News Archives

2023 Review: Takeovers, Trails, Treecycles & TRUST – all to a tee (Part 1)

Posted on 2nd January 2024 at 4:10 pm.

As we bid farewell to 2023, it’s time to reflect on a landmark year for MVIS.

From sustainability initiatives to community engagement and technological advancements, not to mention a major acquisition, we have had a very significant year.

Looking back on the last 12 months, here we delve into some of the key highlights that defined our year:

January – Ashgate Treecycle

Ashgate Hospice, a charity we have supported for many years found an innovative way to raise money for the hospice, as well as recycling used Christmas Trees to help, rather than hinder the environment. Enter ‘Treecycling’ where trees are collected by volunteers and given to local farmers so they can be chipped and recycled.

In January, our team members Jon Larkins and Ben Ashman took the MVIS service van for Treecycling collections in Matlock. Together, they collected 29 trees helping to raise over £400 for Ashgate in tree collections.

February – Employee Wellness Takes Centre Stage

On the mission for improved mental health and wellbeing across the sector, National Highways introduced the ‘Journey to Wellbeing’. An initiative devised to get operatives in the sector to be more open and comfortable in discussing their mental health.

Following that lead, we implemented the Mind charity’s ‘Time to Talk’ initiative, with MVIS’ mental health first aiders delivering to the rest of the team on the importance of talking if life is taking its toll for the worse.

we strive to ensure that our teams is happy and healthy, so implementing initiatives that align with National Highways Journey to Wellbeing is something we were proud to undertake.

March -Ashgate High Peak Trail

March saw MVIS sponsor the Ashgate Hospice High Peak trail for the 3^rd successive year. Taking place on March 12^th, the event sees a choice of three trails through the Derbyshire countryside – all to raise money for Ashgate Hospice.

David Storer, Ashgate Hospice Events Organiser commented:

“MVIS are a pleasure to work with. They are always on hand to provide support across all of our fundraising events.

“Anne (Ashman, Group Commercial & Operations Director) and the team have provided VMS units to us for multiple events now, and their appeals have really helped to raise awareness of Ashgate Hospice and the vital end of life care that we provide across North Derbyshire”

April – #TRUSTINMVIS Launch

In April, we launched our #TRUSTINMVIS campaign, with the TRUST acronym symbolising the values the company holds dear: Teamwork, Reliability, Understanding Flexibility, Solutions, and Technology.

Anne Ashman, Group Commercial & Operations Director spoke to us about the initiative earlier in the year. Anne told us:

“MVIS is committed to providing the best possible service and support to our customers. With #TRUSTMVIS firmly in place as a publicly available statement of intent, MVIS is confident that we can deliver the most innovative, sustainable, and dependable portable VMS solutions on the market.”

May – Under New Ownership!

In what was perhaps 2023’s most significant landmark, MVIS underwent a change in ownership in May when Quadrant Management, a US-based private equity investor added us to their portfolio of businesses.

The acquisition provides opportunities for collaboration and innovation across a range of industries as well as increase capability in Research & Development to further bring innovation.

After over a decade of driving innovation including being the first to introduce colour VMS signs, the acquisition marks an exciting new chapter and provides the perfect platform to further propel the company.

June – Renewed Constructionline Platinum

As we hit the mid-year mark, we achieved the renewal of our Constructionline Platinum certification. This accolade underscores the company’s commitment to maintaining the highest of standards, providing clients with the assurance of quality and reliability in its products and services.

It ensures that our customers know extensive checks into quality, health & safety, environmental impact, social responsibility and adherence to legislations and regulations have all been carried out and rubber-stamped.

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.

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 depots. 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 depots. These depots allow 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 – its 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.”

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!

MVIS Renews Their FORS Bronze.

Posted on 10th July 2023 at 8:30 am.

Written by Ben Kettell

MVIS have renewed our FORS Bronze accreditation, we are proud of our many accomplishments, these are what put the Trust in #TRUSTINMVIS.

A well accredited company is a reliable one, and that is just the case for MVIS. We have now been reaccredited with our FORS Bronze. This comes with many benefits towards any company.

Our FORS Bronze Accreditation is important to alerting people that we care for the safety of our staff, and that they are trained and competent to perform their deliveries that ensure you receive our platinum level service when delivering our VMS and other units.

FORS Bronze confirms we employ good company practice and comply with the requirements laid out by the FORS Standard.

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.”

Solutions for site theft – helping to solve TM’s problem

Posted on 26th May 2023 at 11:26 am.

Written by Ben Kettell

Highways worksites are notorious for being targeted by thieves, and the cost of theft can be a huge financial burden for companies operating in this sector.

The cost of theft on highways worksites can be significant, both in terms of the value of the stolen assets and the cost of replacing them. This creates a conundrum for companies operating in this sector – should they increase their costs to account for the possibility of theft, or simply accept the cost of replacing stolen assets when it occurs?

Alternatively, can other solutions be implemented to deter theft to begin with?

Fortunately, we have a range of products that can help prevent theft and provide peace of mind for those working on highways projects.

One of our standout products in this regard is our solar IP CCTV tower. This tower is equipped with high-quality cameras that provide 360-degree coverage of the worksite, ensuring that any suspicious activity is captured on camera. The tower is also solar-powered, meaning that it can operate even in areas where there is no access to mains electricity.

The solar IP CCTV tower is an ideal solution for worksites that require a security presence. However, it’s not always necessary or practical to have a large CCTV unit in place. For these situations, we offer a compact portable CCTV unit that can be easily deployed where a smaller footprint is required, or in arenas where the units may be required to be moved around the worksite as needed.

In addition to its CCTV solutions, we also offer a range of other products that can help prevent theft on highways worksites. For example, the company’s portable VMS units can display warnings to potential thieves – including messages regarding the presence of CCTV in operation.

By trusting in MVIS, traffic management companies can take a proactive approach to preventing theft and reducing the associated costs. Not only do these products help to deter thieves, but they also provide valuable evidence in the event of a theft occurring.

In conclusion, theft is a major concern for companies operating on highways worksites, and it’s important to take steps to prevent it from occurring. Our range of products, including the solar IP CCTV tower and compact portable CCTV unit, are an ideal solution to this problem, providing a reliable and cost-effective way to deter thieves and protect valuable assets. By investing in these products, companies can reduce the risk of theft and ensure that their projects are completed on time and within budget.

A Great Fleet and Prices to Match!

Posted on 24th May 2023 at 3:57 pm.

Written by Ben Kettell

Here at MVIS we boast a large fleet of impressive Intelligent Transport Systems. All our products are designed and manufactured with the purpose of keeping the roads safe.

Hiring from MVIS you will get all the benefits of our products whilst not having to: – deliver, set up store or maintain them yourself. We deliver, day and night and set up all our ITS units, from our 3 sizes of portable VMS, Compact CCTV, to our Solar IP with CCTV on your site, highspeed network or roadside, supplying the correct vehicles needed for install and the RAMS, so you can ensure the safety of workers and your equipment. All while experiencing the MVIS Platinum Level of Service.

With our recent acquisition by the team at Quadrant, MVIS are now selling our products to you. Buying from us and acquiring one of our products ensures that you will have complete freedom to install your products whenever you need to, with our support in the background. Our ITS Solutions are an important asset to any sector and WebStudio means that your signs can be controlled remotely from the safety of your office or on site.

With great new prices and the most experienced team supplying Intelligent Transport Systems to the market, it would be wrong to not take advantage of this opportunity.

Buying or hiring from MVIS has never been simpler!

Contact our knowledgeable and dedicated sales team:

Streamlining Sales and Hire.

Posted on 12th May 2023 at 10:42 am.

Written by Ben Kettell

After Quadrants recent acquisition of MVIS Ltd, Bartco UK and Bartco Australia, the decision has been taken for the UK companies MVIS Ltd and Bartco UK to be combined. Giving a simpler uniformed sale and hire process to all our customers, old and new. Further embedding our platinum level service.

The whole Quadrant global group is to be uniformed and work much closer using the strong skills across the global entities. We believe that this is the right move for MVIS Ltd and Bartco AU and are excited about the prospect moving forward.

Our newly promoted Head of Global R&D David Chamberlain has already started working closely on development of new products for the UK market. With our MVIS R&D manager Tom Hooton and new promoted Global Group CEO Pat Musgrave, to deliver the new products the market requires and to help MVIS move forward into the next generation of ITS products.

Tom and Pat are sharing the knowledge the UK has acquired over the last 11 years of working in the UK ITS market with Bartco Au and the products that have been developed here for the highspeed network, an area Australia is currently heavily investing in.

The acquisition by New York based Quadrant has given the global companies a further opportunity to combine the knowledge and skills of the staff who already work within the companies, along with the experience the new owners also bring to the group.

Anne Ashman MVIS Commercial & Operations Director said:

“These are exciting times. The changes that have already started to be implemented have had a positive impact on the staff and company. Meetings are being held with the global team and we are all working to the same goal, sharing our knowledge, and playing to our strengths. To have this opportunity for UK and Australian companies to work even more closely together and share our knowledge to promote the companies to new levels is a great opportunity for us all”.

Pat Musgrave Group CEO Commented:

“Taking control of the global group has given me the opportunity to look at an improved pricing structure for our customers across hire and sales in both the UK and Australia. Working closer with the R&D department is allowing me to look at new products and markets to provide the already high quality ITS products both Bartco AU and MVIS Ltd have become known for along with new products that will propel the group companies into the next generation”.

A Bright New Future for VMS & ITS Market Leaders Bartco and MVIS

Posted on 3rd May 2023 at 9:40 am.

Written by Ben Kettell

We are delighted to announce that Quadrant Management has acquired both Bartco Australia & MVIS Ltd, global leading suppliers of portable variable message signs and other intelligent transport systems.

Quadrant Management is a US-based private equity investor. Owning a range of businesses across the world, including multiple manufacturing companies, it now adds Bartco AU & MVIS Ltd to its portfolio of businesses.

The acquisition follows the sale of shares by MVIS Ltd and Bartco AU’s former directors Troy Wollard and Dave Musgrave to Quadrant Management, whilst Pat Musgrave will remain a shareholder of the group.

Pat is the current Managing Director of the UK companies and will take on the role of Group CEO with the focus on expanding the company’s global footprint. Key MVIS Ltd personnel such as UK Group Commercial and Operations Director Anne Ashman, Sales Director Graeme Lee, and Bartco AU CEO Anthony Arandt and Group FC Andrew Cahill will continue in their roles. David Chamberlain becomes Group R&D manager working closely with technical teams in both MVIS Ltd & Bartco AU.

The acquisition enables Quadrant to grow its portfolio of product manufacturers and specialist service providers at a time when the governments worldwide are investing strategically in transportation infrastructure.

For MVIS Ltd & Bartco AU, becoming part of the wider Quadrant group brings a host of exciting benefits. The acquisition provides opportunities for collaboration and innovation across a range of industries as well as increase capability in Research & Development to further bring innovation.

Ted Deinard of Quadrant Management said: “To acquire such a key player in the portable VMS & ITS market is a great honour for us. With Bartco AU & MVIS’ knowledge, products, and high level of customer service we feel that we can build on these strong foundations and support them to reach even greater heights.”

Pat Musgrave commented:

“This acquisition brings a lot of excitement, positivity and new energy to the team. We look forward to working closely with supporters and collaborators across the world including through other Quadrant companies, which will further upskill our team, and in-turn further deliver on our Platinum Level Service promise.

“This begins a new exciting era, and one that comes underpinned by alignment of the values and ethos that has positioned MVIS Ltd and Bartco AU where they are today.”