THE SME FACTOR

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By Matt Felce, technical manager of MVIS and Bartco UK

 

When looking for a corporate partner to facilitate the development or delivery of an ITS solution, it can be tempting to favour one of the big names in the industry; big names can engender instant confidence in both supplier and customer.

 

Yet MVIS and Bartco UK have repeatedly reaped considerable benefits from their partnerships with ITS SMEs. Not only have our SME alliances been advantageous at project level, but we are confident that ultimately, they also help to promote industry-wide innovation.

 

SMEs have an agility that enables them to act quickly in the face of a new contract, to briskly respond to the changing demands both of the customer and the market, and to readily explore new ways in which their products can be utilised.

 

Over the last five years, we have developed long-standing working relationships with a network of trusted individuals within our partner organisations.  It seems that SMEs are able to maintain particularly stable workforces – we certainly do – and working with people you know and trust promotes efficiency and job satisfaction.

 

The SMEs with which we have worked have always been able to focus their resource on our projects, as we haven’t had to compete for their attention against a multitude of far larger contracts.

 

We’ve worked with SRL Traffic Systems for five years, and the relationship generates many mutual benefits as a result of the SME status of both parties.  Not only have we made our resource available to one another – we supply SRL with portable VMS with full access to its nationwide network of 21 depots – we’re also working in partnership on product development too.

 

When SRL identified a demand for a small VMS capable of integration with its portable traffic lights, it was quickly able to act on this opportunity, and approached Bartco UK to partner it on the project.  Bartco UK too was able to respond with agility, and the HD Quattro was born.

 

When SME ITS solutions creator Clearview Intelligence required temporary VMS to integrate with its own journey time solution, we responded briskly, therefore enabling the company to rapidly deliver a solution that met the client’s short timescales.

 

We were recently awarded a smart motorway job, the fulfilment of which required a larger consignment of radar equipment than we had available, due to ongoing contracts.  SME radar manufacturer Wavetronix was quickly able to hire the equipment to us so that we could deliver on time. 

 

SME partnerships can serve not only to efficiently deliver individual projects, but also to promote the growth of the companies concerned.  While MVIS forwards enquiries for permanent ITS installations to Wavetronix, Wavetronix reciprocates by directing those for temporary solutions to MVIS. 

 

And as individual SMEs grow, so too does the sector as a whole.  Competition is promoted, breeding innovation and increasing service levels for the benefit of all.  SMEs have a crucial role to play in the development of the ITS industry as well as the delivery of individual projects; ignore them at your peril.   

Why choose MVIS…?

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MVIS is a leading supplier of mobile and solar powered monitoring and visual information systems. Designed to get you seen, MVIS’ messaging signs deliver a cost effective temporary intelligent transport system (ITS) solution to suit the specific needs of your project.

You can rely on MVIS to provide an excellent service with high quality products and reliable turnaround times.

MVIS is also registered by the NQA against the provisions of standards BS EN ISO 14001:2015 in environmental management and BS EN ISO 9001:2015. So you can be sure that MVIS’ products and services meet industry requirements, and that they are committed to improving their sustainability through the increasingly efficient use of resources and reduction of waste.

As one of the UK’s most trusted suppliers of variable message signs (VMS) and traffic management, event and safety solutions, MVIS delivers a quality service across any project. From our tried and tested Solar Intelligent Platform (IP) that can house a number of ITS products to our NTIS DATEX II Portable Travel Time VMS (TTVMS) solution (previously Datex JTS) which enables real-time journey information for roads from Highways England’s National Traffic Operations Centre (NTOC) to be displayed to road users, you can trust MVIS to provide you with the best available ITS solution.

Here at MVIS, our dedicated team are committed to getting to know you and taking the time to understand your needs to help find the right traffic management solutions for your operation. We use our expertise to deliver efficient and reliable projects across the UK, from motorway projects to festivals, and airport signage to advertising; we can do it all. Through outstanding customer service and ongoing support, our customers are confident that MVIS can deliver.
We pride ourselves on offering high quality products that are easy to use and offer you access to the latest innovation and technology.

Our systems are designed for you, to suit your needs. Many of our MVIS products can be used individually, or can be integrated with your current systems to create a bespoke solution, tailored to your event.

But don’t just our word for it, take a look at what our customers have to say and see why they continue to work with MVIS:

“We would just like to say how much we appreciate the great service we receive from MVIS every year, both from Dom and Tillie in head office and also the thoroughly professional approach from Darren and Tim who installed the signs.” – intu Trafford Centre

“MVIS was able to quickly supply the large quantity of VMS required, and the signs were brand new and to EU standard. Indeed all the products were, in our opinion, the best on the market.” – Morgan Sindall

“Your service has been fantastic and I have never had any problems with the project. I would always recommend you as a company going forward.” – RTS Westfield

To find out more about how MVIS can offer an excellent service across your traffic management system get in touch with our team on 01629 580 570 or email sales@m-vis.co.uk

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

Department for Transport announces 1.2bn funding

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It was announced recently that there will be over £1.2bn of funding for English local authority roads in 2017/18. Including individual councils’ share of the pothole fund, £185m of new funding was announced in the Autumn Statement and the Local Highways Maintenance Funding Needs Element to help improve the UK’s road network.

The £1.2bn for the 2017 to 2018 financial year for local highway authorities outside London, consists of:

  • £210m from the £1.3bn National Productivity Investment Fund (NPIF) announced in the Autumn Statement, with £185m to improve local highways and public transport networks and £25m to help tackle some of the most dangerous council A roads
  • £801m Local Highways Maintenance Funding Needs Element
  • £70m to be shared across local highway authorities from the Pothole Action Fund
  • £75m from the Highways Maintenance Challenge Fund, with local highway authorities invited to compete for funding to help repair and maintain local highway infrastructure, such as bridges, lighting and rural roads
  • £75m from the Highways Maintenance Incentive Element, which invites councils to complete a self-assessment questionnaire “in order to reward those who demonstrate they truly understand the value of their asset”.

The Pothole Action Fund allocated totals £250 million which is estimated to be enough to repair on average over 4.7 million potholes, or stop them forming in the first place.

During this time, it is estimated that the ongoing road maintenance and improvements will cause lengthy queues and obstruction on the roads. MVIS offers a number of traffic management solutions which can be hired to allow your road work project to run smoothly, encourage safer and more environmentally friendly driving habits, and help prevent complaints from motorists by keeping them well informed of their approximate travel times.

No matter what or where your traffic management project is, MVIS provides innovative temporary Intelligent Transport System Solutions which can help your road work project run smoothly, on time and to a budget. This includes CCTV, HD Data Collection Radar, ANPR, VMS and Journey Time Solutions which are mounted on solar powered platforms and can be deployed as multiple units on a single platform or individually as required.

At MVIS we work closely with our customers and partners and we’re dedicated to producing the best product to match your needs. Our five colour matrix VMS displays are ideal for traffic management and accident information, and help keep motorists well informed.

Available for hire throughout the UK, MVIS ensures temporary VMS are quickly deployed to provide urgent traffic management solutions. If your road work project requires help to reduce traffic levels to increase motorist’s satisfaction levels and awareness, contact the MVIS team who will be happy to offer you full support and flexibility to help you inform road users.

If you would like to talk to us regarding hiring any of our traffic management solutions, please get in touch by calling 01629 580 570 or email us at sales@m-vis.co.uk.

 

 

New partnership with Highways England

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Mobile Visual Information Systems Ltd (MVIS) developed a temporary intelligent transport system (ITS) solution which receives DATEX II real time journey time data from Highways England’s National Traffic Operations Centre (NTOC), collected from in-vehicle sensors.

The data is used to calculate journey times from the locations of MVIS’ 11 portable Bartco UK VMS-C variable message signs (VMS) along the MSM roadworks to the end of the affected stretch of motorway. The times are uploaded onto the desired portable VMS every five minutes.

Configurable safeguards ensure that journey times computed do not fall outside the range made feasible by current speed limits and that they do not conflict with messages on permanent VMS.  The automated VMS messages may be manually overridden in the event of a network incident.

Said MVIS’ technical manager, Matt Felce: 

“MVIS is an innovative firm, and so was pleased to have the opportunity to work in partnership with Highways England to develop the first solution enabling real-time journey time information from NTOC to be displayed on portable VMS.”

MVIS works in partnership with other leading providers to create bespoke temporary ITS solutions for traffic management organisations to help the road network to operate efficiently and safely.

Its solar powered solutions incorporate monitoring and visual information equipment:  VMS, ANPR and CCTV cameras, radar and Intellicone contactless sensor technology.  MVIS’ VMS signs are manufactured in the UK by Bartco UK.

MVIS’ products are available nationwide via a network of over 20 depots.

MVIS supports Nottingham County Council

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The National Highways and Transport Network’s 2016 Public Satisfaction Survey, which received a record breaking response of nearly 100,000, recently announced that Nottingham City Council achieved the highest public satisfaction for highways and transport.

The city council came out on top with a satisfaction rating of 61.5%, after scoring 78.1% for local bus services, 77.5% for public transport information and 64.9% for traffic management.

As well as calculating satisfaction levels, the 2016 National Highways and Transport Network’s survey also collected respondent’s opinions on road issues they saw as most important. Each cited by 96%, were highway conditions and safer roads.

Other issues highlighted as important by respondents were reducing traffic (86%) and traffic pollution (85%). Only 45% expressed satisfaction on the issue of reducing traffic, and only 50% on the issue of traffic pollution.

MVIS have provided support over the last 3 years to Nottingham City Council during the tram redevelopment.

If your road work project requires help to reduce traffic levels to increase motorist’s satisfaction levels and awareness, contact the MVIS team who will be happy to offer you full support and flexibility to help you inform road users through five colour VMS.

No matter what or where your traffic management project is, MVIS provides innovative temporary Intelligent Transport System solutions which can help you to improve, monitor and control traffic queues. This includes CCTV, HD Data Collection Radar, ANPR, VMS and Journey Time Solutions that are mounted on solar powered platforms and can be deployed as multiple units on a single platform or individually as required.

At MVIS we work closely with our customers and partners and we’re dedicated to producing the best product to match your needs. Our five colour matrix displays are ideal for traffic management, accident information, event organisation and brand advertisement.

Available for hire throughout the UK, MVIS ensures temporary VMS are quickly deployed to provide urgent traffic management solutions.

If you would like to talk to us regarding hiring any of our traffic and event management products, please get in touch by calling 01629 580 570.

MVIS: Trusted to the extreme

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When it comes to weather conditions in the UK, it’s best to ‘expect the unexpected’ and be prepared for any eventuality. Luckily MVIS’ traffic management portfolio can handle even the harshest of conditions.

Come rain or shine, the world keeps on turning and people still need to get from A-to-B – no matter what the weather. Even in the most difficult of conditions, British roads and highways still need to be in use, and more than ever, they need to make motorists aware of the dangerous conditions that they face.

Whether it’s flash flooding, snowstorms or black ice on the road, drivers face a range of challenges, which traffic authorities can communicate to them with MVIS’ hardy range of traffic management solutions.

Our solar powered variable message signs (VMS) safeguards your message, ensuring that the multi-coloured eye-catching LED screen is continually visible to motorists. And because you can instantly update the message on any given VMS screen via our innovative Web Studio™ you know you can communicate the most vital information at the touch of a button. What’s more, they’re profoundly secure too, with a satellite tracking device and SMS tamper guard, which acts as a great deterrent to would-be vandals.

MVIS’ product range can operate even in extreme temperatures. The HD Data Collection Radar is exceedingly dependable, operating in temperatures from -40°C to 74°C. This ensures you can still collect consistently accurate traffic data in high definition, with five times greater resolution than other, similar radar traffic detection devices. The state-of-the-art Vector Integrated ANPR Camera operates in temperatures from -10°C to 50°C, working automatically, auto-detecting vehicles as they pass through the field of view.

All of MVIS’ product range is highly tested, to give all our customers great peace of mind, and as a result, our customers not only trust us, they trust our products too.

To hire traffic management solutions, please call us on 01629 580 570.

 

 

Go Green with MVIS

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Here at MVIS, we’re keen to be as environmentally friendly as we can – and we’re not the only ones.

Many businesses are now initiating new processes to try and reduce their company’s carbon footprint. From park & ride systems, car sharing and recycling initiatives, there are many different ways to live a greener life, and whilst you may not expect traffic management equipment to fit within this ethos, you may be surprised at just how environmentally friendly MVIS’ portfolio is.

Reuse & Recycle

Because our range of variable message signs are portable, they can be re-positioned around your project’s location with ease. Not only is this quick and easy to do, it also negates the need for any large vehicular transportation needed to move the units over short distances.

Made in the UK

Because all of MVIS’ portfolio is manufactured by Bartco UK in the heart of the Peak District, it reduces the transportation time considerably, meaning there are no emission-heavy long-haul journeys from continent to continent to deliver the equipment.

Light Up

MVIS VMS units are solar powered, so they require no costly mains electricity. With a non-glare screen, you can be sure that they’re visible at all times too.

Over 20 UK Depots

With over 20 depots across the UK, you can rest assured that no matter where in the country you are, we have traffic management equipment nearby that can be with you in no time. This means that the transportation time from us to you is kept to a minimum and that your project doesn’t suffer from any unnecessary downtime.

Reliable

Because our VMS units are secure and tamper-proof, and will stand up to the most extreme weather conditions, you can trust MVIS to make sure your equipment doesn’t let you down. Should you require any assistance, MVIS also offers 24/7 support to all customers so we’re always on hand to help.

Call us on 01629 580570 if you would like to talk to us about how MVIS can help keep your project green…or red, white, blue or amber. MVIS’ versatile VMS offers five eye-catching colours to create a striking visual display.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trust MVIS to Deliver

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MVIS has use of over 21 depots all across the UK, and because we have such great access to our stock, it means you can #trustMVIS to deliver great quality products straight to you whenever they are needed.

We operate from Bow in the heart of London, and from the rolling hills of Matlock in the heart of the Peak District, so we are ideally suited to serve every corner of the UK, no matter where you are based. What’s more, with our 24/7 support service, you can always #trustMVIS to be on hand throughout your project should you need us.

As a leading supplier of innovative mobile and solar powered monitoring and visual information systems, MVIS provides fast, flexible, cost effective temporary solutions no matter what your requirements. Whether you are in need of solar powered CCTV, smart sensor radar solutions or variable messaging signs – you can #trustMVIS to get them out to you quickly and efficiently.

We are committed to delivering greater flexibility, innovation and choice to help resolve congestion on the UK roads and management at events.

Our distribution network spans across all major towns and cities, with the use of depots situated in all corners of the UK, from Scotland and the North, right through to the Midlands and the South.

Call us on 01629 580570 to find out more.

MVIS wins EMBCA Award

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We announced recently that MVIS had been shortlisted for two awards at the East Midlands Chamber Business Awards, and we are thrilled to follow up that announcement with even better news – we won one!

At a fantastic awards ceremony on September 17th At The Roundhouse in Derby, we were delighted to hear our name called out as the winner of the Excellence in Innovation award.

The company has increased turnover by 500% over the last two years, doubling the size of the team in the last 12 months alone. And since autumn 2014, we have appointed staff across our technical, delivery and maintenance and sales operations.

Said MVIS’ Managing Director, Pat Musgrave: “The last two years have been exciting for us, and we’ve worked hard to create pioneering solutions to help further improve the safety and efficiency of the UK’s road network. It’s great that our work is being recognised at both regional and national levels.”

MVIS would like to say a big thank you to everyone at the company for all their hard work over the years and looks forward to the future.

To see the full list of winners, click here >

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