The Incredible Journey of Our Ice Scrapers: From Hillhead Quarry Show to the World 

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Hillhead Quarry Show: The Beginning of an Epic Voyage 

It all began when we had left over ice scrapers from previous trade shows. We took them to the Hillhead Quarry Show in 2022, the sun was blazing but our Ice Scrapers captured the attention of the show’s visitors. Known for their challenging terrain and unpredictable weather, they presented the ideal talking point.  

When deciding on marketing material for the 2024 show the Ice Scraper was an immediate choice. The positive feedback we received was overwhelming, setting the stage for their worldwide distribution. 

A Global Expedition: Where Have Our Ice Scrapers Been? 

We are asking you to send us images of the ice scrapers in your current location, to see how far they have travelled. We had visitors to the stand to discuss our Intelligent Quarry Systems from as far afield as India and Chile, all taking one of the MVIS (Mobile Visual Information System) ice scrapers with them.  

The Impact: Beyond Clearing Ice 

Their journey is not just about geographical reach—it is also about the impact they have had on safety and convenience for drivers worldwide. By providing a simple yet effective solution to a frequent problem, we have helped countless people navigate winter weather with greater ease and confidence. 

MVIS Promotional Ice Scrapers, Cloths and Keyrings

Conclusion 

From the rugged terrains of Hillhead Quarry to the icy roads of cities worldwide, our Promotional Mobile Visual Information System’s Ice Scrapers have travelled an impressive distance. Their journey is a testament to their quality, durability, and the trust our customers place in us. Here there are too many more miles and frost-free mornings ahead! 

Hillhead Show: Solar-Powered Solutions for the Quarry Industry

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2 years ago, MVIS first attended the Hillhead Exhibition Show. Since then we have been doing market research into the quarry sector, ensuring the products we exhibited were right for you. Giving us one of our most successful trade shows to date.  

Why did it prove so successful?

When we visited the Hillhead show two years ago, we were unsure as to what the needs of the quarry industry were, realising that our products had a use but were not solving a problem. Over the 2 years of research, we were able to pinpoint any unsolved problems that the quarry industry may have with their traffic management, meaning we were able to help rectify them.

We are certain that the products showcased are perfect for sites as they are robust, portable and solar powered. Delegates also assured us how appropriate our products are as they were open to sharing interest in our products.

Especially one of our newest Solutions. The Vehicle Activated Speed Sign (VASS), During Hillhead we have been monitoring the speed of people coming past our sign, some of them sharing in the fun and seeing how fast they could go, reaching speeds of 10-15MPH at full sprint. But this Speed Sign is clearly not designed to see the speed of people at trade shows.

It was purpose made to monitor speeds of vehicles and alert sites to people who are speeding with the in-built ANPR Camera. Allowing the Quarry team to produce a report to give the drivers a warning, also capturing serial speeding vehicles and drivers.

Having time to prepare and research has ensured we have been able to take products that are going to help keep the quarry industry safe.

Another of our new innovations which proved incredibly popular was our Solar Powered Barrier. This clever solution provides quarry owners with a robust security solution complete with ANPR activation, to not only improve safety in quarries but also enhance productivity. With solar and battery power, the barrier is able to perform up to 900 operations per day.

Hillhead Show: Solar-Powered Solutions for the Quarry Industry

A Show of MVIS Firsts

New Partners

This year at Hillhead we have welcomed new partners onto our stand. Intelligent Traffic Solutions (ITS), integrating their traffic lights with the new MVIS Solar Barrier and Solar Gates with their Stop-Go remote controlled system.

Ben’s First Hillhead

It is also the first Hillhead Exhibition for Marketing Executive, Ben Ashman, who has been able to walk around the show looking into potential future products, how our competitors have done on their stands and gaining important intel into the quarry sector.
Having never done the show before but hosting at the NEC Ben had this to say:

“This show is unlike anything I have ever seen; I am used to the NEC or other indoor settings. It has been refreshing to do an exhibition outside and all of the people within the sector are so friendly. All of them have been happy to give me intel as to what they need for their quarries, construction and recycling sites. The people I have met have been open books and happy to advise on what is needed. There is no better way to do market research than getting stuck in”

Scott’s First MVIS Show

This year we have had the honour of hosting our new Group CEO, Scott Paton. Scott visited us to meet potential new customers and experience what an MVIS show is all about. Showing him our purpose for these shows: Market Research, Talking to customers, new and existing, and getting our presence into new sectors. Also being there to over-see the integration of the new products and make himself known as the new Group CEO of a growing Intelligent Quarry Solutions company.

To Conclude

MVIS have had yet another successful trip to the Hillhead Exhibition show, ensuring that we are moving in the right direction with the quarry industry. As opposed to shoehorning products in that have no need.

We have been happy to introduce new partners and staff onto the stand at the show seeing if there is a need for VMS in this sector.

The team are already eager to return to Hillhead. Bringing more Ice Scrapers next time!

Hillhead: A Decade of Experience and Sales Excellence

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Hillhead is the UK’s biggest Quarry, Construction and Recycling Exhibition. MVIS has the honour of returning after 2 years.

Two years ago the MVIS team attended Hillhead for the first time. This provided the perfect opportunity to explore the market in greater detail. After showcasing at the event and gaining new customers, 2024 gives us the chance to return to Buxton for the next instalment of Hillhead, becoming part of the UK’s biggest Quarry Exhibition show.

Meet the Experts

After 2 years of extensive research into the quarry sector, we now know that there is a need for our Intelligent Quarry Safety Solutions such as our original VMS, CCTV and traffic management equipment. This year, our dedicated and knowledgeable team will be on hand to find the perfect solution for your quarry or landfill site. 

Who are these experts:
Commercial and Operations Director, Anne Ashman:

Bringing over a decade of experience to the Hillhead Showground, Anne was at the show two years ago. Sharing her knowledge with potential customers, ensuring they walked away from our stand well informed and ready to make a decision as to whether they will be purchasing from our friendly sales team.

Since then Anne has been able to do supply VMS to quarries around the UK and helped improve the safety on their site and improve efficiency.

R&D Manager, Tom Hooton:

The brilliant mind behind all of MVIS VMS and ITS, he is the best person possible to attend the show and answer all of those small technical problems. Tom is also a problem solver being able to take a unique problem such as a lack of signal on site for our VMS, implementing a Remote Controlled Fob so you can change VMS using pre-uploaded messages.

Tom has worked tirelessly to ensure that we are showcasing new products that have all the correct accreditations and can withstand day-to-day site conditions.

Business Development Manager, Juliette Wright:

Bringing  years of sales experience in VMS to Hillhead, Juliette is great at finding solutions to potential problems on your site and rectifying them with our products. Juliette is also well versed in customer service and is easy to talk to and can explain our products clearly and precisely.

Marketing Executive, Ben Ashman:

After 4 years at MVIS, Ben has helped put together all promotional content together for this years show. He also visited numerous sites across England giving demonstration of MVIS products to quarries. Combine this with 2 years of market research into the quarry sector and Ben is confidently able to come to Hillhead, helping customers solve their quarry traffic management issues.

What are we showcasing?

Off the back of two years extensive market research, we have been able to put a tailored selection of products together that are perfect for the quarry sector. Our line-up includes:

  • VMS-C – Trialled and tested in local Quarries, this product has proven useful to improving efficiency through traffic management on work sites.
  • Solar IP – Compound Site Security, the key words that have been making an impact across all sites, ensuring your sites have a watchful eye over them.
  • HD Compact – Small and compact to have on site with all the power and efficiency of a VMS-C.
  • Solar Barrier – Perfect for controlling traffic on site, with ANPR is inbuilt meaning you can whitelist and blacklist unwelcome visitors to site.

New Partners

As well as these amazing MVIS products, we are also delighted to be partnering with Solar Gates, Ador and Intelligent Traffic Solutions. Providing products such as:

  • Solar Gates – Instaboom Go – a portable, remote controlled, and solar powered automatic stop/go board allowing traffic to be controlled in an instant.
  • Ador – Vehicle Activation Speed Sign – a highly efficient and cost-effective traffic calming device suitable for all types of roads. Its pole-mounted radar speed display offers excellent readability from a distance of 300 meters.
  • Intelligent Traffic Solutions Ltd – Nissen LZA Solar Traffic Lights – Offering 2Way, 3Way and 4Way Traffic Light solutions with the option of double heads and fully integrated Pedestrian Lights of up to 4 Crossings.

Hillhead: Your Complete Guide to the Quarry Exhibition Event

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What is Hillhead?

Hillhead is a bi-annual exhibition event, hosted in the Hillhead Quarry in Buxton, Derbyshire.

2 years ago the team at MVIS visited the event exhibiting our Intelligent Quarry Solutions to potential new customers, breaking into a new sector.

Having experienced the event and witnessing Hillhead, this is the ultimate guide to Hillhead.

Visiting MVIS at Stand B13

No sunny Hillhead day would be complete without visiting the MVIS team at Stand B13.

This year we will be demonstrating the best of MVIS products including: the MVIS Solar IP, a range of Variable Message Signs and the all new MVIS Solar Barrier.

MVIS Staff would like to invite you to the stand for an educational demonstration of MVIS premium products

Completing your day with a smiling face and a friendly chat from our team is the best way to send you home happy. This also gives you the opportunity to learn more about MVIS ITS Solutions and see them in action.

MVIS location on the Hillhead Floorplan

Travelling to Hillhead

Being just outside of Buxton, there is a multitude of ways to get to the showground:

Route Directions

The exhibition site is 3km south of Buxton off the A515 (Ashbourne) road. For route directions to Hillhead use Google maps.

Postcode to use for SatNav systems: SK17 9PR

Parking

Free parking is available adjacent to the showground. Shuttle buses will operate on show days to and from the Registration Pavilion.

Rail
Buxton train station is 3km from the exhibition site. For details of services to and from Manchester visit National Rail Enquiries.
 
Taxis
Things to Take

In June of 2022, Britain was in the heat of the fourth hottest summer on record, reaching heights of over 40 degrees. Meanwhile, Our Sales and R&D Team were demonstrating the MVIS products to a brand new audience at Hillhead.

As it is predicted to be another scorching event, it is imperative that while visiting the show, you bring these essentials:

  • Water – Whether you have a refillable bottle or you have a stash of plastic ones, it is important that you keep yourself and your team well hydrated. Keeping hydrated is good for refreshing yourself, keeping you muscles energised and your brain on top form.
  • Shade – if you are exhibiting it will benefit you to ensure you have a tent or stand that has plenty of shade keeping you out of the sun, doing so lowers the risk of skin cancer and quickly becoming hydrated. It also gives delegates and excuse to come and stand in the shade of your exhibition.
  • Sun cream – Being out in the sun all day will take a toll on your body, as much as it is exciting to get out of the office and into the glorious sunshine. Bringing Sun cream will be perfect for application throughout the day, assuring a lower risk of Skin Cancer and preventing Sun Burn.
  • A Bag – this is essential for carrying you Sun Cream, Bottle and Sun Hat, it is also important so you can visit the MVIS stand and pick up a brochure and some goodies to take home with you.

Ben Takes Product Showcase On The Road

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Man in blue coat stood next to a Variable Message Sign in a Quarry

For over a decade, MVIS have been delivering portable, solar powered ITS Solutions that offer users access to proven safety products that can enhance the safety of your quarry, landfill, or construction work site.

Our solutions provide effective answers to many safety concerns in a quarry construction or work site. We offer trailer based, solar powered Intelligent Quarry Safety Solutions (IQSS) products such as portable variable message signs (VMS), portable CCTV, and data collection solutions that are secure, adaptable, and cost effective.

Introducing Ben

Ben has recently transitioned into the role of Sales and Marketing Executive. A move which reflects MVIS’ dedication to nurturing talent from within. Ben previously held a marketing role within the company, but his multifaceted skillset and exceptional people skills have proven instrumental in fostering great relationships at events throughout 2023 / 24, sufficiently so that Group CEO, Pat Musgrave, was thoroughly impressed with his sales aptitude at various events & shows, and immediately green-lighted the new role.

Having lived near MVIS Midland Hub all his life, Ben knows the area well. Knowing which Quarries in his local area need help with their traffic management and general site safety. He is more than happy to put boots to the ground and visit sites to see if they need any consultation as to where traffic management can be improved or to demonstrate what our products can do. Ben’s 2024 diary is beginning to fill up fast with enquiries from both quarry and landfill site owners, keen to speak with him and to see products showcased at their site as part of MVIS’ Platinum Level Service.

Commenting on Ben’s appointment, Pat said:

“We are thrilled to have Ben step into the position of Sales and Marketing Executive. His work here so far has been fantastic and, coupled with his interpersonal skills, we’ve now seen first-hand over the last 12 months that he’s the ideal person to be a face associated with MVIS to our ever-growing client base across the Quarrying sector. We believe that Ben’s customer-centric approach will play a pivotal role in his success in the role.”

Ben added:

“I am very excited about taking on this role and I am ready for the challenge. It has been a great three years working with MVIS and I am ready to take on this exciting role and start a new chapter whilst at this company.

“I’ve really enjoyed engaging with our client base so far, and the opportunity to showcase who we are and what we do to new people at events throughout the last 12 months has been really enjoyable. I look forward to seeing more faces on the road in the run-up to Hillhead 2024 and beyond.”

If you would like Ben & the team to visit your site for an in-depth demonstration you can contact him at ben.ashman@m-vis.co.uk or 07585 256831 for an initial consultation to better understand your needs & desires.

Mobile Visual Information Systems

01629 580 570

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

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