Hill & Smith Infrastructure at Highways UK 2025

Last week, Hill & Smith Infrastructure proudly took part in Highways UK 2025 at the NEC Birmingham, joining thousands of industry professionals in exploring the future of the UK’s road network. Across two days of insightful discussion, collaboration and connection, our team showcased how innovation and partnership are helping shape a more resilient and sustainable infrastructure landscape.

HUK 2025 Stand

Spotlight on Innovation

On Day 1, Nigel Bullock, our Head of Solutions, took to the stage in the Sustainability Theatre to deliver a compelling presentation titled: “Driving change through innovation: a transformative approach to central reserve Rigid Concrete Barrier (RCB) implementation.”

Joined by Steven Ogbuagu, Senior Design Manager at Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, Nigel shared the story behind two major schemes on the Strategic Road Network: the M40–M42 Interchange and the M42 J4–7 Dynamic Hard Shoulder Enhancement project.

A transformative approach to central reserve Rigid Concrete Barrier (RCB) implementation

 

The presentation highlighted how a collaborative approach bringing together Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, bmJV, Jacobs, CR Civils and Hill & Smith Infrastructure unlocked significant gains in:

  • Efficiency
  • Cost savings
  • Carbon reduction

This transformative work has not only delivered measurable impact but also earned recognition. The M40/M42 upgrade was a finalist in the Innovation Award at the Highways UK Excellence Awards.


Building Resilience

On Day 2, Hill & Smith Infrastructure participated in a panel discussion in the Network Resilience and Renewal Theatre, sponsored by Amey. The session, titled: “Building resilience: Keeping the UK’s road network moving in times of disruption,” brought together industry leaders to explore how infrastructure providers can respond to increasing challenges, from climate change to traffic growth, while maintaining safety and reliability.

Our contribution to the panel, delivered by Nigel Bullock, reflected the depth of expertise that positions Hill & Smith Infrastructure as a market leader in road safety and barrier systems.

Panel talk, Building resilience: Keeping the UK’s road network moving in times of disruption

 

With a career spanning over three decades in the highways sector, Nigel brought a wealth of experience to the discussion, having been instrumental in advancing barrier technologies and shaping national standards, his insight brought vital strategic perspective to the panel discussion.


Looking Ahead

Highways UK 2025 was a powerful reminder of the importance of collaboration, innovation and shared purpose in shaping the future of infrastructure. We’re proud to have contributed to the conversation and look forward to continuing our work with partners across the industry.

If you missed us at the event or want to learn more about our work, feel free to reach out or explore our latest case studies and updates.


Download our M40-M42 Interchange & M42 J4-7 DHS case study to learn how Hill & Smith Infrastructure delivered innovative barrier systems whilst adapting to complex site conditions, streamlining offsite construction and collaborating closely with stakeholders to achieve early completion and significant carbon savings.