inputting and analysing data and creating our latest CO2 emissions report.

The opportunity for pupils to work with industry professionals and benefit from their wealth of knowledge is one of the many benefits of the work experience scheme.

It was a real pleasure having Lucas and Connor with us and would happily have them back!

The Cost Saving Way to Revolutionise Air Quality Monitoring on the UK’s Roads

Posted on 16th June 2023 at 8:42 am.

Written by Ben Kettell

MVIS is a company known for our expertise in providing portable VMS units & ITS solutions and now, once more, we are at the forefront of innovation with the introduction of our environmental sensor. The sensor, which can be seamlessly integrated into any of our products, enables clients to monitor the external environment and gather comprehensive air pollution data.

By combining advanced technology with a strong focus on sustainability, we are bringing our own values into our product range by providing a solution that revolutionises air quality monitoring at a time when hitting key environmental targets are a hot topic for the industry.

Recognising the urgent need to address environmental issues, we have made a concerted effort to develop solutions that align with its own commitment to sustainability. The environmental sensor is a testament to this dedication, providing clients with a powerful tool to monitor air pollution and make informed decisions regarding safety and environmental impact.

Enhancing Air Quality Monitoring

The ITS Integrated Environmental Sensor can be seamlessly combined with any of our ITS solutions, enabling our clients to monitor air quality in real-time. This innovative device utilises the latest generation of electrochemical sensor technology and LoRaWAN communication to collect and record data securely onto an online dashboard. With low power

demands, the sensor is ideal for various applications, including temporary deployments where cost-effective and high-density ambient air quality monitoring is required.

The Environmental Sensor’s adaptability offers a cost-effective alternative to static air quality monitoring stations. Its versatility of being able to integrate with our entire product range allows clients to cover more space efficiently without compromising data accuracy. Whether it’s monitoring air pollution in urban areas, construction sites, or event locations, the sensor provides a discreet and simple solution that integrates seamlessly.

The knock-on cost-saving benefit? There is no need for an additional air quality monitor unit on site.

Data and Analysis

Data collected from the Environmental Sensor is displayed in real-time on an online management dashboard. Each unit’s status is clearly presented, allowing clients to monitor multiple sensors at once. The dashboard provides easy-to-read dials for quick insights, while more detailed graphs enable clients to analyse minute-by-minute and day-by-day data trends. This granular level of data truly puts decision makers in the know when it comes to understanding air quality patterns. This in turn enables more easily being able to identify potential issues and implement measures for improved environmental management.

Speaking of the sensor, MVIS Group Commercial & Operations Director, Anne Ashman, told us:

“The highways sector is facing more and more pressure to decarbonise, and we’ve seen a huge increase in focus across the industry compared to say, 5 years ago. Sustainability has been a pillar of our business since 2012, and providing a product such as the environmental sensor is an extension of who we are and the values we hold dear.

“By making the sensor available to our customers, it means they have a cost-effective, easily integrated solution to provide the date that can aid them in meeting the targets required by our industry.”