Connect Plus Services Archives

Connect Plus and CPS have completed successful trials with technology partner Alchera to extend working windows based on traffic flow data. This process will enhance our ability to deliver works efficiently, which will result in the network being closed less often for scheduled works.

Connect Plus and CPS expect the benefits from using this technology to be the equivalent of the entire M25 being open for an additional 5 days per year, and an estimated 6% more road maintenance works to be completed per annum. This will support our focus on better, safer roads for all.

The annual Construction News Awards showcase and celebrate the very best in the industry. Marking their 28^th year, these awards have become the most prestigious and coveted awards in our sector. The categories are designed to celebrate amazing projects, technical innovations and forward-thinking companies including the biggest contractors and businesses in the sector.

The awards are being held on Thursday 11^th July 2024.

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Date: 07 March 2024

Leading highways industry players Balfour Beatty, Connect Plus, Connect Plus Services and Highway Care have helped to create a compelling narrative of road safety and innovation with the World Book Day launch of ‘The Cones and The Cone Laying Machine’; a children’s storybook by Chris Madeley.

The four companies have worked in collaboration with The Cone Book team to create the 20^th book in the Cone Book series; a fun and educational initiative that helps children learn about safety and the construction industry with captivating stories. Illustrated by Emily Vaughan, the story features a collection of cone characters and is based on the Falcon automated cone laying machine (ACLM); a first-of-its-kind machine developed by Highway Care and deployed by Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services as part of their operation and maintenance of the M25 network.

The decision to launch the book on World Book Day, March 7, was driven by a passion shared by all four companies to make the book accessible to as many young readers as possible by donating the book to children in schools. According to a World Book Day study, for 28 per cent of 8 to 11 year-olds who receive free school meals, the book 'bought' with a World Book Day token is the first they own. And, in 2017, the National Literacy Trust found that one in 9.4 per cent of children and young people did not have a book of their own at home, a statistic that rose to 13.1 percent amongst children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

For this year’s World Book Day, ‘The Cones and The Cone Laying Machine’ was a treat for its first young readers at five primary schools across the UK, located in areas close to the four stakeholder organisations’ operations. Representatives from each company visited pupils to read the books with them, hand out free copies and deliver engaging talks about the machines featured in the book.

Andy Dean, CEO of Connect Plus, explained: “Encouraging the next generation of road users and potential road workers to understand the need for safety and innovation in road maintenance is an important goal for all parties involved. We are delighted that the ACLM is the inspiration for the latest Cone Book, and that we have been able to engage so many children with the story, and hand out free copies to several local schools.”

The Cones and The Cone Laying Machine’ breaks new ground in children's literature, combining storytelling with safety education to highlight the power of innovation to make roadworks safer. With a commitment to inclusivity, the book transcends cultural, racial, and religious boundaries, delivering a unique narrative designed to spark curiosity in young minds.

Geri Straine, Sustainability Director of Balfour Beatty’s Transport, Energy, Power and Major Projects, said:

“For many years, we have actively sought to engage the future generation of engineers and construction professionals. The launch of the ‘The Cones and The Cone Laying Machine’ storybook is another great example of how we can engage and inspire school children in both an educational and entertaining way about the importance of road safety, and excite them about the opportunities available in the construction and infrastructure industry. As the book hits the virtual shelves, we celebrate not just a storybook but a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and commitment to education across the industry.”

An immersive journey into the world of road safety, ‘The Cones and The Cone Laying Machine’ features animated cone characters, whose adventures introduce primary school-aged children to the intricacies of innovation, automation, and engineering design. The cone characters learn all about the ACLM, as well as exploring the delights of engineering through the introduction of Spot the robot dog and drones.

“At its core, ‘The Cones and The Cone Laying Machine’ aims to inspire young minds to consider careers in the highways sector,” adds Hayley Terrell, Head of Communications and Marketing at Highway Care. “By presenting animated cones navigating real-world challenges, the book seeks to instil a sense of innovation and out-of-the-box thinking in the next generation and we’re certain it will not only engage them in the story but will also spark their curiosity as they spot road works while travelling.”

For those eager to support the initiative, ‘The Cones and The Cone Laying Machine’ will be available for purchase on major online platforms, including Amazon, and corporate buyers seeking bulk rates are encouraged to connect directly with The Cone Books. Notably, the book will not be available in digital format, emphasising the goal of providing a tangible connection for children with reading and the book in their hands.

“As ‘The Cones and The Cone Laying Machine’ hits the shelves, we celebrate not just a book, but a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and commitment to education,” Dave Neal, Connect Plus Services’ Managing Director adds. “We hope teachers, parents, children and organisations involved in the highways sector will join us in making this release a success and inspiring the next generation of contributors to the highways industry.”

Notes to editors:

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

15 years ago, National Highways awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways and management
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, AtkinsRealis and Egis UK.
With a workforce of around 700 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.

For media enquiries and further information, please contact: Vanessa King, on 07481 614397 or vanessa@twa.marketing

A message from Dave Neal, Managing Director – Connect Plus Services and Andy Dean, Chief Executive – Connect Plus

We’d like to wish all of our colleagues, industry partners and customers an enjoyable festive period.

December is the perfect time to reflect on the year gone by and look forward to the fresh start the new year will bring. It’s a time to step back and remind ourselves of the huge responsibility, and privilege, we collectively share to keep the iconic M25 running safely, day in, day out.

This monumental infrastructure, which is vital to the UK economy and keeps families and communities connected, never sleeps. The M25 is the busiest road network in Europe, enabling over 73 million journeys each year.

This short video was created a few months ago to help tell our story. It highlights our strategic approach to maintaining the network and the extent of the work we deliver as well as the importance we place on balancing the needs of the network and our assets, with the needs of road users, our local communities, and stakeholders. The work that we each do enables our customers to travel safely and for that we feel very proud.

Our partners in the framework community have also been key to our success this year, we’re one team and that’s how we deliver. Thanks to our community approach, there can be as many as one thousand people carrying out vital works on the M25 at any one time.

We’d also like to highlight the huge effort being made to foster an inclusive working environment here at Connect Plus and CPS. Our strength comes from our diverse skillset and the different types of people within our organisation. There have been numerous D&I initiatives this year and we look forward to building on this is in 2024.

A huge thank you must go to our colleagues who will be working during this time to ensure that millions of customers can continue their journeys safely.

Take care of yourselves. We hope you can all enjoy a well-earned rest and special time with loved ones. We look forward to working even better together in 2024.

Best wishes,

By Rob Haddow, Inspections Portfolio Manager at CPS

The recent remembrance period and armistice events have seen me reflecting on my military career and transition into the highways industry. I’ve had questions from former and present colleagues about this transition and would like to share my experience in case it might be of help to other service leavers considering embarking on a career in highways.

Let me begin by explaining a bit about my military experience. I signed up to the Army as a fresh faced 17-year old, joining the Corp of Royal Engineers and went on to serve for a total of 13 years. After successfully passing the All-Arms Commando course and earning my green beret, I became a commando trained Royal Engineer. This meant that I served within 3 Commando Brigade and provided close combat engineer support to the Royal Marines. All Commando trained personnel are specialists in amphibious warfare but are able to deploy anywhere in the world, including desert, jungle, mountainous and cold weather environment which is testament to the versatility and adaptability of armed forces personnel. I worked my way through the rank structure of the military and by the end of my service, I was a Senior-Non-Commissioned Officer at a Military Phase One Training establishment.

So, what made me consider leaving? My wife and I had just found out we were expecting our first children, twin daughters. I absolutely loved, and will be forever proud of, my service career, however with my children ‘en route’ my priorities quickly changed direction and I didn’t want to be spending up to six months away from home any longer. As soon as I found out I was becoming a father, I submitted my notice to terminate.

Once I began exploring civilian work opportunities, it quickly became apparent that the construction industry was best suited for my skill set. This led me to look at the leading UK construction companies. I researched which projects they were undertaking at the time and their pipeline of work, carefully considering which one would best suit me. Balfour Beatty instantly stood out. I hadn’t realised the amount and varied types of work it is involved with and was delighted to discover Connect Plus Services, the joint venture partnership between Balfour Beatty, Atkins Realis and Egis, to run the M25 contract over a 30-year period. I live in Essex so a contract of this size, duration and location was very interesting to me.

I’ll be honest, this leap of faith wasn’t made without some level of doubt. Every Service Leaver I know experienced similar anxieties when leaving the Armed Forces. Fear of the unknown isn’t insignificant when making a life change like this, but the truth is that these doubts can creep in when leaving any job. With chaos comes opportunities and I am a big believer that this can be used to your advantage. Yes, it will be hard and you will get knocked back from jobs but embrace the change and most importantly have a plan.

I gave myself milestones in my 12-month transition period which included; attending courses by a certain date, having by CV complete by anther date, attending Recruitment Fairs and then starting to apply, followed by interviews. After every interview, I went through a lessons-learnt exercise with my wife, capturing what went well and what didn’t so that I was better prepared for my next one.

The Armed Forces is like any other organisation; there is a chain of command, management structure and roles with certain responsibilities. The skillset gained in the military, namely leadership, communication and organisation, can be easily transferred into any civilian organisation. When I learned more about the Highways industry, I started to realise that some of the roles and responsibilities of a Royal Engineer carrying out construction are similar to what is required to keep the highly strategic M25 network running. I truly believe there is a is a role here for anyone leaving the Services. For me, working on the M25, no day is the same. Each day provides a different challenge which I overcome putting many of the skills I learned in the military into practice.

If this sounds interesting to you, please do take a look at our current openings and get it in touch!

Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services are pleased to announce that the works they have been carrying out on behalf of National Highways at the Pinks Hill balancing pond, adjacent to the A20 in Swanley, are now complete.

The purpose of the balancing pond is to hold water from the highway’s drainage after rainfall and discharge it slowly. The improvement works took place between March and October 2023 and have now increased the capacity of the pond by an additional 30% and upgraded the connecting drainage to reduce the risk of flooding. The access track around the pond has also been improved to provide easier and safer access for maintenance teams in the future. Also, the fencing around the perimeter of the pond has been made secure and additional warning signage has been installed along the fence line for the safety of the public who use the adjacent footway.

The team took the opportunity to improve the ecology of the surrounding area while undergoing these improvements works. This programme included the addition of 3,500 new trees across three locations in Swanley, including Elephant Park which is nearby Pinks Hill, which Connect Plus Services’ environmental teams will monitor the progress of. A new natural bund directly to the west of the pond has also been constructed, using suitable material taken from the pond. This initiative helped reduce the amount of waste taken to landfill. The bund has been seeded with a wildflower mix, which in addition to the new trees, will help to improve local biodiversity.

Notes To Editors:

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

14 years ago, National Highways awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins Realis and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services are delighted to announce that they have been shortlisted as a finalist in the 2023 Highways Awards. Our industry-leading approach to delivering programme optimisation on the M25 has been recognised in the Maintenance Efficiency category. Working collaboratively with the technology providers, Optimatics and Alchera, we have developed tools to reduce the number of road closures needed to deliver the annual maintenance and renewal programme, as well as increasing the length of the available working window – leading to reduced numbers of closures needed to complete works.

To support the implementation of these tools, a Community Planning Hub has been established, to transform how planning of work is undertaken, bringing together people from all the organisations within the M25 community of Connect Plus, Connect Plus Services and Connect Plus’ four framework contractors (Jackson, Milestone, Tarmac and Octavius).

Being shortlisted for the Maintenance Efficiency award is welcome recognition of our industry-leading approach to programme management on Europe’s busiest section of motorway, which will lead to reduced impact on customer journeys, reduced exposure of the workforce and improved cost efficiency for all parties.

The award winners will be revealed on October 11, 2023.

Notes to Editors:

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

14 years ago, National Highways awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

About Alchera

Founded in 2016 by researchers from the University of Cambridge and UCL, Alchera builds software products to power data-driven infrastructure.
Alchera has a strong history of working with world-leading machine learning and advanced software architecture technologies.
Based in Cambridge, UK, the team includes 4 PhDs, 40 research papers and over 100 years’ worth of experience within the world of software development and deployment and delivering technology for the critical infrastructure industry.
Alchera’s flagship technology is an ML powered data platform transforming the way mobility infrastructure is being designed, built and operated. Through cutting-edge machine learning Alchera unlocks data-driven decision making across all stakeholder levels by providing advanced analytics like data fusion and prediction packaged into outcome-focused applications.
With an initial emphasis on highways, urban roads and multi-modal transport hubs (e.g. train stations, airports), Alchera is currently deployed and powering mobility planning & operations in the UK and internationally.

Website: https://www.alcheratechnologies.com/

About Optimatics

Optimatics is changing the trajectory of public infrastructure economics, powering outcome driven analytics strategies that achieve new levels of operational and community impact. With Optimatics, infrastructure leaders leverage an intelligent platform combined with their engineering judgment to explore the full range of options and tackle complex decision-making with confidence.

Website: https://optimatics.com/

We’re proud to share the news that members of our Framework Sustainability Forum recently spent a productive morning clearing a stretch of river close to the M25 network of invasive non-native plants.

The Framework Sustainability Forum, which consists of representatives from all organisations in the One Community; Connect Plus Services, Jackson, Octavius, Milestone Infrastructure, and Tarmac, meets on a quarterly basis to share best practice and learn from each other’s experiences. However, instead of following the usual meeting format in July, the team met at the offices of the Canal & Rivers Trust at Enfield Lock before taking to the water to remove floating pennywort from the Lee Navigation.

Native to the Americas and introduced to the UK in the 1980s through the ornamental aquatic trade, floating pennywort has spread rapidly from garden ponds into our waterways. It’s problematic for the existing ecosystem because it forms dense mats of rounded leaves which float across the water’s surface, depleting oxygen levels and light for photosynthesis, threatening fish and invertebrates, and outcompeting native water plants.

During the sunny morning in July, volunteers from the Forum successfully removed clumps from the river, which they accessed in canoes, before colleagues on the banks lifted the vegetation into tubs and took it away. In total, a tonne of foliage was disposed of, so it was a very successful effort!

British Canoeing and the Angling Trust are working in partnership with the Canals and Rivers Trust and Environment Agency to remove this species with the help of volunteers.

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

14 years ago, National Highways awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Today celebrates the 10^th International Women in Engineering Day; a time to promote and recognise the significant work that women engineers across the globe are doing.

The theme for this year is #MakeSafetySeen which focuses on the incredible achievements of female engineers who are engaged in safety and security.

This crucial awareness day demonstrates that women around the world are still hugely under-represented in the industry, with 2021 figures indicating that in the UK only 16.5% of engineers are women.

By engaging and highlighting this important day, we all play a vital role in encouraging more young women and girls to take up engineering careers.

Louise Haining, CPS Interim Managing Director, said: ‘What another amazing celebration of engineering it is on International Women in Engineering Day. I am proud to be an engineer working in civil engineering infrastructure for over 32 years and have been able to work in and around some iconic infrastructure.

I have progressed from site engineer, chief engineer, to Asset and Delivery Director now with CPS and have worked hard, played hard, and have made a difference to our communities with what I have built.

The opportunity that has recently been given to me by CPS as Interim Managing Director shows that with passion, commitment, and emotional intelligence you can really achieve your aspirations.

If, like others, I can be a role model to women thinking of engineering and spark a ‘look what is possible’, then that is the icing on the cake for me.’

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Armed Forces Day is celebrated on the last Saturday of June each year, falling on this coming Saturday 24^th June for 2023.

The day is dedicated to showing our support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving troops to service families, veterans and cadets.

At Connect Plus Services, we have a valued and growing team of Service leavers within our departments. We recognise the vast array of transferable and unique skills that they bring, not only to the business but the industry.

In turn, we continue to encourage the industry to recognise and support their transition throughout the recruitment process, which is often faced with challenges.

As we prepare to celebrate Armed Forces Day, we will be introducing some of our colleagues who discuss their experiences and transition into their current careers.

Wayne Bovelle has been in his role of night supervisor within the construction team since July 2017. As part of his role, Wayne travels around the network with various sub-contractors completing planned works as well as having supervised junctions 2, 13, 23, 1a and A30 Crooked Billet improvement schemes.

Prior to joining the industry, Wayne served in the Armed Forces for 23 years which incorporated 11 in the infantry and 12 as a Royal Engineer.

While discussing the transition from the Armed Forces, Wayne said: ‘I believe there are many transferable skills, this includes leadership, teamwork, strong work ethic, core values as well as self-direction and motivation.’

Wayne continues: ‘The main challenges faced by armed services leavers is understanding that many of their skills are transferable to any workplace and the guidance available on how to relate current skills
to civilian jobs/speak. This could be overcome by getting help with CVs and speaking with other ex-forces members who have already made the transition.’

Sam Nash joined in his role as Structures Inspection Delivery Manager/Senior Inspector at CPS 4 years ago and is responsible for delivering all inspections on Area 5 structures.

Prior to joining the industry, Sam served in the Armed Forces for 6 years Craftsman in the light aid detachment to the 3rd Royal Anglians.

Sam says he was drawn to apply for his position at CPS as it was ‘a great opportunity to be involved in the largest most complex inspection programme I knew of.’

He continues that there are many transferable skills that Armed Forces staff can bring to the industry: ‘The ability to think and act under high pressure situations is something particularly important and developed within the armed forces, armed forces personnel are well suited to being dropped into these situations and not panicking.’

However, when talking about challenges in recruitment, Sam said: ‘A big challenge is that a civilian mindset can be quite different from a military one, additional time may be needed by the applicant and the employer to allow this adjustment to take place.

Kevin Cuthbert recently joined the CPS team as Shift Manager on green shift, managing the safe and efficient delivery of all site activity with repairs and maintenance.

Kevin said ‘the uniqueness of the site stood out for me when applying to work on the M25 project. The crossing is internationally recognised and there is massive variety in the work dealing with different
contractors and scheduled maintenance.’

‘I have served in the Armed Forces for 24 years, working my way through each level of management to Senior Non-Commissioned Officer. I was a line manager for a Platoon with flexible numbers raging
from 60-140 personnel, with numbers changing daily depending on where trainees were within their course pipeline. I have also managed a workshop of engineers maintaining a vehicle fleet so that its ready for any situation.'

Kevin’s shares his advice to others considering joining the industry from the services: ‘It can be a bit daunting knowing that you are now having to change careers after spending so long in the military, so the biggest challenge was CV writing and job interviews.’

‘I think the earlier you start your CV writing the better, start before you are contemplating leaving the Military because its hard to look back over 24 years and remember everything you have done from a
management point of view.'

Dominic has recently joined the CPS team as Health and Safety Advisor, having transitioned from the British Military Royal Engineers.

Dominic has served in the Armed Forces for 10 years, he said: ‘I served as an Armoured Engineer working on heavy armoured vehicles and worked my way through the ranks to become sergeant. I was
then in charge of up to 30 men at any one time, providing training to allow them to develop as soldiers for the future.’

Dominic’s advise to other service leavers considering a career in the industry is: ‘I would encourage all members of the Armed Forces to apply to work in this environment. We can bring so much to this
profession, and we can also gain so much also.’

'The industry recognises the skillset that military personnel possess. The courses they offer enables exmilitary to shine and show their true potential through confidence and the ability to overcome issues
using unique skillsets built upon the key values of the Military.'

Clifton began his role of Operations Manager for Drainage Inspections 1 month ago at CPS.

Clifton has served in the Armed Forces for 22 years prior to joining the industry.

In discussing the transition to civilian life, Clifton said: ‘The Armed Forces is like any other organisation, whereas there is a chain of command, management structure and roles with certain responsibilities.
The skills you learn in the military include leadership, communication and organisation which can be transferred into any civilian organisation.’

‘The main challenges faced by ex-service personnel in recruitment is getting a foothold on the work ladder. It is important to have a good CV highlighting your transferable skills, do your homework when
looking at employers and look at what courses you can do whilst still in the military that are beneficial for when you leave.'

Barry Martin has been in his role as TM and Structures Inspection Logistics Manager for four years at CPS.

In his role Barry organises the traffic management and booking for the inspectors to carry out their inspections safely on all of the structures on the M25 and surrounding areas.

Prior to joining the industry Barry served in the Armed Forces for 6 years.

Barry said: ‘I believe the Armed Forces gives you the mindset to succeed but also makes you an individual that works well in a team and also alone where needed with minimal supervision.’

‘In the services there are lots of different skills that can be transferred to a new life alongside a great working team. The main challenges faced by service leavers is adapting to a civilian way of life. This can be overcome by integrating into working on a great contract with a great team and learning new skills

Leon joined the industry over a year ago and is now in the position of Senior Supervisor for the (Pre Defined Assets) team.

Prior to joining CPS, Leon spent 24 years serving in the Armed Forces, as soldier and officer.

He said: 'Working my way through the ranks I completed my solider Career as the Regimental Sergeant Major withing the Rifles (Infantry) then commissioned as a Officer into the rank of Captain (Rifles) my last role was as the unit welfare officer for a Battalion of 360 rifleman.'

On speaking about his transition from military to the highways industry, Leon says ‘managerial and communication skills are most definitely transferable to this industry, as well as the skill to learn quickly and with enthusiasm.

Richard Mould joined the business 13 years ago and is currently in his position of Technology Engineer.

Richard served in the Royal Navy for 5 years before taking his current role at CPS.

Speaking about his transition from military to the highways industry, Richard said ‘The M25 is an important part of the UK infrastructure and there’s so much to learn about what others do to keep it running. It’s especially great for Armed Forces leavers as the support network and community is wonderful.’

Richard’s advice to anybody thinking of joining the industry is ‘You will be an important part of the machine, as you were in the military. Don’t be worried about the adjustment, there are plenty of veterans here to guide you along the way.'

Rob has been in his role of Operations and Maintenance Manager at CPS for four years.

In his role, Robert manages the safe and efficient delivery of operations and maintenance activity within the allocated geographical area of the Northwest quadrant of the M25.

He said: ‘I was in the Armed Forces for 13 years prior to taking my career into the Highways industry. I worked my way through each level of management and finished up as a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer. I was Line Manager for a troop of 30 personnel.’

‘The Armed Forces is like any other organisation, so far as there is a chain of commands, management structure and roles with certain responsibilities. The skills you learn in the military; particularly leadership, communication and organisation can be easily transferred to the industry. Specifically, to the M25 project, it is a highly strategic network for the UK and with the amount of work required to keep it moving, there is a role perfect for anyone leaving the services.’

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Our environment team have created and manage thousands of metres of species rich grassland for insect pollinators across our network, with more planned in the coming year.

They have highlighted just a few of the species we have buzzing and scuttling around our meadows:

Ruby-tailed Wasps (Chrysis sp.) These colourful little solitary cuckoo wasps are kleptoparasites of solitary Bees and wasps (commonly targets Mason bees) and lay their eggs their nests. If the wasp is discovered whilst laying its eggs it has the ability to curl up in a ball and because of its very hard body cuticle is safe from the dangerous stings of the bee.
Fence Post Jumping spider (Marpissa Muscosa) Not an insect, but on fence posts hunting within our grassland sites you can find the Fence Post Jumping Spider. This Nationally Scarce Spider is the UK`s largest jumping spider (still only up to 11mm in size) and as the name suggests they hunt by sight by pouncing upon their prey. This year we have had 3 records in the North East section of this species.
Common Carder Bee (Bombus Pascuorum) This very familiar Bumble bee is often seen buzzing around gardens from around April to October and is the most common of the ginger bees. It is in the order Hymenoptera which includes Bees, Wasps, Sawflies and Ants of which we have 6600 species in the UK.
Pied Shieldbug (Tritomegas bicolor) These belong to the order Hemiptera which includes all true bugs (about 1800 UK species) that tap into plants and feed on the sap from within although a very small number are carnivorous. The Pied Shieldbug is usually found on Dead Nettles which is its host plant.

Hoverflies (Syrphidae) These familiar flies are often seen in meadows and gardens darting from flower to flower, there are 270 species found in the UK although many require a microscope to identify.
Assassin Flies (Asilidae) The Assassin or Robber flies are predatory flies that hawk around meadows predating on other flies, bees and wasps some species can even take Dragonflies.
Bee flies (Bombyliidae) This family only has 11 members although you will only likely see the Dark-edged bee fly as the others are quite scarce, these are Kleptoparasites of solitary bees flicking their eggs into solitary bee nest holes for them to rear.

Moths and Butterflies (Lepidoptera) There are over 2500 species in the order Lepidoptera (59 species of Butterfly, 900 species of Macro Moth and 1600 species of Micro Moth). Macro Moths are very efficient pollinators even more so Bees according to a recent study by the University of Sussex.

Beetles (Coleoptera) In the UK we have 4200 species of Beetle, some feed on flowers and leaves, some on rotting bark and carrion and some are armed with deadly jaws that prey on other unfortunate insects. The Golden-bloomed Grey Longhorn Beetle is usually found on plants such as Hogweed feeding on the leaves. The Sexton Beetle (there are 5 species in the UK) will locate and bury carrion far larger than itself for its offspring to feed on underground. The Violet Ground Beetle is a large predatory Beetle that chases down prey insects, these Beetles are unable to fly like many other Beetles and are nocturnal.

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

As part of National Highways’ work to reduce congestion and improve safety at the A282 Littlebrook Interchange, our team have recently completed the addition of an extra lane and a dedicated left turn for journeys towards the west tunnel at Dartford.

This involved widening of the A206 between the east and west roundabouts as it goes over the A282, meaning there are now three lanes instead of two.

Whilst widening this carriageway across the bridge, some of the utility services that were buried underneath the existing road required re-rerouting and followed by the installation of a new safety barrier.

Further additions will also improve safety and included:

New signage
Completed fresh road markings
Improvements to the traffic light phasing
A new high-friction resurface around the junction to reduce the risk of skidding.

Together these changes will increase capacity at a particularly busy junction whilst making journeys to the Dartford tunnel easier and safer for thousands of commuters and businesses who pass through here every day.

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

As part of National Highways and Swanley Town Council improvement works at the Pinks Hill balancing pond near Junction 3 at Swanley, Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services have helped plant over 3500 trees.

The trees are across three sites close to the pond itself and support Connect Plus Services’ focus on protecting and enhancing the environment surrounding the M25.

All the plants are native, both trees and the wildflower seed mix, and they all offer something to wildlife such fruits/nuts and all are used as invertebrate food plants.

Those trees planted have been chosen from the following species: Yew, Hazel, Dog Rose, Rowan, Spindle, Crab Apple, Silver Birch, Beech, Hawthorn, Small-leaved Lime, Sweet Chestnut, Field Maple, Elder, Wild Privet, Wayfaring Tree, Dogwood and Wild Cherry.

Francis Cluett, National Highways lead, said: “We are delighted to join the council, to plant near Pinks Hill. These local improvements at Pinks Hill will deliver real benefits for people living nearby. These new trees are part of our plans to ensure the local environment is improved.

“We recognise that the M25 at Swanley runs close to some exceptionally beautiful countryside and we want to make sure it stays that way, so that’s why the team from Connect Plus Services will be visiting regularly to check on the condition of the trees.”

Read more in Highways News and Highways Industry. An article was also included in the Swanley Town Council Monthly Magazine.

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

World Bee Day is celebrated on 20th May each year and aims to spread awareness of the significance bees.

In the UK bees are in severe decline, helped by a combination of habitat loss, pollution and climate change. Bees are essential and sadly often overlooked. Our own diets rely heavily on the work that bees do - in addition to the honey and wax bees produce themselves.

Our environment team are dedicated to supporting and enhancing the environment of local species, which includes bees, across the M25 network.

To celebrate the day, we have identified which bee species you would find in our species rich grassland that we create and maintain:

Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva): The Tawny mining bee is a common solitary bee that is often seen in spring, they nest underground, building a little volcano-like mound of soil around the mouth of its burrow.

Two Coloured Mason Bee (Osmia bicolor): The Two-coloured Mason Bee is another common solitary bee found in the southern half of the UK and recently seen on the BBC series Wild Isles. These Bees uses vacant snail shells as nest sites and once complete the Bee will camouflage the shell with twigs that they find a bring back to the nest.

Nomad Bees and Cuckoo Bumblebees: There are 37 species of Nomad Bee which are all cleptoparasites of Mining Bees. They exploit the arduous work of Mining Bees by laying their eggs in the Mining Bee`s nests for them to raise hence the other name Cuckoo Bee.

Field Cuckoo Bumblebee (Bombus/Psithyrus campestris): There are also 6 species of Cuckoo Bumblebees which only target Bumblebee Nests.

Hairy-footed Flower Bee (Anthophora plumipes): This solitary bee is often mistaken for a Bumblebee due to how hairy it is, but its flight is very distinctive, it has also shows unmistakable sexual dimorphism. The male is ginger, and the female is black, the male has long hairs on his feet. At night, the female will sleep in the nest, normally a hole in old mortar and the male will find a flower to sleep in. They are often seen feeding on Red Dead Nettle (Lamium purpureum) which turns their pollen baskets a vivid pink.

Shrill carder bee (Bombus sylvarum): The Shrill carder Bee is one of the UK`s rarest Bumblebees that is confined to small populations in Kent, Essex, Somerset, Wiltshire, Gwent, Glamorgan and Pembrokeshire. The Shrill carder bee is very distinctive due to its straw like colour with a red tail and its high pitch buzz when in flight. This year we shall be surveying a large area beneath the QE2 bridge in Dartford for a population as they have been recorded previously a few kilometres away and the site is suitable.

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Our environment team are committed to working in a sustainable way. We are continually dedicated to making significant progress in reducing our carbon footprint as well as looking to identify new technologies and solutions to help improve our relationship with the environment.

We are also focused on our local communities, including supporting and enhancing habitats of local species.

A recent scheme our team have been working on has focused on enhancing the habitat at two selected sites on the M25 between junction 16 to 22.

The project aims to benefit all pollinators, particularly butterflies and moths, by not only providing a source of nectar but also food plants for their larvae.

By increasing the numbers of pollinators and their larvae, it creates a knock-on effect by providing a food source for predatory insects; such as dragonflies, carabid beetles, spiders and birds, especially during the nesting season.

The team identified one site in which they will scrape the surface soil and create small banks, before sowing with a species rich mix of 80% grasses/20% wildflowers. On another site they will plant plug plants into the existing grassland; which is a rolling project and will be joined by further sites this year.

These are just a few species that have been included in the seed mix:

Vipers bugloss - this is an important source of pollen and nectar for bees as it flowers into October and provides a high amount of nectar, it is also an occasional larval food plant of the painted lady butterfly.
Yellow rattle is hemiparasite of grasses, it supresses their growth so creating an environment for wildflowers to thrive, it is known as a meadow creator.

Wild carrot like many umbellifers attracts beetles such as the swollen legged flower beetles and some long horn beetles as well as hoverflies.
Cocksfoot is a very important larval food plant for many lepidopterans, such as the meadow brown, ringlet, speckled wood and some skipper species.
Common sorrel is the larval food plant of the small copper butterfly and the blood vein moth.
Birds foot trefoil is another extremely important plant that provides nectar over a very long season and very nutritious pollen. It is also larval food plant for 30 butterflies and macro moths such as the common blue butterfly.
Field scabious is an attractive wildflower that attracts butterflies, in particular the Marbled White, their seeds are also a favourite of goldfinches and linnet.

Red fescue is the larval food plant of the marbled white butterfly.

The first target species of our team is the striped lychnis moth which is also the Upper Thames Butterfly Conservation Species Champion for the moth.

There already exists a small colony of this species at a local Butterfly Conservation, therefore it is an aim that one of our sites will become a steppingstone to help them expand their range. To enhance the site, our team have planted dark mullein, which is their larval food plant.

This particularly species was once a widespread moth across southern England but unfortunately suffered a rapid decline and is now confined to Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Hampshire and West Sussex.

Furthermore, the small blue is the UK`s smallest butterfly and is currently listed as ‘near threatened’. The species relies on undisturbed and un grazed grassland and, due to being monophagous, the presence of kidney vetch.

There are records of small colonies of small blue close to our site at junction 22, thus our environment team have increased the percentage of Kidney Vetch in the seed mix and will create banks which the males require to establish territories.

Additional plans include enhancing the habitat of four bumblebees; the shrill, moss, brown banded carder bees and red shanked carder bees as well as the ‘vulnerable to extinction’ brown hairstreak.

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Every year litter becoming a growing concern, with a record amount dropped across the M25 network in 2022.

The result of increased litter, generated for most part by drivers throwing discarded items from windows, isn’t just unsightly but is felt throughout our work on the network and in our customer raised queries.

In 2022 alone 2,821 tonnes of street cleaning was collected by our teams.

This litter causes considerable damage to the environment whilst sadly also endangering our local wildlife. Furthermore, the collecting of this litter puts our colleagues at serious risk and also diverts valuable money and time away from other crucial network works.

Therefore, the annual Great British Spring Clean campaign, created by Keep Britain Tidy, is one we wholeheartedly support and encourage everyone to get involved in.

The campaign, now in its eighth year, is the nation’s biggest mass-action environmental campaign. This year it begins on 17^th March and runs until the 2^nd April.

Following the successes of previous years, we’ll again be pledging our support to collect as many bags of litter within our local communities as well as committing our time to highlight the risks of litter on the M25 network.

As part of our litter collections, we’ve created a competition between our depots to collect the highest number of bags as well as combining this with our ‘step into spring’ campaign to encourage everyone to log their steps and get moving for spring.

Whilst we pledge our support to the Great British Spring Clean, our message to every road user is please don’t put our workers at risk - take your litter home.

Elleanor Harris, Sustainability Manager at CPS, said: ‘The annual Great British Spring Clean campaign is important to CPS as not only does it get us outside getting fresh air but more importantly it is another way for us to make a difference to the local communities around our depots. Every year we collect a huge amount of litter from just an hour of litter picking and it makes it clear how important it is to support the campaign.’

Read more about CPS’ commitment to the environment here.

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Connect Plus Services were delighted to be announced winners at this year's National Highways Awards, alongside Connect Plus, Balfour Beatty, Highway Care and SENN Engineering.

The award recognised the Automated Cone Laying Machine (ACLM) in the category of ‘exceptional contribution to safety research and innovation.’

The introduction of the innovative ACLM to the M25 network was a UK and industry first, following long-standing concerns for health and safety associated with manual cone laying.

By removing this need for operatives to manually move up to five tonnes of cones per shift in a high-risk environment, these benefits include: 

Reducing manual handling and repetitive strain resulting from deployment of 5t of cones per shift, 5 nights a week, 48 weeks a year.  Operatives lift c.24,000t manually over a typical 20-year career. 
The process to extend reach and the rotational twisting of the body is unergonomic and particularly damaging when combined with the weight stresses and fatigues over prolonged careers.  
Avoiding the risk of serious injury for workers deploying cones manually due to working adjacent to live lane traffic, often travelling at high speed, at night and in potentially poor weather conditions. The ACLM removes the risk to operatives of accidental collisions or close proximity of other vehicles coming within close proximity of the working vehicle. 
Avoiding the risk to operatives from traffic fumes due to close proximity to traffic and the positioning close to the vehicle’s own emissions involved in manual cone laying. 
Avoiding the hearing damage associated with close proximity to travelling/high-speed vehicles. Avoiding proximity to traffic is more effective in this regard than ear protection.

Preventing the workforce from being a hazard/distraction for other road users.

It is a fantastic achievement to win at these prestigious awards, not only highlighting the impact of the ACLM in the industry but also the collaborative teamwork on the project.

Robert Haddow and Dale Hicks, of Connect Plus Services, joined Ollie Pulling of Highway Care at the event to accept the award. Robert said: “It was an honour and privilege to have been part of the team to accept this award at the National Highways Awards. The automated cone laying machine has really been a team effort from everyone involved; Highway Care, Balfour Beatty Fleet, SENN engineering, Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services, through to the operations team trailing and implementing it on the M25. To have played a part in the success of this revolutionary piece of equipment, that will enhance the safety of our people, has been something that I am extremely proud of.'

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on 8th March and is a global day dedicated to celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

This year’s awareness day recognises the powerful theme of ‘Embracing Equity’. This is a message to drive worldwide understanding of why equal opportunities aren't enough. People start from different places, so true inclusion and belonging require equitable action.

CPS encourages everyone to challenge gender stereotypes, call out discrimination, draw attention to bias, and seek out inclusion.

CPS is committed to equality and breaking any bias in the industry. Through work with our ED&I team, we continue to raise awareness, continue the conversation and host events to encourage discussion at every opportunity.

Two of our own inspirational women at CPS have additionally spent time discussing their experiences and advice.

Maryann Ofiaja, Project Manager at CPS, describes how International Women’s Day is crucial in celebrating women’s achievements across all spheres of life, as well as to create awareness on gender inequality, bias and discrimination whilst embracing diversity and inclusion.

She continued to explain that diversity is essential in promoting inclusivity where everyone feels represented in the workplace. Having varied views, ideas and approaches is hugely positive.

Maryann said: ‘we need to continue to raise awareness until all forms of gender inequality are eliminated. To continually keep in the limelight women’s achievements and contributions to social, economic, cultural and political affairs.’

Her advice to women considering a career in the industry is to ‘don’t be put off by the industry being male dominated, women can make a difference. There are a huge number of mentors and role models to support you. Believe in yourself and have a can-do attitude!’

Natia Sikhuashvili, Graduate Project Manager at CPS, describes how International Women’s Day is important to celebrate women’s achievements ‘’across every aspect.

Natia said: ‘I strongly believe that diversity enhances creativity, also its leading to better decision making and problem solving. Everyone sees the world in a different way and everyone has different knowledge, perspectives and points of view. When these different views are shared together, the impossible becomes possible.’

Natia’s advice for other women considering a career in the industry is to ‘believe in yourself and be confident. There are no limits to our capabilities!’

Moreen Achan, IT Project Manager at CPS, describes International Women’s Day as very important to celebrate as ‘we have come a long way as women and fought a very long battle to be where we are.’

Moreen said: ‘Diversity is extremely important in the workplace because when a workplace values diversity, everyone is treated equally according to their own individual preferences and needs. This promotes inclusiveness and allows individuals to feel comfortable, respected and valued.’

Moreen’s advice to any women considering a career in the industry is to ‘take the step, make it work and don’t ever look back. This industry has a lot to offer and it’s not only for men.’

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services are delighted to announce that we have been selected as finalists in the prestigious annual National Highways Awards.

In collaboration with Balfour Beatty, Highways Care and SENN Engineering, the Automated Cone Laying Machine (ACLM) has reached the final stage in the category of ‘Exceptional contribution to safety reach and innovation.’

The introduction of the innovative ACLM to the M25 network was a UK and industry first, following long-standing concerns for health and safety associated to manual cone laying.

Cone laying is the primary segregation measure for the safety of our workforce and public within traffic management. By removing the need for operative to manually move up to five tonnes of cones per shift, the benefits are critical. These include:

Manual handling and repetitive strain resulting from deployment of 5t of cones per shift, 5 nights a week, 48 weeks a year.
Operatives lift c.24,000t manually over a typical 20-year career.
The process to extend reach and the rotational twisting of the body is unergonomic and particularly damaging when combined with the weight stresses and fatigues over prolonged careers.
Avoiding the risk of serious injury for workers deploying cones manually due to working adjacent to live lane traffic, often travelling at high speed, at night and in potentially poor weather conditions. The ACLM removes the risk to operatives of accidental collisions or close proximity of other vehicles coming within close proximity of the working vehicle.
Avoiding the risk to operatives from traffic fumes due to close proximity to traffic and the positioning close to the vehicle’s own emissions involved in manual cone laying.
Avoiding the hearing damage associated with close proximity to travelling/high-speed vehicles. Avoiding proximity to traffic is more effective in this regard than ear protection.
Preventing the workforce from being a hazard/distraction for other road users.

Furthermore, the machinery improves the time efficiency and availability on schemes.  

It is a great success and recognition for the ACLM to be shortlisted, which is not only innovative to the industry but also in its commitment to Zero Harm and its overall collaborative approach in design of the project. 

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

We were delighted to attend the prestigious National Highways South-East Alliance Awards, which showcase and celebrate the very best of the industry in the Southeast areas (Areas 3, 4 and 5).

There were many fantastic entries put forward, and we’re proud to be announced winners, in numerous categories.

Alongside Connect Plus, we took the title in the Environment category which recognised the work our brilliant teams have been doing in developing our carbon strategy. In doing so, it has involved extensive focus to understand, analyse and reduce the amount of greenhouse gases that we are emitting.

In the Overall Special Recognition Award, we were honoured to win alongside Connect Plus, Octavius Infrastructure and Steve Perkins Associates. This award celebrated the social value work carried out in the community on our Gade Valley scheme, as well as the healthier highways project.

Measuring our social value allows us to understand and manage the contribution that we make to our society. The Gade Valley team have shown strong commitment to social value, not only have they committed their time and skills to help charities and community groups, but they have also raised funds, donated surplus site materials and furniture, and sponsored tickets for award ceremonies to help celebrate success. Up to the end of March 2022, £14,288,411.80 of social value has been added to the project, including local economic value.

Also in this category, our collaborative work alongside Steve Perkins Associates in ‘Healthier Highways’ was celebrated. This initiative focuses on improving health protection across the M25 supply chain; demonstrating how important innovation is to health, safety and wellbeing in the industry. As a result of our teams’ work, we have been able to more than halve dust levels through more robust use of existing engineering controls, resulting in a much safer working environment at little or no additional cost implication. We have now successfully embedded improved working methods, with checks in place from framework contractors, and improved risk assessments and maintenance schedules from the supply chain.

It was also wonderful to be joint winners in the Delivery category for our involvement in the Smart Motorway stocktake. A great example of collaboration and innovation throughout the project.

In addition, we were highly commended in collaboration award as well as the customer award, which highlighted the efforts our teams went to through to support a family involved in a road traffic collision on the network. The team truly went above and beyond, having an enormous impact on those involved.

A further individual mention was made for the outstanding work carried out by one of our colleagues, Mick Paternoster, in supporting during a mental health emergency on the network. Mick’s work was an outstanding example of going the extra mile, and well deserving of the recognition.

It was a fantastic event and we’re especially proud to celebrate the impact our dedicated M25 team have on the industry.

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

As part of the Road Investment Strategy (RIS2) devised by National Highways, which looks at improving ‘environmental performance’ as an industry; Connect Plus Services is providing an improvement plan to our soft estate to increase our biodiversity net gain units.

This means integrating biodiversity net gain into more of our schemes and increasing the level of net gain units we produce per scheme where possible.

Every habitat has a type (e.g., broadleaved woodland, lowland meadow, bramble scrub) and a condition (good, moderate, poor) as well as a level of importance to local authorities and strategies.

These criteria provide a number of units for each habitat. Net gain units refer to the increase in these units due to the improvements we implement in a scheme.

The M26 project

To facilitate the increase in units, our dedicated environment team designed a large-scale project on the M26 to improve the habitat condition and suitability for protected species and other species of conservation concern. After analysing species records, we found that there are established populations of hazel dormice in the area, hence, dormice became the primary focus of the scheme.

We first needed to determine the habitat types and conditions along the M26 before we could survey for dormice and design biodiversity improvements. We assessed every habitat between Junction 1 and Junction 2a on both sides of the carriageway. We used the UK Habitat Classification System to determine the habitat types and a condition score system to determine the current quality. This allowed use to identify the best habitats to survey for dormice.

Conducting the survey

We proceeded to set up 400 nest tubes spread across J1-2a with 200 on each side of the carriageway. Nest tubes are effective pieces of equipment designed to determine whether dormice are present or absent on any given site as they provide the perfect environment for a cosy nest. They are made of stiff double walled plastic with a thin piece of plywood inserted inside which blocks off one side of the tube. The tubes were attached using Velcro or wire to large stable branches at eye level to keep them safe from predators below.

We set up all the tubes in March and have then proceeded to check every tube once a month from April to November. We record all our findings onto GIS. To check each tube, we must approach the tube as quietly as possible and fill the open end with a thick cloth to prevent any dormice from escaping. Upon finding dormice inside a tube, we must determine the weight, age, and sex of each.

We first place the tube into a large plastic bag and open it up to encourage any dormice inside to make themselves known. If we find baby dormice (also known as ‘pinkies’), we will count how many there are in the nest but then put the tube back immediately as they are too fragile to handle. For adults and juveniles, we will pick them up and separate them into small bags to be weighed. We will also check their genitalia to identify their gender as well.

The weight will give us an indication of the age and health of each individual but there are other clues such as the hazel colour and thickness of the tail which are more prominent in adults. Dormice go through four main life stages as indicated in the photos below. Pinkies are aged 0 – 6 days and typically weigh 2g. Grey eyes closed are aged 6 – 18 days and weigh up to 4g. Juveniles are aged 18 – 42 days and weigh up to 8g. Adults can live 2-5 years and weigh 20g on average, which can increase up to 40g in preparation for hibernation.

It is important to be careful when checking nests as dormice enter a torpid state when sleeping. When they are in this state, they can take a while to wake up and react to what’s happening around them, making them vulnerable to predators. Therefore, when setting up the tubes we must make sure they are secured in place and a good height above ground. This is also the state they are in during hibernation as it conserves energy.

We also record any unoccupied dormouse nests found as well as any that we see leaving a tube before we get a chance to check it.

The Impact

After completing surveys from April to September, we have managed to record a total of 62 dormice on the Kent bound track and 24 on the London bound track. October and November data is still yet to be compiled. We also managed to record dormice in all life stages which indicates a healthy population that is successfully breeding. The Kent bound track especially had a diverse age range across most of the survey months meaning that there is an abundance of food and lack of predators that has allowed the population to become well established. We will continue to monitor this site on a less regular basis to provide us an update to the population size and distribution.

We will aim to improve all habitats along the M26 to benefit dormice, as well as pollinators and other protected species. Some ideas include planting a secondary canopy in woodland and sowing a species rich wildflower mix on the grassland plots.

Social Value

Delivering social value is fundamental to the prosperity of local communities. CPS strives to be a ‘good citizen’ of the communities in which we operate, and we have made it our mission to work collaboratively from the grass roots up.

As our business grows, so does our focus on the environment. We have a duty to the generations to come, to preserve an environment we are proud of. We are committed to working in a sustainable way, alongside our in-house experts, to ensure we are always sympathetic to our surroundings and are protecting local habitats.

Read more about our dedicated focus on the environment and our communities here.

See our full list of vacancies, job descriptions and apply online here.

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

We’re proud to say a well-deserved congratulations to Mick Paternoster, Connect Plus Services (CPS) Traffic Management Inspector, who received a Personal Impact Medal at the Highways Heroes Awards on Wednesday.

These unique awards recognise those who have gone above and beyond their duty to help someone or improve a situation, either in the communities they work in or to unconditionally support fellow workers in their team.

Mick was nominated for his imperative actions supporting a member of public who was experiencing a mental health emergency on an overbridge on the network.

On talking of the incident, Mick said: “I am sure anyone in my position that night would have done the same. However, I am glad I was there to help the young lad and his mother. Hopefully, he has been able to get the help he really needed. Life is hard for everyone at the moment especially with COVID, and now the cost-of-living, people need a little help. Mental health is at an all-time low for many, which makes me glad I’m a part of a top-class company.”

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Shell and Connect Plus share a perspective that collaboration across the highways and construction value chain is necessary for the decarbonisation of the sector. By working together, the companies will aim to unlock new and innovative solutions and practices to help improve road performance and encourage progress towards a net-zero road paving industry.

The agreement will see the companies explore solutions to extend the pavement life of the M25 or London Orbital Motorway, the second longest orbital road in Europe.

As part of the agreement, Connect Plus will trial Shell Cariphalte AgeSafe, Shell’s new polymer-modified bitumen product that increases the lifespan of roads. The companies will also work together to understand road surface texture development, explore alternate pavement design strategies, and develop pavement failure models from field measurements relevant to the UK.

The agreement between Shell and Connect Plus will begin immediately to enable us to start delivering progress on the decarbonisation of road paving in the UK.

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

In 2009, National Highways awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 700 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Since the start of the project, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Technology is at the forefront of the highways industry, particularly in health and safety, which is a shared priority of Connect Plus Services, who operate and maintain the M25 on behalf of National Highways and Connect Plus.

As discussed in Highways Magazine, advances in technology are proving vital in removing workers from positions of heightened risk.

Through its Innovation Designated Funds programme, National Highways is investing in autonomous plant, which will help protect workers.

One of such pioneering advances is the Automated Cone Laying Machine (ACLM).

The revolutionary machinery can deploy or collect a cone every ten seconds, removing the need for this to be done manually by operatives. It has been developed and supplied in collaboration by Highway Care and SENN Engineering before being announced onto the M25 by one of CPS’ parent companies, Balfour Beatty.

Traffic Management will always remain crucial aspect of road maintenance, with cone deployment being the primary measure for the safety of our workforce and the public. However, manual cone laying is classified as one of our ten fatal risks.

By automating the cone laying and collecting process, critical risks are removed:

Operatives removed from the network to position of safety
Manual handling eliminated
Long-term health benefits from elimination of manual handling, risks of hearing damage
Improved working conditions, including weather
Greater accuracy in cone placement through automation
Tapering activities supported
Operative upskilled in use of technology
Loading/unloading manual handling eliminated
It’s body build design accommodates key TM equipment i.e. sign frames/sign plates/sandbags/lamps.
Capability to complete extended closures based on cone capacity
Removes possibility of operatives being a distraction hazard
Opportunities for efficiencies in resource – simplified operation with few operatives

Dale Hicks, Technical Officer at CPS, said: ‘The major benefit is removing the workforce from the point of danger. Standing in the footwell they are so close to the moving traffic. They are exposed to extreme noise levels, emissions. The cone laying machine removes all that, it’s phenomenal’

Read the full article in Highways Magazine, including quotes from our team and more about how innovation is enhancing health and safety in the industry, here (page 14-15).

We currently have many exciting career opportunities available throughout the business and various departments, which can be found online here.

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

In the latest edition of Highways Magazine, Louise Haining, Asset and Project Delivery Director at Connest Plus Services, discusses the impact of digital innovation in transforming the operation and management of the M25.

As custodians of Europe’s busiest and most critical motorway network, CPS are responsible for its entire operation and maintenance on behalf of Connect Plus and National Highways. 

To manage the asset and, in turn, the joint goal on improving the customer experience, digital technology is firmly embedded into our business strategy, led by our dedicated digital team.  

As Louise said: ‘Data is our most valuable asset, and it is our duty to take advantage of technology to enhance the way in which the M25 and its key arterial routes are maintained and improved.’

One of our most critical digital advances is our development of our digital twin of the network, providing benefits to time management, planning and safety.

As Louise discussed: ‘One of the most ground-breaking digital initiatives we have completed is our digital twin of the M25, which we first started in 2020 alongside our strategic partners Sensat and Osborne.’

By using drone technology ‘The project resulted in the creation of two full models (one in 2D and one in 3D) of the motorway.’

In the article, Louise also discusses our future digital plans: ‘This year we will be expanding on this work as we kick off phase two of the digital 3D M25 project.’

Furthermore, the use of video footage demonstrates digital innovation in modernising and improving the business. An example includes the use of 3D drone footage which has allowed us to share ‘hard to reach’ elements of the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge structure, as well as to digital map all drainage condition data to establish a 30 year investment renewals plan using our digital risk analysis tools.

Read the full article on page 38 in Highways Magazine, here.

Together, through technology, we can combine crucial data from numerous sources on the network. This creates a greater understanding of the customer environment and the asset to therefore provide a better asset that double serves its customers. 

At CPS, innovative technology not only streamlines the way we work across the organisation but is a focus at the forefront of the industry.

You can also watch our latest video on our digital technology here.

We currently have many exciting opportunities available throughout the business and various departments, which can be found online here.

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Connect Plus Services (CPS), as every year, will be marking Remembrance Day on 11th November by joining the two-minute silence to remember the service and sacrifice of Armed Forces members.

At CPS we celebrate our growing community of those who have joined us from the Armed Forces and now operate in a range of roles across the business. We value their unique wealth of experiences and skills that they each bring, not only to the business, but to the industry too.

However, we also recognise the many potential challenges faced by those who are making the often-difficult transition from military life.

In turn, we specifically tailor a crucial support network and have opportunities in place to everyone that joins us from the Armed Forces. This begins at the initial recruitment stage and continues throughout their employment. We also ensure that there are opportunities for our colleagues to talk about their mental health and any impacts they may face from their time in the forces.

We further encourage the industry to expand on its recruiting efforts specifically to Armed Forces leavers. It is important to highlight the transferable opportunities that are available and to recognise the vital influence they can bring to different fields.

As we approach Remembrance Day, we are introducing some of our Armed Forces leavers team at CPS, who discuss their experiences and career change.

Robert Haddow has been in his role of Operations and Maintenance Manager at CPS for four years. In his role, Robert manages the safe and efficient delivery of operations and maintenance activity within the allocated geographical area of the Northwest quadrant of the M25.

Speaking about his role, Rob said ‘for me, working on the M25 project stands out as no two days are the same. Each day provides a different challenge which, within my current role, could include putting a plan in place to crisis manage, for example.’

He continued ‘I was in the Armed Forces for 13 years prior to taking my career into the Highways industry. I worked my way through each level of management and finished up as a Senior non-commissioned officer. I was line manager for a troop of 30 personnel.’

Rob found out about his role at a recruitment fair, where he said that it ‘felt a perfect fit for me’.

Rob’s advice to anyone from the Armed Forces considering a new career is to ‘focus initially on your CV and demonstrate your skill set to non-military reading.’

Richard Mould, Technology Engineer at CPS, joined the business 13 years ago.

Richard describes his role at Connect Plus Service as ‘I support service delivery and design and construction teams with technical aspects of our traffic monitoring detectors, particularly by managing the fault reporting and any renewals of the detectors. I am also the asset manager for the Mechanical and Electrical assets of the network pumping stations outside of the tunnels environment.’

Richard served in the Royal Navy for 5 years before taking his current role at CPS.

Richard’s advice to anybody thinking of joining the industry is ‘You will be an important part of the machine, as you were in the military. Don’t be worried about the adjustment, there are plenty of veterans here to guide you along the way.’

Victor McMullen, Network Stewardship and Programme Development Manager at CPS, has been in his role for 11 years following previous work in the industry and 16 years in the Armed Forces.

In his current role at CPS, Victor manages the Route Management team with a strong emphasis on stewardship around the network. He also leads a programme of forward investment bids for improvements on behalf of the DBFO for National Highways.

Speaking of his work on the M25 project, Victor said ‘Working on the M25 is a flagship for all of the areas, it promotes the best in everyone and everything we do together.’

‘The teamwork involved in the industry reminds me of time in the Armed Forces, where I spent 16 years as an Infantry Section Commander. There are a huge number of skills that are transferable; including people management, the ability to be calm under pressure, the ability to navigate difficult circumstances, work ethic, teamwork and discipline.’

Describing recruitment of Armed Forces leavers, Victor said ‘There can be many challenges faced by those who have left military careers, including post war syndrome, difficulty adapting to civilian life in comparison to military and understanding what opportunities are available. There needs to be plenty of support out there to help in the transition.’

Leon Upton, Pre-defined Assets Supervisor at CPS, joined the industry a year ago.

Within his role he assists all contractors who conduct works on the networks regarding all pre-defined assets, such as ponds, boundary fencing, vegetation and signage. His role also incorporates the weekly planning of work for both days and nights.

Prior to joining CPS, Leon spent 25 years serving in the Armed Forces, joining as young rifleman and making his way through the ranks to Regimental Serjeant Major until finally leaving at the rank of Captain.

On speaking about his transition from military to the highways industry, Leon says ‘managerial and communication skills are most definitely transferable to this industry, as well as the skill to learn quickly and with enthusiasm.’

Leon continued ‘making that all important step from military life to civilian job can be very daunting, but there is plenty of support to help ease the move.’

Many of our career opportunities are perfectly suited to service leavers and the breadth of skills gained through experience with the Armed Forces.

See our full list of vacancies, job descriptions and apply online here.

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

In July, Connect Plus Services were proud to introduce the Automated Cone Laying Machine (ACLM) to the M25 network; an innovative piece of machinery which was a first to be rolled out in the industry and in the UK.

The ACLM was developed in collaboration under the National Highways Designated Fund programme, in partnership with Highway Care and SENN Engineering and rolled out by one of our parent companies, Balfour Beatty.

Cone laying remains essential to traffic management; however its risks have long been an industry concern. These concerns include to the health and safety of workers, as well as to the time efficiency of schemes.

This innovative technology removes these concerns by deploying or collecting a cone in under ten seconds, removing the need for operatives to manually lift up to five tonnes of equipment per shift.

The ACLM’s innovative technology to enhance safety has been reported on in this month’s ‘Future of Roads’ issues of New Civil Engineer– which you can read here.

Dale Hicks and Phil Clifton were interviewed for the article and here is some of what they said.

Dale Hicks, Connect Plus Services traffic manager technical officer, said:

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

During the week of 26th September – 2nd October, Connect Plus Services is taking part in an annual celebration of diversity and inclusion for National Inclusion Week 2022.

The theme for this year’s awareness week is ‘The Power of Now’, which highlights the importance of an action focused approach to make inclusion an everyday reality.

Throughout National Inclusion Week, CPS will be encouraging our team to take part in a programme of events organised by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Network which encompass this year’s theme. These events have been designed to spark discussion and engagement to critical topics, which will be supported by a wealth of resources made available to the business.

Whilst we mark this vital week in the calendar, we also highlight and direct our teams to the business’ extensive inclusive practices and focus all year round.

At CPS we understand and thrive on the individuality, experiences, perspectives and backgrounds that our team bring to the business.

Our own ED&I network are dedicated to fostering this diversity throughout the business; whilst regularly organising discussions, activities and being on hand to provide support. In addition, more targeted support groups and programmes are embedded into our business that encourage, inspire and provide a voice to every team member.

To read more about focus on inclusion throughout the business, click here.

We are also an inclusive business in the pursuit of talent and continually strive to create a diverse and engaging environment for our people and customers.

We currently have many exciting opportunities available throughout the business and various departments, which can be found online here.

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

As an industry and UK first, Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services were proud to introduce the Falcon Automated Cone Laying Machine (ACLM) to our M25 fleet in July.

We’re delighted to announce that the ACLM has now been shortlisted in two prestigious industry awards: The Motor Transport Awards and The Highways Awards.

The innovative machinery was developed in partnership with Highway Care and Senn Engineering and rolled out onto the network by one of our parent companies, Balfour Beatty. 

The benefits of the ACLM are crucial to traffic management; with cone deployment being the primary segregation measure for the safety of our workforce and public.

By removing the need for operatives to manually move up to five tonnes of cones per shift, benefits are far reached in health, safety and wellbeing of colleagues working across high-risk environments and ultimately in making the network safer for all. Furthermore, the machinery improves the time efficiency and availability on schemes.

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Reducing the carbon footprint of the M25 network is crucial to the Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services Asset Management strategy. One element is through increased recycling of high-quality materials already available on the network.

Asphalt resurfacing is a major carbon footprint contributor and is often required in maintaining the network. Recently a collaborative project by Connect Plus, Connect Plus Services, Atkins, Skanska, Toppesfield and FM Conway trialled an innovative installation of a new surface course using 50% reclaimed asphalt (RA).

RA is a road surfacing material made by recycling old asphalt surface and incorporating them into new ones. Collaboratively the team were able to source suitable materials and complete the extensive processing and testing needed to introduce the first ever 50% RA surface on the network.

The results were resoundingly positive. On top of the 58% carbon output reduction, the new surface has significantly reduced the amount of primary resources needed.

We were especially proud to win in the 2021 Institute of Asset Management (IAM) Excellence Awards in the category of Sustainability and Climate Impact. In the summer edition of IAM magazine, more detail on the trial is featured.

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

As custodians of Europe’s busiest and most critical motorway network; the M25, Connect Plus Services are responsible for its entire operation and maintenance on behalf of Connect Plus and National Highways.

Connect Plus Services brings together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies: Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.

To manage the asset and, in turn, the joint goal on improving the customer experience, digital technology is firmly embedded into our business strategy, led by our dedicated digital team.

As a result, our development of innovative technology is not only streamlining the way we work across the organisation but is also shaping the industry.

Our pioneering control space allows visibility of the entire asset. Through real time data, this means that our teams are quick to adapt to a changing environment, and therefore enhancing the customer experience and, imperatively, the safety of our workforce.

Building further on this technology is the development of our digital twin of the network, providing benefits to time management, planning and safety.

To aid in proactive management of the network, Balfour Beatty asset, Omincom, identifies the condition of the asset as it drives. This tells our teams in advance when likely work is needed and allows us to put in place positive interventions.

Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services remain at the forefront of digital technology in the industry and drive for innovative designs. Digital transformation will continue to enhance every angle of our work and, being an integral focus of our strategy, it will be core to our effective maintenance and operations of the network.

Andy Dean, Chief Executive Connect Plus, said:

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Connect Plus, Connect Plus Services, Jackson and Techjoint are proud to win in the Digital category at the Constructing Excellence Awards 2022.

This award recognised an extensive drainage project which involved inspecting, repairing and replacing, where necessary, 1050 individual manhole covers across the 440km M25 network and all adjoining trunk and slip roads. Within the project various challenges unfolded which were solved by innovative digital technology.

The real time data from both the Geographic Information System (GIS)/the Network Occupancy Management System (NOMS) and the Power BI dashboard produced crucial benefits throughout the works.

The use of GIS/NOMS gave the teams an accurate and visual tool to facilitate conversations with other project teams. By using the network’s existing GIS to plot the locations of each manhole cover, this was then integrated with NOMS to identify opportunities to share roadspace with other projects. This enabled more efficient planning of both teams works, extensively fewer closures and enhanced completion of the project within 12 months.

Additionally, the Power BI dashboard reduced administrative burden on the delivery team as real time data to CPS.

Throughout the project, the team were able to identify clusters of defects using the data, which enabled them carry out further investigation to identify causes. This is vital to not only this project but into future maintenance schedules.

As technology is at the forefront of the industry, it is a particularly proud win for the teams. This project especially demonstrates the importance of innovative technology to enhance and accelerate works, as well as supporting collaborative teamwork.

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services are proud to introduce the Falcon automated Cone laying machine (ACLM) to our M25 fleet this week.

The machinery was developed under the National Highways Designated Fund programme, in partnership with Highway Care and SENN Engineering. It is an industry and UK first to be rolled out on the M25 network by one of our parent companies, Balfour Beatty.

The innovative ACLM will lay-out and collect cones across the network, in turn reducing the need for operatives to manually move up to five tonnes of cones per shift.

Benefits are vital in health, safety and wellbeing of colleagues working across high-risk environments on the network, which is a core collaborative value across the project teams. Furthermore, use of the machine will also improve time efficiency and team availability on schemes.

Please read the full press release here.

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

On behalf of Connect Plus and National Highways, we are proud to have celebrated a moment in history as Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth marked her Platinum Jubilee over the weekend.

In honour of the event, the Dartford-Thurrock River Crossing bridge named ‘Queen Elizabeth II Bridge’ from the opening by her Majesty in October 1991, beamed UK colours of red, white and blue.

The incredible lights were seen from Wednesday and continued throughout the entire Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend.

In October 1991 when the bridge proudly received its name, there was no estimating the impact it would have on keeping the country moving. It plays a crucial role in delivering essential goods, whilst also connecting many friends and families.

Taking three years to build and measuring over 2,872 meters it was only last year we celebrated its 30^th anniversary. At that time, we spoke to Steve Pattrick (CPS Strategic Structures Asset Manager) who was part of the design and construction team.

Steve said:

‘My first memory of working on-site was of me climbing up to the top of the scaffold on one of the piers, which is about 45 meters high now. I still remember the feeling of the scaffold under my feet as I steeped over a gap onto the slip formed pier with the great view that kind of height provides.

The construction programme was relentless, meaning we worked six days a week for ten to twelve hours a day. We ultimately completed the construction of the bridge in an impressive three years.

The bridge opened officially on 30^th October 1991. I remember being there lifting the cones with the site general manager on the very first night live traffic went across the bridge. I was also pleased to attend the official opening ceremony attended by Her Majesty the Queen.’

‘Connect Plus Services, on behalf of Connect Plus and National Highways, are delighted to be celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee this weekend by lighting the iconic QEII bridge. Recently celebrating its 30^th anniversary, the Dartford-Thurrock River Crossing named ‘Queen Elizabeth II Bridge’ is a critical asset of the M25 network connecting family, friends and businesses. To make this a reality, we have worked with local business Signify (formerly Philips Lighting), using Color Kinetics to light to pylons the iconic red, white and blue.’

'Light is one of the most powerful means of breathing new life into cities and towns, heralding a new era of urban design and beautification. We have lit bridges around the world and seen first-hand the positive impact that dynamic architectural lighting has on transforming local communities and economies. With over 150,000 vehicles crossing every day, the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge is iconic and will add to the celebrations of the Platinum Jubilee with opulence.

To achieve the unique vision requested from Connect Plus Services, Signify (formerly Philips Lighting) has provided the Color Kinetics lighting systems to illuminate the crossing. Color Kinetics has been trusted to light iconic structures like the Empire State Building, the London Eye, and more recently the Illuminated Rivers along the River Thames. For this occasion, it is special to all citizens of the UK, and we are excited to be part of such a prestigious project and add to the celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebration.'

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

On Monday 23rd June, two of our Connect Plus Services team, Alex Leadon (Digital Delivery Graduate) and Florika Arora (Senior HR Advisor), attended East Surrey College to be part of their Careers and Jobs Fair 2022.

At the event were a wide range of employers, charities and universities providing a wealth information and sharing their experiences to the college’s students and members of the public.

Alex and Florika were able to discuss the Highways industry, share their own personal experiences and talk about our CPS business, including the work we’re carrying out on local schemes.

They also directed those interested on the various routes into the roles available and took many questions that were asked, which demonstrated great interest in the field.

Many of those who attended were encouraged to bring along their CVs and were given time slots which meant for an organised and helpful event.

Alex said:

Our commitment to sharing opportunities in the industry with young people and supporting their learning forms a large part of our focus on social value, with more information available here.

Furthermore, working with local schools forms part of CPS’ Adopt a School initiative. This initiative focuses on engaging with children to promote the industry as a future career choice, raise awareness of CPS road activities and campaigns, and to utilise the skills of the business to build improvements to school facilities.

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

A large contribution to Connect Plus Services’ (CPS) commitment to social value is a focus on sharing opportunities available in the industry to young people and supporting their learning.

As part of this commitment, Senior Project Manager at CPS, Nitin Patel, attended Kings Langley Secondary School to take part in their recent careers fair.

Nitin was also joined by three members of the Octaviuswho form part of our Gade Valley scheme. Owing to the school’s proximity to our ongoing works to strengthen the viaduct, many of the students were particularly keen to understand more about the project and to learn about the jobs roles involved.

The event was targeted to engage with year 10 and 11 pupils, with each year being given structured time to browse the fair and talk to employers. This allowed the students plenty of time to learn about the different types of roles available and what it is like to work within the industry.

The team also discussed apprenticeship and graduate opportunities, as well as sharing their own experiences and answering any questions the student’s had.

Nitin said:

‘It was great to engage with Year 10 and 11 students at the fair and highlight the opportunities available to them within Highways and Construction. A lot of the pupils were aware of the Gade Valley Viaduct project as it is nearby the school, and it was good to be able to explain the benefits of the project. We hope that our involvement in the fair will help them decide which subjects to study in further education or encourage them to explore a path into the industry through apprenticeships.’

'A sincere thank you for attending our recent Careers Fair, your time and commitment were very much appreciated.

We very much value the time and support that our local businesses, organisations and other educational establishments provide and without them we would not be able to offer our young people the essential and meaningful encounters that they need to enable them to learn and gather information about the opportunities available to them and the options to be explored, regardless of the route they are going to be taking.

Students were also able to see what the 'world of work' may offer them and to talk to the professionals directly which will hopefully go some way towards many of them knowing what they have to achieve in order to pursue their chosen career pathway.'

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Connect Plus Services (CPS), in collaboration with National Highways, One Community and local authorities, has achieved huge success as part of the Great British Spring Clean campaign 2022.

The Keep Britain Tidy campaign, which launched on Friday 25^th March, concluded yesterday, Sunday 10^th April, is in its seventh year and is the nation’s biggest mass-action environmental campaign. Although the campaign is over, our fight on litter continues.

It is a particularly relevant campaign to our teams across the M25 network as litter is growing issue, with more than 30,000 bags collected every year. That’s over 2.7 litres of litter, enough to overflow an Olympic sized swimming pool.

Throughout the campaign all were encouraged to make a difference to their communities by litter picking, taking steps to make a difference to protect the environment.

CPS organised litter pick events at three of our depots; Dartford, Leatherhead and South Mimms, which achieved a massive turnout. Together, the teams taking part collected over 80 bags of litter around the local communities in just 5hrs, which will be added to the campaign’s #BigBagChallenge.

Outside of these events, many of the team have been doing their own litter picking which will go towards the total too.

As well as this physical action, CPS and National Highways collaboratively continued to educate the public on the impact of litter and to particularly highlight the risks that litter picking can pose to the safety of our workforce while out on the network to collect it.

Throughout the campaign, gantry signs across the network were also used to provide proactive messaging to the public to take their litter home.

This supported out overall message, please don’t put our workers at risk - take your litter home.

CPS have also taken the opportunity to recognise our teams who work every day to ensure the network is safe and serviceable, including the removal of litter.

Discussing the campaign, Emily Catt, CPS Environmental GIS Specialist said:

'Litter is a huge and ongoing issue on our roads. We have colleagues who put themselves at great danger by picking up discarded rubbish along the live carriageway.

The Great British Spring Clean was a great chance for all our teams to get involved by taking a couple of hours out of our busy working days to carry out some litter picking. It was fantastic to see so many joining in, making a great difference in the communities around our depots and collecting over 80 bags of litter!

It highlighted to all of us just how much litter is thrown out. The main culprits being food and drink packaging which takes hundreds, if not thousands of years to decompose. That small piece of rubbish equates to such a big problem.’

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Litter is a huge national issue and one that’s of growing concern on the M25. Its impact is felt throughout our work on the network and also in our customer raised queries.

Every year, more than 30,000 bags of litter are collected by our teams on the M25, that’s 2.7 million litres... more than an Olympic size swimming pool full. This litter is generated, for most part, by drivers who throw discarded items from their windows during their journeys.

This action not only damages our environment and endangers our local wildlife but puts our workers at serious risk when collecting it.

In addition litter also means that valuable time and money is often diverted away from improvements on the network.

Launching on Friday 25^th March, The Great British Spring Clean is the nation’s biggest mass-action environmental campaign. The campaign by Keep Britain Tidy encourages the public to make a difference in their communities by either hosting or participating in a litter pick activity.

As part of this campaign, CPS, in partnership with National Highways and local authorities, will be helping to educate the public and highlight the risks litter picking can pose to the safety of our workforce.

Our teams will also be going above their normal activities to pledge support to the campaign’s ‘Big Bag Challenge’. To collect as many bags as possible, we have organised numerous litter picking events around our depots and in our local communities.

Whilst we pledge our support to the campaign, our message to every road user is please don’t put our workers at risk - take your litter home.

Andy Whitmill, CPS Service Delivery Director, said:

The Great British Spring Clean is a vital campaign that we strongly support. The presence of litter on our network not only negatively impacts the experience of our customers as road-users but, most importantly, puts our colleagues at increased and unnecessary risk when collecting it.

The Great British Spring Clean is a great opportunity for us to demonstrate, together, our passion for Sustainability, Safety and Network Stewardship. We are also working in partnership with National Highways to help educate the road user on the impact of littering on the network.’

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

As part of our commitment to social value and using two company volunteering days encouraged to staff, a team made up of volunteers from CPS Business Strategy and Leatherhead Service Delivery teams chose to support a local charity helping young people.

Based at The Old Pheasantry, Tadworth, and run by The Land & City Families Trust, the wonderful cause provides accommodation for groups of disadvantaged children to enjoy holidays in the Surrey countryside.

These holidays are an invaluable opportunity for the young people and have a huge impact in the community.

Whilst working with a stakeholder adjacent to the network, the team became aware of the cause and how they could help voluntarily.

The work included cutting back undergrowth in their grounds, spreading new wood chippings on their playground area and jet washing their extensive patio to remove moss and debris which could cause children to slip and fall.

This work will enable the children to enjoy the extensive grounds available to learn, but most importantly to do so in a safer environment.

Jeff Harris, Joint Chairman of the Land & City Families Trust said:

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

This year’s International Women’s Day celebrates the powerful theme of ‘Break the Bias’. This message is one that encourages reflection and awareness on the impact of bias on women’s equality.

Whether deliberate or unconscious, bias makes it difficult for women to move ahead.

To mark the day, many of our team are joining the campaign and pledging to #breakthebias, whilst we’re also encouraging open team conversations and running sessions to learn the significance of the day.

Some of our inspirational women at CPS have additionally spent time discussing their experiences and advice.

- - - -

Moreen Achan, IT Project Manager at CPS, describes how she has always had a passion for technology and project management. However, her progression into her career has been impacted by bias, she said ‘I have always worked in a male dominated industry and had to work extra hard, almost having to prove myself to people that I can do my job. I have also been turned down for jobs in the past because I have children.’

Moreen advises anybody feeling any bias in the workplace to ‘work hard, the sky is your limit and not your gender, always speak up.’

Ozlem Tilkidagi, CPS Roadspace systems and Process Lead, explains that stereotypes within the industry provide difficulty. Ozlem said ‘The main challenge in the construction industry is the stereotype that it is not a job for women. Though this is more prevalent on site, it does also happen in offices.’

‘Women are powerful and there is no job that should be considered as just for one gender. Equality is achievable but only once the gender norms and stereotypes have faded away from society. The world is evolving, and women are becoming more powerful by the day.’

Elleanor Harris, Sustainability Manager, described the awareness day as crucial. She said ‘International Women’s Day is a really important day. It recognises how far we have come as women and is also a reminder to make sure we are empowering each other.’

‘I recently attended a training course called INSPIRE which was all about women’s development not only in the workplace but also in everyday life. It taught me so much about believing in myself which is what International Women’s day is all about!’

Speaking about bias in the workplace, Elleanor said ‘no one should feel like they can’t say anything and there should be support on hand.’

Leila Nikraz, CPS Roadspace Optimisation Manager also shared her support for the day and talks of bias faced by women in the industry. She said ‘Bias in the industry has made me stronger in wanting to break the stereotype. I would tell anyone to not ignore it and use it, instead, to better yourself.’

‘To break bias in the industry, I think that the expectation that women are actually any different to begin with should be the priority focus. We are all equal, and our work for both men and women speaks for itself.’

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Taking along one of their iconic gritters, Connect Plus Services (CPS) visited a local primary school to demonstrate the importance of their work when temperatures drop.

The children at St Peter’s Catholic Primary School, close to the CPS Leatherhead depot, were also taught about road safety, how the gritting team keep drivers on the move in cold weather and the importance of giving gritters space when they’re working.

Whilst at the school, the CPS team challenged the children to create a name for one of these huge machines. Out of the entries received, three were to be chosen and officially added to the fleet.

So many fantastic and impressive ideas were designed by the children. It was an especially difficult decision; however, the CPS Leatherhead team crowned their winning names as:

The B.F.G – The Big Friendly Gritter
Defrostinator
Mr Frosty

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Improvements and renovation works included:

Upgraded traffic signals and new signs to reflect the new road layout. Introduction of a new signal control system which improves the operation and efficiency of the junction.
Improved street lighting by replacing the existing high-pressure sodium lamps with more efficient LED lamps. In addition to being low energy they also reduce light pollution.
A new surface-level route across the roundabout with new crossings for pedestrians and cyclists has been introduced. This provides a safer and more direct link for both pedestrians and cyclists.
Upgraded pedestrian and cycle routes which improves access between Staines-upon-Thames, Hounslow and Heathrow Airport (delivered in partnership with Surrey Council) to make it easier for people to get around the area on foot, by bicycle and public transport.
Overall 700 metres+ of new lanes for safety of pedestrians and cyclists.
The east and westbound carriageway markings have been realigned. The previous four narrow lanes have been made in to three wider lanes through the centre of the roundabout in both directions. This change removes the underused fourth lane while matching the three existing lanes on the approaches to the junction, to reduce unnecessary lane changing.
The eastbound carriageway approach has been widened for a short section where the road bends left to enter the roundabout. This provides two dedicated lanes which were previously of sub-standard width.
Updated and renovated drainage system.

Whilst works were ongoing, community engagement was paramount. Projects included:

Improving surfacing and creating access for a local angling club.
Constructing a larger space for local Wraysbury Dog Rescue and re-surfacing to improve their access.
Supporting the local Manna Foodbank by collecting and delivering food donated by staff and contractors.
Contacting local schools to promote the construction industry and encourage students to study STEM subjects
Offering voluntary services to several local environment projects

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Delivering social value is fundamental at Connect Plus Services. It is our mission to work collaboratively with our communities and, as part of this, two paid annual volunteering days are allocated to each member of staff to support local causes.

Recent efforts within our team demonstrate outstanding voluntary work in the same chosen cause; the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abhishek Jain, Digital Engineering Lead, became a ‘check-in and chat’ volunteer with the NHS Volunteer Responders in April 2021. Since then, he has been helping people in isolation, particularly supporting them in mental and physical health.

Abhishek said:

‘I became a Vaccinator with St John Ambulance at the beginning of the vaccination, I now drive the Treatment Centres into the wider communities as part of the Outreach initiative.

On Christmas eve I was vaccinating at a doctor’s surgery in Luton, with anther colleague from SJA. We had a steady flow of people throughout the day and I vaccinated around 40 people, as seen in the Daily Express!

On Christmas day I was volunteering in Homerton, as part of Crisis at Christmas. What can be more rewarding than giving up a little time to make a huge difference to someone in their time of need.’

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Junction 23 on the M25 in Hertfordshire is the largest junction on England’s motorway network, connecting the M25 with the A1 (M) for Hatfield and South Mimms. At about 1.2km in circumference, the junction sees some of the highest traffic flows on the M25.

A £7.5m upgrade to the junction began in August 2019, including widening of the Southbound A1 entry slip road to provide a two-lane entry onto the Southbound A1.

The upgrade also sees a new footway for pedestrians from the BP service station to the existing footway.

As well as improving safety, the transformation has made the junction safer and easier for drivers and includes an upgrade of the traffic signal timings to improve flow through the junction.

A new lane at the Bignells Corner exit from South Mimms services, with a widening of the M25 westbound exit slip road to accommodate an additional lane has made the layout more intuitive as drivers approach the junction.

This has created a more free-flowing and safer network in the area around the junction, helping to accommodate local traffic and improving safety for users, including those using the junction to travel to and from the M25 and wider destinations in the UK.

Connect Plus and strategic chain partner Connect Plus Services are responsible for operating and maintaining the M25 network, on behalf of National Highways. This includes all adjoining trunk and slip roads.

Andy Dean, Connect Plus chief executive, said:

“We are delighted to support National Highways in the successful delivery of the M25 junction improvement scheme at junction 23. The project’s success is a testament to the skills and collaborative working relationship between National Highways, Connect Plus, Connect Plus Services, Jackson and our supply chain.

“To complete works amidst a global pandemic has presented a number of challenges which our teams have tackled with great determination. We cannot thank them enough for all that’s been accomplished and for the positive impact their efforts will bring to our customers using the strategic road network.”

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Connect Plus Services (CPS), a joint venture of Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis, is responsible for operating and maintaining the M25 network on behalf of Connect Plus and National Highways.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic we adapted to many challenges and changes to the way we work, whilst keeping the country moving at such a crucial time.

One visible impact has been the increased use of mobile applications by the team. This can particularly be seen in the implementation of the AgileAssets desktop-based asset management system and integrated the Unity mobile application platform.

We have used the Unity platform to configure a range of applications from scratch in line with our specific business needs.

When the pandemic hit, the social distancing rules put in place meant that remote working became prevalent for office-based workers and site-based workers needed to change their ways of working to minimise contact with others.

Operational teams quickly realised that they could reduce the need for close contact by adopting apps available to them. 

To demonstrate this, our lighting inspectors were able to use an app to allow them to go straight on-site to undertake inspections. This removed the need to visit an office first to collect paper-based forms or return them at the end of their shift.

Pandemic related issues have driven the deployment and uptake of project configured apps. The use of these apps is driving several other benefits, such as efficiency gains, speed of decisions, reduced travel time/costs, better data, media alongside data and job satisfaction.

Read more about these benefits and the impact of the pandemic on the adoption of mobile apps, click here.

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Our CPS team left the awards event feeling inspired and ready to continue supporting these amazing young people, who are already making such a positive difference in their communities.

Working with local schools forms part of our ‘Adopt a School’ initiative. Within this, CPS takes on opportunities to engage with children to promote future careers in the industry, raise awareness of our road activities and campaigns, as well as utilise our skills to improve their facilities.

---

Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services were delighted to win the Sustainability and Climate Impact Award at The Institute of Asset Management Excellence Awards, alongside Atkins, Skanska, Toppesfield and FM Conway.

The award recognises our innovative work installing a new surface course using 50% reclaimed asphalt.

Asphalt resurfacing is a major carbon footprint contributor and is often required in maintaining the M25 road network. One element of our asset management strategy, aims to minimise our carbon footprint through increased recycling of high-quality materials already available on the network.

Through the success of this trial, it has demonstrated that we can minimise the environmental impacts of resurfacing on the network by increasing recycled content in the road surface without negatively impacting asset performance.

It is a very proud award win, and amazing work by everyone involved.

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Delivering social value is fundamental to CPS. We make it our mission to work collaboratively with our local communities, from the grass roots up. We are committed to working sustainably and positively contributing to our neighbours, including schools and local causes. Read more about our commitment here. A part of this commitment includes the allocation of two paid volunteering days to all colleagues.

Recently, our Roadspace team spent the day with the Kent County Council team who look after the country parks in West Kent. They volunteered for the day at Preston Hill, near Lullingstone Castle, a short drive from our Dartford office.

The site includes an old rifle range from the First World War, which had become totally overgrown. Together they cleared a large amount of the vegetation, allowing space for fencing to be installed around the site for added security.

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

This weekend marks 30 years since Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II opened the Dartford Bridge in October 1991.

It was the first bridge to be built at an entirely new location along the river Thames for more than 50 years. When the M25 motorway was completed in 1986, the Dartford tunnels provided a vital link in the national road network.

Beneath the waterline, the bridge rests on two reinforced concrete foundations, each of which is the equivalent in volume of 400 double-decker buses and weighing a total of 85,000 tonnes. These were constructed at a dry dock in Holland and towed across the North Sea by tugs on a 150-mile journey to the River Thames and sunk into position either side of the navigation channel.

Looking back over the 30 years of one of South England’s greatest landmarks, we spoke to Steve Pattrick (Strategic Structures Asset Manager, Connect Plus Services) who was part of the design and construction team.

"In 1989, after asking to join the construction project, I joined the Dartford team in November that year, only a couple of months after construction began.

My first memory of working on-site was of me climbing up to the top of the scaffold on one of the piers, which is about 45 meters high now. I still remember the feeling of the scaffold under my feet as I stepped over a gap onto the slip formed pier with the great view that kind of height provides.

The construction programme was relentless, meaning we worked six days a week for ten to twelve hours a day. We ultimately completed the construction of the bridge in an impressive three years.

The bridge opened officially on 30 October 1991. I remember being there lifting the cones with the site general manager on the very first night live traffic went across the bridge. I was also pleased to attend the official opening ceremony attended by Her Majesty the Queen.

I feel proud of the fact that I've worked on almost every single element of the bridge."

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Connect Plus Services (CPS) has been supporting local Folkestone Academy on their horticultural project to transform their outdoor space into areas which incorporate learning, growing and the community.

Zoe Basham, Landscape Manager at CPS, visited to advise on their plans; discussing which plants to use, cost effective savings, a strategy for the works and how to work with their local community to ensure mutual benefit.

Plans include a wildflower meadow, renovations to the memorial garden which will include a poppy field to remember fallen heroes in all wars, and an orchard and vegetable plot with a restored polytunnel.

It is an exciting project and a huge transformation in the making. It will create great areas for everyone to enjoy as well as wildlife and plants space to thrive.

Working with local schools forms part of our ‘Adopt a School’ initiative. Within this, CPS takes on opportunities to engage with children to promote future careers in the industry, raise awareness of our road activities and campaigns, as well as utilise our skills to improve their facilities.

---

Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

The Considerate Constructors Scheme has awarded Connect Plus Services (CPS) five stars in its latest assessment.

The rating follows a virtual visit by the scheme to assess the business and its approach to five key categories – Appearance, Community, Environment, Safety and the Workforce.

Each category is scored out of nine, with CPS achieving top marks across the board, and being rated above industry average.

This also means that Connect Plus Services retains its ‘performance beyond compliance’ and demonstrates its continued commitment to the Considerate Constructors Scheme’s mission to raise industry standards.

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Connect Plus Services (CPS), together with Balfour Beatty Plant and Fleet, were crowned winners in the innovation category at the prestigious Motor Transport Awards.

The award recognised the development of the vehicle mounted vacuum litter picker, which now forms a crucial part of the CPS’ fleet.

The innovative design enables maintenance crews to collect litter of various sizes, shapes, and weights from the roadside with the use of a handheld vacuum pipe secured to a custom-built machine, mounted on a truck bed. The litter is then deposited into a compartment within the vehicle, and any dust contained through a specialised filter.

The litter picker was designed and built by the partnership, working collaboratively with CPS’ litter picking crews to ensure the new device improved the workers’ health and safety when working on the UK’s busiest motorway, whilst also improving the rate of litter picking.

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

In partnership with Highways England, our team at Dartford took part in the NHS Big Tea, raising £425 for the Dartford & Gravesham NHS Trust.

The team did so by organising a cake sale at our Dartford depot, which was a huge success.

Everyone was encouraged to get involved or, if it wasn’t possible, to enjoy their own tea break elsewhere whilst kindly donating to the cause online.

It was a great opportunity to show our appreciation and support for a cause close to the hearts of many in the North Kent area, especially throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

The M25 team were delighted to see the QEII bridge become home to flourishing kestrel chicks after a mother kestrel was spotted creating a nest on the walkway.

It wasn’t long until six kestrel chicks were spotted in the nest after camera traps were carefully placed on the walkway and set to record. After four weeks the chicks had grown into fledglings and were ready to leave the nest and start exploring the surrounding habitats.

The RSPB states that there are approximately 46,000 breeding pairs of kestrel present in the UK. This number has continued to decline significantly in the last few decades due to a loss in habitat and food, putting kestrels on the Amber List of Birds of Conservation Concern.

Kestrels will continue to utilise artificial structures such as the QEII bridge to nest and shelter, hence, it is in our best interest to ensure they remain undisturbed by our activities.

To do so, the walkway on which is nest is located has been closed off so that no works will be taking place there until the nest has been vacated.

Oliver Bevilacqua, Assistant Ecologist at CPS, said: ‘Getting the chance to see the kestrel chicks through the camera trap was an enchanting experience as it highlighted the ability of these amazing birds to utilise artificial structures to successfully breed, shelter, and raise chicks into independent fledglings. I was able to see the chicks grow up and develop their flying and hunting skills through the camera trap we set up next to the nest. I’m happy to see that they are now able and healthy enough to take care of themselves.’

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

As a member of the Highways England Education Group, Connect Plus (CP) and Connect Plus Services (CPS) were proud to be involved in the group’s first virtual work experience week, which is discussed in HighwaysIndustry.com.

The initiative was aimed at young people aged 14-18, who have an interest in construction and engineering within the highways sector. The purpose of the event was to provide them with an insight into the industry and to encourage them to consider a potential career in the field.

The week involved daily mentoring and projects resembling industry tasks. Whilst learning, numerous experts were introduced and talked about their varying disciplines.

Sid Paturi, CPS Lead Estimator, engaged with a group of year 10 students, discussing the estimating and tendering processes on projects, as well as more on the industry in general.

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Elaine Gazzini, Programme & Technical Director at Connect Plus, discusses the collaborative initiative of ‘Healthier Highways’ alongside Steve Perkins, Managing Director of Steve Perkins Associates in Highways Today.

In the piece, industry health and safety is under the spotlight, particularly the stark imbalance between working on accident prevention and ill-health prevention.

Health, safety and wellbeing is a priority across the M25 network, in addition to being a focus which is shared across the One Community framework. This framework consists of six main supply chain partners - Jackson Civil Engineering, Osborne, Tarmac, Skanska and R&W Civil Engineering, alongside strategic supply chain partner, Connect Plus Services (CPS). Led by Connect Plus, together the framework comes together to collectively develop and share like-minded values, behaviours and initiatives.

Healthier Highways is one of these initiatives, whereby a new collaboration was created with Steve Perkins Associates; initially focusing on increasing awareness of workplace health risks via interactive workshops.

The results of the workshops set the foundations for the Healthier Highways initiative, which is aimed at improving worker health protection on the M25 network through encouraging everyone to Stay Wise, Reduce Risk and Protect Health.

The team selected dust and noise hazards of pavement works as their initial focus areas. Subsequent work revealed the need for improvements, with steps underway to begin do so. Plans are also ongoing to expand on the programme and its approach.

Discussing the initiative and its progress, Andy Dean, CEO of Connect Plus said:

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Connect Plus Services (CPS) is proud to support and recognise the Armed Forces community for their service, dedication, and efforts to keep us safe in the UK and across the globe.

With a growing ex-forces community operating in a range of roles across the business, CPS recognises that many of the available career opportunities are perfectly suited to service leavers and the breadth of skills gained through experience with the Armed Forces.

One service leaver, now based at CPS Scratchwood Depot, is Mark Turner, Traffic Management Operative. Before joining CPS, Mark served with the Battalion of Rifles and saw active duty in Afghanistan, carrying out operational exercises across the globe during his eight years of service.

His military service brings a valuable skillset to Connect Plus Services, in addition to countless transferable ‘soft’ skills like confidence, teamwork and crisis management.

Richard Mould, CPS Technology Engineer, served in the Royal Navy between 1991 and 1996 as a Weapons Engineer. He said: “Most of my time was on shore training as an Electronics Engineer and playing Volleyball, representing the Royal Navy. I spent 12 months on a Type 42 Destroyer (HMS Liverpool) and visited many places, from joint operations training in the North Atlantic to an operational role in the Persian Gulf, stopping off at Gibraltar and Egypt along the way.”

The annual national campaign gives everyone the opportunity to show their support for the men and women of the Armed Forces past and present, including those currently serving, their families, reservists, veterans and cadets.

Robert Haddow, who is currently Operations and Maintenance Manager for the Northwest Quadrant of the M25, was a commando trained Royal Engineer within the Armed Forces having served a total of 13 years.

Rob said: “Every member of the Armed Forces offers so much to civilian employers and the Career Transition Partnership is a great asset to have while making the transition. They help and assist you along the way while organising many Job Fairs with Civilian Employers who are looking for Service Leavers. Connect Plus Services are actively looking to recruit service leavers as they know the skill set and work ethic that we provide.”

Through parent organisations, Connect Plus Services are proud members of the Armed Forces Covenant. CPS recognises that many Armed Forces leavers have transferable skills which are ideally suited to the construction sector and are committed to offering a rewarding career, with opportunities for continued development.

Armed Forces Day takes place on the last Saturday of June and recognises the bravery and commitment of the Armed Forces both past and present who risk and have risked their lives in the line of duty.

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Andy Dean, CEO of Connect Plus, shares his thoughts on the future of digital innovation on Western Europe’s busiest road, the M25, in the latest edition of Civil Engineering Surveyor Magazine.

In the piece, he discusses the benefits of creating a highways digital twin through the use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to enhance the driving experience of those using the network, improve the safety of our teams and reduce our environmental impact. Andy also talks about the digital revolution that is taking place across the M25 network and how it has transformed the organisation’s operations.

Discussing the decision to deploy Sensat’s fixed-wing unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to produce highly accurate, geo-referenced 2D and 3D in one single source of truth (SSOT), Andy said:

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

CPS collected over 40 bags of litter, contributing more than 300 miles towards Keep Britain Tidy’s #MillionMileMission campaign, which asked volunteers to pledge minutes and hours of litter picking to be converted into miles.

The litter picking activities saw the teams clear areas around the office depots and nearby Welcome Break Services, supplementing the great work that M25 operational teams deliver on the network daily.

Emily Catt, Environmental Assistant at CPS said “It was so nice to see some friendly faces at our depots and do our bit for the environment at the same time. It was incredible to see the change we could make as a team. It was a great effort by everyone!”

CPS has also encouraged its employees to use volunteering time and take part in the campaign by litter picking around their homes and local schools. This includes Gabriella Margherita, CPS Communications Business Partner.

Gabriella said: “I got my seven-year-old son, Lorenzo, involved as he loves litter picking and receiving praises from neighbours and passers-by. It’s great to see him feel good through doing good and notice how this small action can make a big difference to the environment around him.”

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Connect Plus Services (CPS) is part of a joint venture and Atkins, one of our parent companies, will be hosting a Transportation Virtual Careers Fair this month.

Transport is one of the few sectors where the demand for talented professionals remains constant. We're helping to keep people moving, rise to the challenges of the future and create net zero transport solutions for our clients. To support this, we are looking for individuals looking to make a positive impact on the world.

To learn more about our opportunities, join us at our Virtual Careers Fair on 23^rd June. You'll be able to meet key members of our business, ask questions, talk about job opportunities, as well as attend a webinar to get a feel for our projects and team culture.

We're recruiting for a variety of mid to senior roles across our Atkins Transportation and Faithful+Gould businesses. Our highways, rail, consultancy, and commercial teams are growing with some exciting projects underway and a multitude of new projects in the pipeline. Take a look at the ‘Areas of Interest’ on our registration page to see if your skills align.

Once you've registered, all you'll need on the day is a smart device with a web browser, and you'll be good to go.

WHEN: Wednesday, 23^rd June 2021

TIMES: Session 11.00 AM – 4.00 PM (GMT)

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Work to improve journey times on a section of motorway that sees some of the highest traffic flows of any road in England is now complete, Highways England announced today (Thursday 8 March).

The £6m upgrade at junction 13 of the M25 in Staines, Surrey, is situated between the M3 and M4 motorways and serves the towns of Egham and Staines-Upon-Thames via the A30.

The transformation has made the junction safer and easier for drivers, making the layout more intuitive and reducing the need to change lanes.

Improvements which began in November 2019 have now successfully reduced congestion and increased capacity at the junction through carriageway widening on both the gyratory and the clockwise/northbound exit slip road, which include additional lanes, new traffic signals and technology, safety barriers, and a new maintenance layby.

This has now created a more free-flowing and safer network, helping to accommodate local traffic and improving safety for users, including those using the junction to travel to and from the M25 and wider destinations in the UK.

Nicola Bell, Regional Director for Operations at Highways England, said: “I am delighted that this significant junction upgrade is now fully open. These improvements have already added vital extra capacity, and improved journey times for road users.

“This new junction will tackle congestion and improve safety for drivers on the local road network and for up to 200,000 drivers who use this section of the M25 every day.

“We understand that this work has been disruptive and frustrating for those affected and would like to thank everyone for their cooperation and patience.”

Andy Dean, Chief Executive, Connect Plus, said:

“We are proud to support Highways England’s plans to continuously improve journeys for all our customers. Collaboration between Highways England, Connect Plus, Connect Plus Services, R&W and our supply chain was key to the success of this project and I have been inspired by our team who have worked tirelessly to deliver this work.

“We cannot thank them enough for their hard work and sheer determination during this complex and challenging project, within an urban environment.”

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Connect Plus Services (CPS) in partnership with Balfour Beatty Plant & Fleet have received a Highways Award in the Highways Maintenance Efficiency category for the innovative custom-designed vehicle-mounted vacuum litter picker, which was designed and built by the partnership.

Working collaboratively with CPS’ litter picking crews, the litter picker was designed to improve health and safety when working on the UK’s busiest motorway, while also improving the rate of litter picking. Through the implementation of the vacuum pump, which pulls litter in with suction as opposed to teams manually collecting the waste, the machine has proven to increase the speed at which litter can be collected while reducing the amount of time workers spend in a live highway environment.

Connect Plus, together with M25 community partners Connect Plus Services, Skanska Toppesfield, FM Conway and Atkins were also successful in the awards, being highly commended for their innovative surfacing trial using 50% reclaimed asphalt in the Environmental Sustainability category.

This innovative trial, which has already secured a CIHT UK Climate Change award this year, is the first of its kind on the strategic road network and has delivered a carbon footprint saving of 9.46kg CO2e/T, resulting from a 50% reduction in primary aggregate, a 61% reduction in bitumen imported and reduced transport requirements.

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Connect Plus has successfully digitally mapped all 120 miles of the M25 – together with strategic partners Connect Plus Services, Sensat and Osborne.

Utilising Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services’ detailed knowledge of the M25 and Osborne’s operations expertise, Sensat used its advanced drone data capture and visualisation capability to capture 23 billion data points and 85,000 high-resolution images in 30 days – the largest drone mapping endeavour to have taken place in the UK to date.

With permission from the Civil Aviation Authority to fly drones within built up areas, the drones were used to remotely capture physical photogrammetric survey data - the science of making reliable measurements using photographs, or digital photo imagery, to locate features on or above the surface of the earth – safely and efficiently, without the need for traffic management or lane closures. This resulted in the production of highly accurate, geo-referenced 2D and 3D representations of the UK’s busiest motorway and its adjoining trunk and slip roads.

Following the survey, the data was ‘visualised’ by turning the images and data into a 3D model of the road network, which will now be used to create a digital representation of the M25 environment. It will become a key source of detailed information, supporting the team in planning and decision-making, ultimately reducing the need for physical surveys to be carried out in a live highways environment.

Andy Dean, Chief Executive of Connect Plus, said: “We are thrilled that we’re now in a position to create the first full digitisation of the M25, giving us a new and innovative way to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers, whilst limiting disruption and reducing our roadworkers’ exposure to live traffic. We’ve already significantly reduced time spent in a live highways environment during pre-works surveys and, by having fewer vehicles on the ground moving between traditional survey points, we have reduced our carbon emissions by 95%compared to traditional survey methods.

“This initiative is our first milestone in creating a much wider and integrated digital twin, which will support our planning, monitoring and decision-making.”

James Dean, Chief Executive Officer of Sensat commented on the use of data to help with decision making: “Capturing, visualising and then sharing topographic data in our platform means asset and road quality inspections, measurements and accurate reports can be undertaken quickly without people on site. Mark-ups can be made and are visible for all users, and descriptions and attachments can be added directly to enrich the data.

“With these tools, the complexity is taken out of physical data management and ultimately streamlines manual processes, increases productivity and supports the project’s safe delivery.”

Jamie Harrison, Highways Director of Osborne, said: “With the use of this 3D model, we have been able to increase safety by putting fewer employees on the M25 carriageways at night when inspections and surveys take place.

“All those who work on the M25 can now directly access accurate visual data remotely - to inspect assets, make decisions and reduce the need for boots on the ground.”

Francis Cluett, Head of M25 Operations for Highways England, said: “This innovation is a fantastic step in using digital technology to reduce disruption to road users and improve the safety of road workers. Highways England looks forward to working with Connect Plus to see the benefits this technology delivers in support of our ambition to integrate digital technology into every aspect of our project lifecycles.”

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

M25 scores 3.4 (out of 4) in latest Highways England Lean Maturity Assessment

Together with Connect Plus (CP), Connect Plus Services (CPS) has achieved the highest Highways England Lean Maturity Assessment (HELMA) score awarded to any organisation in the Highways England supply chain to date.

The achievement recognises CPS’ commitment to fostering a culture of continual improvement and the adoption of Lean principles, which the organisation has been working hard to embed since 2016.

CPS’ Lean approach promotes integrated work planning and clearer processes, standardised procedures, an enhanced understanding of customer needs, and the elimination of unnecessary steps and rework (waste), all of which contribute to delivering value and improved journeys for road users.

During the assessment, CPS demonstrated strong evidence of the breadth and depth of its LEAN culture, from the adoption of digital technology and automation to structured problem solving by Lean practitioners and the implementation of Lean techniques by depot managers.

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Their community based works have included the provision of 30 fence panels to a local dog rescue charity based in Wraysbury. The charity provides homes for dogs that have been maltreated or have no secure home, and the land provides a safe open-air environment for the dogs to exercise. Sandy Sharma, who works on behalf of several charities, contacted R&W to request support to expand the safe area with some Heras fencing panels, as the number of dogs is increasing. The team helped to install the panels and improve access to the field.

The team has been supporting Manna Food Bank, a local charity based in the Spelthorne area and so far has donated over 200 Kg of food and toiletry donations. The site team’s first delivery took place in Staines led by R&W Project Manager Sam Martell and Site Agent Anna Pappa.

Manna Food Bank said: “A very big thank you for the wonderful delivery you and your colleagues made today. We are very grateful for your support. Without donations such as yours we would be unable to assist the many families and clients in Spelthorne requesting our help.”

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Connect Plus Services (CPS) has lent 200 cones to a local primary school in Enfield, to help mark out a one-way system within the school grounds, which will improve social distancing and help keep children and families safe during the COVID pandemic.

Upon receiving a request for assistance from Houndsfield Primary School, Carl Snell, Operations & Maintenance Manager at the CPS Blunts Farm depot, was happy to assist with lending the school traffic management equipment. A crew was organised to deliver the cones to the school, and to support in creating the one-way system needed.

Feedback from the school was very positive and the children were delighted to see the Traffic Management vehicle parked up at the school grounds, with its flashing lights in action.

This collaborative approach to safety, forms part of the company’s Adopt a School initiative, in which the company works with local schools to build relationship with local communities.

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services have been shortlisted in this year's Highways UK Intelligent Infrastructure Challenge, in partnership with Highway Data Systems and AgileAssets. The shortlisted award submission focuses on the team’s approach to full depth asset management by collating digital data to enable longer lasting roads.

This approach uses automated pavement construction quality information to improve road asset management and deterioration modelling. The project uses BIM principles and seeks to join up engineering areas that were previously data segregated

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

The M25 Community has successfully launched its Healthier Highways initiative, which is leading the way in the prevention of road worker ill-health.

To successfully manage, operate and maintain the M25 network, Connect Plus works as One Community, leading a group of six main supply chain partners - Jackson Civil Engineering, Osborne, Tarmac, Skanska and R&W Civil Engineering, alongside strategic supply chain partner, Connect Plus Services (CPS). The community is built on strong relationships and an innovative value-driven community culture, which enables the organisations to come together to collectively develop and share like-minded values, behaviours and initiatives. This provides a strong foundation from which to build a strategic approach to worker health protection.

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Connect Plus Services (CPS) was proud to join the country’s biggest mass participation environmental campaign in September, the Great British September Clean. Throughout the two-week campaign, the CPS teams collected over two thousand bags of litter from the M25 Network.

Each year, around 35,000 bags of litter are collected from the M25 network. This poses a risk to wildlife and the environment, as well as putting maintenance crews at risk when collecting discarded items.

Highways England has also supported the campaign and urged drivers to clean up their act as it reported that around 200,000 bags of litter are collected from the motorway network each year.

Highways England’s head of customer and operational requirements Freda Rashdi said: “The simple fact is that if litter wasn’t dropped in the first place it wouldn’t need to be picked up. Litter is not only unsightly and a risk to wildlife and the environment, but it also puts our workers at risk collecting it and it diverts time and money that could be better spent on improving the network.

“Litter is an important national issue and we’re pleased to be able to support the Great British September Clean arranging extra litter picks to coincide with the campaign and by urging people to take their litter home.”

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

The Considerate Constructors Scheme has awarded Connect Plus Services’ Leatherhead depot a Bronze award at the 2020 National Site Awards. The award follows a performance assessment against the Scheme’s Code of Considerate Practice, which demonstrated an excellent consideration towards the public, its workforce and the environment.

The assessment follows a number of criteria and observes the site based on the following categories: Care about Appearance, Respect for the Community, Protecting the Environment, Securing everyone’s Safety and Value the Workforce.

The Leatherhead depot scored an impressive 44 (of 50), which sees it retain its Performance Beyond Compliance rating for the third consecutive year, in addition to the Bronze award.

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Connect Plus Services recently enabled the seamless movement of a 250-tonne abnormal load across the Dartford-Thurrock River Crossing, on behalf of Mammoet and National Grid. The move required expert planning by the CPS Abnormal Loads team, in collaboration with the Network Occupancy and Structures Teams, ahead of the Super Grid Transformer making its way on the M25 network from the Port of Tilbury to the Chessington Substation in Southwest London.

The collaboration between the CPS Abnormal Loads team, Essex Police, Sussex Police, Highways England and customer, Mammoet, was vital in ensuring that the oversized load arrived at its destination safely, on time and with minimal disruption to road users.

Particular care and attention were paid to the Dartford Crossing due to the weight and size of the load, which totalled 67-metres long and 6-metres wide. Throughout the movement, CPS’s expert team of engineers were on site to monitor the bridge structure, whilst Incident Support Units were mobilised to assist with escorting the load.

Rob Bailey, Routing Logistic Coordinator at Mammoet, said: “A massive thank you for all your help this weekend with the abnormal load move from Tilbury to Chessington Sub-station. Feedback from our crew on the day, said that a fantastic job was done by all parties involved, with total professionalism, allowing the operation to go smoothly.”

Susana Nevese e Brookes, Lead Project Manager at National Grid, said: “On the evening of the 19th of June whilst in attendance to see the Super Grid Transformer cross the QEII Bridge, I had the opportunity to meet two members of the Connect Plus Services Team that had been involved with the planning of this event. They were both present to see and photograph the Transformer making the journey across the bridge. It was great to see their level of enthusiasm and engagement, equivalent to those in my team involved with this Project. I would like to extend the Thank You on behalf of National Grid to the Connect Plus Team for the great work you do to enable the movement of our Super Grid Transformers.”

Louise Haining, CPS Asset and Project Delivery Director said: “We were delighted to facilitate Mammoet and National Grid with the movement of the 250-tonne Super Grid Transformer. This was a complex move, which required our collective knowledge of the network and experience to effectively plan and carry out the movement.

The CPS Network Occupancy team processed over 50,000 abnormal loads movements, including special orders last year on the M25 network. The network provides an essential transport link for the distribution of goods and services, whilst also keeping to our primary objective of delivering a safe and serviceable network for all."

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

David O’Sullivan, framework manager for M25 pavement renewal at Skanska, adds: ““We have a high standard of as-built information on the M25 and what we’re looking at is working with our supply chain to develop a system where we move away from recycling road planings at a low value and recognise and use it as a high value resource. We want it to become more business as usual rather than something unusual.”

The team involved in the implementation and continued monitoring of this trial comprise Connect Plus, Connect Plus Services, Highways England, FM Conway, Skanska, Toppesfield & Atkins.

To find out more about how the M25 community are innovating on the M25 network, you can read the article in full here.

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Connect Plus Services Operations and Maintenance Manager for the North East Quadrant, Carl Snell, recently appeared in BBC4 documentary, The Hidden Wilds of the Motorway, to provide an insight into the essential works carried out on the M25 network to ensure it remains safe and serviceable for the millions of vehicles using the network each day.

The documentary features author and naturalist, Helen Macdonald, embarking on a clockwise loop around London’s orbital motorway - searching for hidden wildness and natural beauty bordering the M25.

The documentary explores the importance of motorway verges in providing sanctuaries for insects, animals and fungi, all of which can benefit from the unique environments that these verges offer. In addition to many surprising finds, the piece investigates whether nature can provide insights into driver behaviour and whether taking inspiration from fungi can subsequently reduce congestion when incidents occur.

Helen also discusses with Carl the variety of important works undertaken on the network, and how detailed planning is carried out so that works can be delivered as efficiently as possible, before the road is fully reopened to the travelling public in the morning.

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Connect Plus, together with M25 community partners Connect Plus Services, Skanska Toppesfield, FM Conway and Atkins have been awarded this year’s CIHT UK Climate Change award for their innovative surfacing trial using 50% reclaimed asphalt.

Based on emerging best practice, the newly developed surface course, comprising 50% reclaimed asphalt, was successfully installed on the M25 between junctions 25 and 26 in September 2019. This is the first of its kind on the strategic road network.

In addition to delivering a safe and smooth driving experience for road users, the innovative trial has delivered a carbon footprint saving of 9.46kg CO2e/T, resulting from a 50% reduction in primary aggregate, a 61% reduction in bitumen imported and reduced transport requirements.

The collaborative approach to the trial was highly commended by the CIHT judges, and demonstrates what is possible when multiple industry players come together and operate as one community.

Andy Dean, Connect Plus Chief Executive, said: “This innovation marks a step change in our approach to surfacing on the strategic road network. Through our combined strength as the M25 community, we will continue to innovate and deliver maximum value for our client, Highways England, and the travelling public, whilst continually working to reduce our carbon footprint.”

Dave Neal, Connect Plus Services Managing Director, said: “I am delighted that the 50% reclaimed asphalt trial has been recognised by the CIHT judges. This award is testament to the outstanding collaboration within the M25 community and our collective commitment to the environment. We are dedicated to driving forward new innovations on the strategic road network, with the intense nature of the M25 making it an ideal testbed.”

The M25 community was also highly commended at the CIHT Awards for its ultra-low carbon concrete pilot on the M25, which has seen a team from Jackson, Connect Plus, DB Group and Axtell reduce carbon emissions by 77%. M25 community member Tarmac, was also highly commended for its innovative inflatable barriers, which have been designed to resemble concrete, and take only 2 minutes to inflate. The barriers act as a visual deterrent for worksite incursions and increase the safety of workforce and road users.

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

A 15-month upgrade to one of the M25’s busiest junctions has now been completed, Highways England announced.

Junction 2 on the M25, which is also known as The Darenth interchange and links the M25 with the A2 in Kent has been upgraded in a £6m project to improve traffic flow and reduce collisions.

The £6m upgrade has created an extra lane on the roundabout and an extended slip road to increase capacity, as well as improvements to the traffic lights to help ease the flow of traffic using the roundabout. Road signs and lane markings on the roundabout have also been improved, and traffic enforcement cameras have been installed to improve compliance with the traffic lights.

Highways England route sponsor Tommy Whittingham said:

“This upgrade to the Darenth Interchange is the most significant improvement work that has been carried out at this junction for over 10 years. The junction is about two miles away from the Dartford Crossing, and congestion here can cause a knock-on effect for drivers heading to the tunnels or away from the QEII bridge. This vital upgrade will also help to ease congestion for drivers using the local roads in the area too.”

“Most of the work while we were upgrading took place overnight, and I would like to thank drivers for their patience over the last 15 months while we completed this important work.”

The Darenth interchange often suffers from congestion at peak times and queues on the junction stretching back onto the main carriageways of the A2 and the M25, causing frequent delays and increasing the risk of collisions.

The junction also experiences issues with drivers jumping red lights and poor lane discipline which these upgrades will help to address.

The improvements at junction 2 include:

Upgraded traffic signal timings to improve junction efficiency
An additional lane on the roundabout to increase capacity on the junction
Extending the A2 London bound exit slip onto the M25 link road
Improved road signs and markings on the roundabout
Red traffic light enforcement camera to improve safety on the M25 anti-clockwise off slip

The upgrade of M25 junction 2 is part of a £10m package of measures to help ease congestion at major traffic bottlenecks around the M25 at Dartford, ahead of the completion of the Lower Thames Crossing in 2027.

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Sofia Athanassiou, Commercial Director at Connect Plus (CP), has been announced as one of the top 100 Most Influential Women in the Engineering Sector. The list, which is produced by board appointments firm Inclusive Boards in partnership with the Financial Times, recognises exceptional women role models across the industry.

Sofia has earned a position on this list, having excelled throughout her career. Sofia provides leadership across the wider CP stakeholder community and is an Executive Director for Connect Plus. Sofia is also responsible for the commercial robustness of the asset renewal program; and the contract/commercial performance of Connect Plus and its supply chain.

Andy Dean, Chief Executive, Connect Plus, said: “We are delighted that Sofia’s contribution to the industry has been recognised by Inclusive Boards and the Financial Times. It is vital that as an industry we continue to break down barriers and encourage more women to enter and remain in the sector.

“Sofia’s journey is a prime example of the career opportunities available. Sofia has progressed from Bid Manager to Commercial Director and Executive Director on the Board, all whilst balancing her responsibilities as a working mother and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.”

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

The innovative new design enables maintenance crews to collect litter of various sizes, shapes, and weights from the roadside with the use of a handheld vacuum pipe secured to a custom-built machine, mounted on a truck bed. The litter is then deposited into a compartment within the vehicle, and any dust contained through a specialised filter.

Through the implementation of the vacuum pump, which pulls litter in with suction as opposed to teams manually collecting the waste, the machine will increase the speed at which litter can be collected whilst reducing the amount of time workers spend on a live highway environment. In addition, the new vacuum pump also removes the chance of crews coming into contact with hazardous or unpleasant substances.

Following a successful trial on the M25 network, the vehicle will now form a crucial part of Connect Plus Services’ fleet.

David Neal, Managing Director of Connect Plus Services, said: “We are delighted to have worked with Balfour Beatty Plant and Fleet to develop this innovative piece of equipment. In 2018 we collected over 50,000 bags of litter from the M25 and its surrounding roads, which requires extensive resource and expert planning to ensure the network remains clean and clear, with minimal impact on the travelling public.

“The M25 is one of the busiest and most strategic road networks in the UK. Through continuous innovation, we can reduce the time our highways maintenance teams spend litter picking on live highways networks, as we strive to create the safest working environment and better journeys for all.”

Andy Ormerod, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s Plant and Fleet Services business, said: “With health and safety at the heart of everything we do, we are pleased to have been able to provide an innovative solution to our workforce which reduces risk and increases productivity.

“Our expert capabilities have allowed us to design and build a state-of-the-art piece of equipment, taking into consideration challenges currently being faced by those working on highways projects. Embedding innovation into our projects allows us to offer a solution focused outcome for our clients.”

Nicola Bell, Highways England South East regional director, said: “Hundreds of thousands of people use the M25 each day, and litter is a real problem. This innovative vehicle will help roadworkers to clear litter much more quickly than picking it by hand, and will also free up time for other maintenance and safety priorities – and also our work together with Connect Plus to encourage people not to drop litter in the first place.

“Litter on roads can cause a hazard to drivers, our workers and wildlife, so I’d urge everyone to keep a bag in their car which they can use for rubbish, and then put it in the bin when they get home to improve the experience of everyone who drives on or lives near the M25.”

With safety a key priority, litter picking crews will receive in-depth training to use the machine and measures will be taken to ensure a safe environment when in action.

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Connect Plus Services (M25) recently completed its annual two-day Highways England Lean Maturity Assessment (known as HELMA), where organisations in the Highways England supply chain can determine the extent to which they have introduced, adopted and grown the use of lean principles, methodologies, tools and techniques.

Highways England review 10 topic areas and score each of them for the lean maturity of the business using a score of up to 4. Connect Plus Services has continued its year-on-year improvement since first taking part in the assessment back in 2016 – now scoring 3.1 out of 4.

The business has made continual and steady progress and, during the assessment, Highways England offered positive feedback on several areas of continued good practice and offered guidance on potential areas for focus going forward.

Matt Stedman, Business Efficiency Manager at Connect Plus Services, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded a score of 3.1, which showcases the progress we have made in a relatively short period of time. This assessment has provided us with both positive feedback and a renewed focus on what we need to achieve in the coming months to keep up the momentum.

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

As part of International Women in Engineering Day, the global awareness campaign to raise the profile of women in engineering, Connect Plus Services visited the Leigh UTC and Wilmington Academy, in Dartford.

International Women in Engineering Day takes place annually on 23 June and the theme for 2019 is #TransformTheFuture.

With this in mind, Abbey Featherstone (Business Improvement Lead) and Alana Murphy (Leatherhead Operations and Maintenance Manager), from CPS, and Priya Janda (Assistant Project Accountant), from Balfour Beatty, visited both schools to speak to groups of female students about the different roles women can play in our industry and how a truly diverse workforce can transform the future.

Alana said: “It’s so important to engage with young people and promote opportunities that they may have never known existed. They don’t even need to be an engineer to be part of a team making things happen in an engineering world.”

By sharing their experience, they were able to enable the pupils to make more informed decisions about which career path they may want to take.

Priya said: “This is in an effort to change perceptions and encourage young women to also consider engineering as a viable and rewarding career.”

After the group presentation, there was a chance for the students to have some informal networking conversations with Abbey, Alana and Priya, showing the students that it is important to find the right fit for them.

---

Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

---

Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services (CPS) employees were praised at the Women in Construction and Engineering Awards (WICE) on Tuesday night, with Sofia Athanassiou, Connect Plus Commercial Director, securing Best Woman in Highways.

Mandy Osborne, CPS Scheduler and Chloe Tucknott, CPS Business Development Director, were shortlisted for Best Woman Construction Planner and Best Female Mentor.

The annual awards recognise the most exemplary women within construction and engineering across Europe with an aim of creating role models for those considering a career in these sectors.

Andy Dean, Chief Executive, Connect Plus, said: “We are delighted that the excellent work being undertaken by women across the business was recognised at last night’s WICE Awards. It is vital that as an industry we continue to break down barriers and encourage more women to enter and remain in the sector.

---

Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

During the visit, the CCS monitor noted that the Dartford depot’s “appearance is consistently excellent with all the appropriate arrangements in place to ensure that a professional industry image is presented at all times.”

Dartford’s focus on the ‘Community’ has increased from ‘Excellent’ to ‘Exceptional’ since the CCS monitor’s last visit. It was highlighted that “there is a particular focus on school and college interaction and support” and that Connect Plus Services has established “effective and sustainable links with their nearest primary and secondary schools.”

---

Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Connect Plus Services announces that, following the Leatherhead depot’s assessment for its performance against the Code of Considerate Construction, it has secured a Bronze award as one of the very best performing sites from across the UK at this year’s prestigious awards at Plaisterers Hall in London.

Alana Murphy, Operations and Maintenance Manager, and Mark Jepson, Shift Manager, represented Connect Plus Services at the Considerate Constructors Scheme’s National Site Awards event which every year recognises those sites registered with the Scheme that have raised the bar for considerate construction.

The Scheme’s monitors visited offices and depots, and used a checklist to confirm a score against each of the five Code categories – appearance, community, environment, safety and workforce.

In its recent report, the Leatherhead depot scored an impressive 44 (of 50), which sees it retain its Performance Beyond Compliance rating.

The monitor noted that respect for the community “continues to be exceptional” and Leatherhead’s engagement with a local primary school “has blossomed into a very valuable community contribution”. It was also highlighted that the workforce is “valued and the standard of care is exceptional”.

Protection for the environment and the depot’s approach to securing all stakeholders’ health and safety were also positively reported.

---

Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Connect Plus Services (CPS) regularly works with local communities to educate young people on the varied career opportunities available in the engineering industry.

The past month has been no exception, with a number of engagement activities taking place. Emily Catt, CPS Environmental Assistant, visited the Dartford Bridge Primary School to talk to Year 6 pupils about her role and the importance of looking after the environment. The children were particularly curious about wildlife in the area and how CPS protects local species and habitats while work takes place around the network.

Leigh University Technical College also visited CPS’ Dartford depot to learn about Connect Plus Services’ role on the strategic road network. Talks and demonstrations included a focus on the different vehicles needed to carry out work and the ‘over-height’ and ‘over-dimension’ technology used in the tunnels.

In January, Abbey Featherstone, Business Improvement Lead, and Alana Murphy, Operations and Maintenance Manager, visited Therfield School in Leatherhead for their Careers Fair to speak to the pupils about Connect Plus Services, the industry and the opportunities on offer.

Abbey said: “We spoke to many children and most of them were surprised at the number of people working for CPS and the variety of the work we do.”

Working with the next generation is essential in helping to close the construction skills gap. Engaging with local communities also provides the opportunity to build trust and understanding with our neighbours, showcasing the maintenance and operations required to keep the M25 running.

Looking ahead, Connect Plus Service will also be attending the Year 8 Career Options Event at the Wilmington Academy in March.

Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

They have flashing amber beacons, are 2.5 metres wide and are bright orange but last year 12 Highways England gritters were driven into in the south East of England.

Gritters weigh up to 26 tonnes and when they’re spreading salt travel at 40mph. They often travel in the middle lane of a motorway to ensure the right amount of salt is spread to all lanes.

Highways England’s national winter and severe weather leader in the south east Dominic Haydon, said:

“Although the vast majority of people support our gritter drivers by leaving a sensible distance and only passing when it’s safe to do so, we do have occasions when people misjudge the situation and end up colliding with one of our vehicles.

“We have also noticed a growing problem with driver using the hard shoulder to undertake gritters, risking a collision with stationary vehicles on the hardshoulder and causing a hazard to gritter drivers who need to exit at motorway junctions.

“During severe weather it’s really important that we keep traffic moving and our gritters are out on the network enabling us to do that.”

The back of a gritter is the most vulnerable area as it’s where the salt spreading equipment is located. If it’s struck it can mean the gritter has to be taken off the road to be repaired, which is costly and could affect critical services in extreme weather condition

Dominic added:

“We are doing what we can to improve the visibility of our fleet and we are rolling out a number of new vehicles, starting last month in East Anglia, which include a large rear chevron panel which will improve the visibility.”

Gritter drivers often feel vulnerable while out on the network due to the reduced speeds of 30 and 40mph that they have to travel. In the south east there were 12 incidents where people crashed into our gritters which meant they had to be taken off the roads to be repaired.

Richard O’Keeffe, Service Delivery Manager at Connect Plus Services, said:

“Our fleet of gritters stand ready to treat the M25 strategic road network and keep traffic moving safely if severe weather strikes. We rely on the goodwill of motorists to give our maintenance crews the space they need to work, and remind people to pass gritters safely if you see them on the road.”

During severe weather drivers are urged to follow this advice:
• In snow and ice, drivers should stick to the main roads where they can and only travel if necessary
– drivers are also encouraged to make sure they have a winter kit in their vehicle, including an ice scraper and de-icer, warm clothes and blankets and sunglasses to cope with the low winter sun.
• In high winds, there’s a particular risk to lorries, caravans and motorbikes, so drivers should slow down and avoid using exposed sections of road if possible
• In heavy rain, drivers should keep well back from the vehicle in front, gradually ease off the accelerator if the steering becomes unresponsive, and slow down if the rain and spray from vehicles makes it difficult to see and be seen
• In fog, drivers should switch on their fog lights and not use lights on full beam as the fog will reflect the light back. If you really cannot see, you should consider stopping until it is safe to continue

Drivers are advised to follow messages on the overhead signs and listen to radio updates. Further information can be found by visiting the www.highways.gov.uk/traffic or calling the Highways England Information Line on 0300 123 5000.

Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

After finishing my training and trade requirements I immediately put myself forward for the All Arms Commando Course to earn the right to wear the coveted ‘Green Beret’ and serve within Commando Forces. I passed my Commando Course, and in the process developed the attitude and outlook that would stand me in good stead for the rest of my career and life.

The next 10 years took me around the globe, ranging from an Operational tour of Afghanistan, the sub-zero climates of the Arctic Circle, and the jungles of Malaysia to name a few. I also had the fantastic opportunity to work with Special Forces in both Africa and South America during this time. The experience I gained has been paramount in my development as Commander, enabling me to think strategically while managing teams and crisis situations in a variety of different environments.

The last two years of my military career was spent as an Instructor at the Royal Engineer Boat School. I was extremely fortunate that I had a good management team that continuously challenged and developed me as a Senior Manager while helping me realise my potential. I was given several high-profile assignments, most notably incorporating new training models which drove expenditure savings that will have a lasting effect on the school for years to come.

So why leave then, you’re probably asking? My priorities have changed in the last two years of service; I met my wife Emma and am pleased to say we are expecting our first children… twins, in the near future. We have settled in Essex and I no longer want to spend 6 months of the year away from family, therefore I put in my Notice to Terminate my contract.

In the months that followed I was assigned various courses and workshops with the Career Transition Partnership (CTP). The CTP is the official provider for Armed Forces personnel going through resettlement. They offer career transition advice and training opportunities while giving every Armed Forces leaver resettlement support. All courses are free and this is truly a fantastic organisation that every Service leaver should take advantage of. The biggest advice that I took away from these opportunities was to ‘never undersell yourself’.

The CTP also organises job fairs across the country which is a great opportunity for Service leavers to network with potential employers and to find out about different sectors. This is where I first came into contact with Balfour Beatty, who would become my employer. Balfour Beatty signed the Armed Forces covenant in 2015 and are a forces-friendly employer. They really understand the transferable skills we can bring to the construction sector, offering employment opportunities for Service leavers and veterans. I spoke with Balfour Beatty’s representative and sent them my CV.

A couple of weeks later I was contacted by Connect Plus Services, of which Balfour Beatty is a parent company, and asked if I was available for an interview. Connect Plus Services (CPS) operates and maintains the M25 network, including all adjoining trunk and slip roads on behalf of Highways England and Connect Plus.

After two successful interviews and delivering a presentation, I was offered a position as Operations and Maintenance Manager, which I immediately accepted. I have been very much welcomed into the Balfour Beatty and CPS organisations, have already been on numerous training courses to enhance my learning and have been given a development plan which has a clear timeline to coincide with promotional opportunities. I really could not have asked for a better first couple of months.

I wanted to share my story, as I know how difficult ‘the jump’ can be back into the civilian sector. Every member of the Armed Forces offers so much to civilian employers, and the Career Transition Partnership provides great support and advice while making the transition. They help and assist you along the way while organising many Job Fairs with civilian employers who recruit Service leavers.

Connect Plus Services and Balfour Beatty actively seek to recruit service leavers as they know the skill set and work ethic that we can provide. Balfour Beatty has a vibrant ex-Forces community and the company are keen to receive applications of personnel who are in their resettlement phase.

If you’re interested in joining the team that keeps the M25 moving, contact enquiries@www.connectplusm25.co.uk/”

Connect Plus Services (CPS), the company which operates and maintains the M25 on behalf of Highways England and Connect Plus, the M25’s design, build, finance and operations consortium comprising Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK, has teamed up with Toyota to trial a hydrogen fuel-cell car on the M25 network.

Utilising the expertise of Balfour Beatty’s Plant and Fleet business, who arranged temporary procurement of the vehicle, a Toyota Mirai, CPS has successfully trialled the world’s first commercially produced hydrogen-powered vehicle to operate on a live highways maintenance network. The vehicle carried out daily motorway safety inspections during a two week trial that took place in September.

The trial results will now be assessed and, if positive, it is envisioned that CPS will roll out the use of hydrogen-fuel vehicles across its fleet of 12 cars that carry out motorway safety inspections on the strategic road network.

Fuel-cell technology in vehicles converts pressurised hydrogen gas, stored in built-in tanks, into energy that powers an electric motor.

The only waste product is water, providing significant benefits for the environment and road user’s wellbeing when compared to the environmental footprint left by petrol and diesel fueled cars. The use of a hydrogen car also offers savings in reduced fuel costs.

Brian Johns, Managing Director of Connect Plus Services, said: “We are delighted to have trialled the hydrogen powered Toyota Mirai on our network. This is a prime example of how we are embracing new technology to deliver our contract to the highest standard.

“Through continuous innovation, we are committed to developing cost effective and environmentally friendly solutions to drive the network forward and create better journeys for the travelling public.”

Jon Hunt, Manager of Alternative Fuels at Toyota, added: “We are delighted to support this trial to demonstrate that the Mirai, with a quick refill time and long range is a no-compromise zero emission solution.”

Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

In Swanley, the monitor noted that there is a consistent commitment to engage the entire workforce in social activities and to promote both safety and environmental practices. "This level of commitment demonstrates the all-embracing support given towards considerate practice".

In Denham, it was reported that the depot is complying with the very highest standards of industry good practice and aims of the scheme. "The comprehensive and well-maintained welfare facilities remain in place; they continue to be well stocked and almost sparkle".

Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

---

Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Leatherhead welcomed back Considerate Constructor Scheme monitor Paul in December, for his seventh visit to the Surrey-based depot.

In a recent report, Paul scored the depot an impressive 43 (of 50), which sees Leatherhead retain its Performance Beyond Compliance rating.

As always, the depot was assessed for its performance against the Code of Considerate Construction: Care about Appearance; Respect the Community; Protect the Environment; Secure everyone’s Safety and; Value their Workforce.

A score of nine is awarded when a company is “at the forefront of industry best practice demonstrating the very highest level of achievement far above the minimum standards required by the Scheme’s Code, addressing all applicable areas of the Checklist to the very highest standards.” Leatherhead has achieved this Exceptional score for Environment, Community and Safety, and Paul summarised his visit saying “the depot continues to impress with its thoughtful approach to continually improving performance.”

Depot manager, Alana Murphy, is understandably delighted with her scoring.

“This is the second visit from the Considerate Constructor Scheme that I have hosted, and I’m delighted that the improvements we have made have been recognised. This score is a credit to everyone here at Leatherhead, and from the wider business, who have worked so hard to achieve it.

“Thank you Paul, and the CCS, for your continued support – I look forward to welcoming you back to see the further improvements we will make over the coming months, to demonstrate our commitment to being a considerate constructor.”

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25

Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services listed as a finalist in the Maintenance Efficiency category in the Highways Awards 2023

Framework Sustainability Forum acts on invasive species

Framework Sustainability Forum acts on invasive species

Connect Plus Services celebrates International Women in Engineering Day 2023

Connect Plus Services marks Remembrance Day

National Insect Week 2023

Junction 1a Dartford works complete

First trees planted at new community woodland in Kent

World Bee Day 2023

M25 'Stepping Stones'

Connect Plus Services join the Great British Spring Clean campaign 2023

Success for Automated Cone Laying Machine at the National Highways Awards

Connect Plus Services celebrates International Women’s Day 2023

Automated Cone Laying Machine shortlisted at the National Highways Awards

Success at the National Highways South-East Alliance Awards

M26 Hazel Dormice Surveys

CPS Mick Paternoster recognised at Highways Heroes Awards

Shell and Connect Plus join forces to accelerate decarbonisation of road building in the UK

Connect Plus has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Shell, to develop and deploy solutions and technologies to decarbonise road paving in the UK by extending the life of pavements.

Highways Magazine: Why embracing technology is crucial in protecting workers health and wellbeing

Highways Magazine: digital mapping for direct data

Connect Plus Services marks Remembrance Day

Automated cone laying machine in New Civil Engineer ‘Future of Roads’

National Inclusion Week 2022

Automated Cone Laying Machine shortlisted for two industry awards

M25 reclaimed asphalt trial in Asset Magazine

The digital network of the future

Constructing Excellence Awards win

Introducing industry first automated cone laying machine to the M25

Dartford-Thurrock River Crossing marks Platinum Jubilee of its namesake Queen Elizabeth II

East Surrey College Careers and Jobs Fair 2022

CPS & Octavius discuss careers in the industry at local school’s fair

M25 teams achieve great success for the Great British Spring Clean

M25 team join Great British Spring Clean and urge drivers to take litter home

Connect Plus Services supports local charity to reopen for summer

Connect Plus Services Celebrates International Women's Day 2022

Local primary school competition names three CPS gritters

Work to improve A30 Crooked Billet roundabout complete

CPS volunteer to support local community pandemic efforts

M25 Junction 23 improvements complete

How the pandemic accelerated the adoption of mobile apps on the M25 Network

Connect Plus Services celebrates students success at local college awards

Winners at the The Institute of Asset Management Excellence Awards

CPS Roadspace team volunteer to make a difference for local cause

Dartford Queen Elizabeth II Bridge Celebrates 30 years

Connect Plus Services supports exciting horticultural transformation at local school

Connect Plus Services awarded 5 stars by the Considerate Constructors Scheme

A fantastic win at the prestigious Motor Transport Awards 2021

NHS Big Tea supporting local NHS Trust

QEII Bridge welcomes thriving kestrel chicks

M25 inspires young careers at Highways England Education Group’s first virtual work experience event

Healthier Highways Initiative discussed in Highways Today

CPS celebrates ex-forces heroes to mark Armed Forces Day

Harnessing the power of digital on the M25

Connect Plus Services (CPS) joins the #MillionMileMission as part of the Great British Spring Clean campaign

Register now: Transportation Virtual Careers Fair

Ready to shape a great future together?

Work to improve major junction on M25 now complete

M25 success at the Highways Awards 2020

Connect Plus and partners digitally map the UK’s busiest motorway

M25 team’s approach to LEAN recognised as industry leading

M25 scores 3.4 (out of 4) in latest Highways England Lean Maturity Assessment

Delivering schemes and smiles - M25 community supports local charities as part of improvement scheme

CPS helps local primary school keep pupils and families safe

M25 shortlisted in this year’s Highways UK Intelligent Infrastructure Challenge

M25 Community Healthier Highways initiative highlighted by Safer Highways

Connect Plus Services joins Great British September Clean campaign

Respect for the environment, workforce and customers secures CPS Bronze at the 2020 Considerate Constructors Scheme’s National Site Awards

Complex abnormal load movement for Mammoet and National Grid proves another success for Connect Plus Services

M25 Community discuss innovation on the M25 network in New Civil Engineer

Connect Plus Services feature in BBC4 documentary – The Hidden Wilds of the Motorway

M25 success at CIHT Awards

Highways England Hackathon - Success!

Considerate Constructors Scheme – the scores are in!

Revamp for M25/A2 junction in Kent now complete

Sofia Athanassiou Recognised as one of the 100 Most Influential Women in Engineering

Picking up pace: state-of-the-art innovation set to change the way the UK’s busiest motorway is cleaned

HELMA 2019 - CPS continues to drive business efficiencies

Transforming The Future

Dartford tunnel sees its longest ever load

Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services