Demonstrating excellence in collaboration, customer experience, project delivery and a bold approach to health and safety, Winvic has been shortlisted in four categories at this year’s National Highways Asset Community East (ACE) “Better Together” Awards.
As well as being a finalist, Winvic is proud to be sponsoring this year’s awards, underlining its commitment to driving innovation, collaboration and best practice across the highways sector.
Customer Experience of the Year Award – Project/Team of the Year Award – Collaborative Project / Team of the Year Award
Orwell Bridge Westbound Joint Replacement – National Highways Scheme Delivery Framework
The Orwell Bridge Westbound Joint Replacement project, delivered through National Highways’ Scheme Delivery Framework in the East Region, exemplifies a transformative approach to collaborative infrastructure delivery. The vital scheme addressed the urgent replacement of deteriorated expansion joints on the A14 Orwell Bridge – a critical route linking the Port of Felixstowe to the wider UK road network.
Despite a challenging six-month programme, the project was delivered safely, on time and within budget. From the outset, close collaboration between National Highways, Winvic, WSP, Chevron, Maurer, and Roocroft was key. A joint options study shaped innovative methods such as hydro demolition to protect the bridge’s structure, bespoke solutions to resolve complex design challenges, and advanced traffic modelling to minimise disruption.
This partnership approach reduced construction from a potential 175 days to just 37, saving £9 million, while also achieving exemplary outcomes in environmental protection, community engagement, and social value. The project stands as a model of best practice in modern infrastructure delivery.
Local suppliers were engaged throughout the project, contributing to the growth of the local economy and reducing environmental impact. As part of Winvic’s commitment to delivering meaningful social value and community engagement, the project team visited Morland Primary School in Ipswich to promote safety awareness around construction sites to over 120 pupils. The team also volunteered to support local community projects, which included the St. Elizabeth’s Hospice pop-up shop in Ipswich’s Buttermarket Centre, selling merchandise for the Hop-To-It Art Trail – one of the charity’s largest annual fundraising events. To proactively engage with the general public to raise awareness of the upcoming works, Winvic attended two key public-facing events with National Highways: The Suffolk Show and the Buttermarket Centre in Ipswich.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing Initiative of the Year Award: Winvic’s Doing It Right Cultural Change Programme
Winvic’s Doing It Right (DIR) cultural change programme strategy, initiatives, and campaigns are continuously challenged by its working group to ensure impact and make a difference.
The innovative ‘Someone’s’ campaign used emotive imagery and messaging and the on-site signage featured leaders and CEOs from the company’s supply chain. During the campaign period, Winvic’s Accident Frequency Rate (AFR) reduced by 21 per cent. Furthermore, Winvic’s HSE Safety Climate Tool (SCT) results in 2024 – an anonymous questionnaire that assesses the workforce’s health and safety attitudes and perceptions – saw Winvic in the top 5% in seven out of eight categories against the industry benchmark.
The cultural change programme includes industry-betterment initiatives including trade-specific supply chain forums, an internal empowerment conference and Winvic’s National Fitness Day charity challenge. The event maintains three pieces of cardio equipment running for a 24-hour period, alongside bootcamp style games to improve the mental and physical wellbeing of employees and raised over £76,000 from 2023 to 2024.
Since the launch of Winvic’s DIR programme, its accident frequency rate has reduced by 69%.
Rob Cook, Winvic’s Managing Director for Civils and Infrastructure, who also joined the panel of experts to judge the awards, said: “It’s an honour not only for Winvic to be shortlisted but also to sponsor and support the National Highways ACE ‘Better Together’ Awards. These awards shine a light on the collaboration, innovation and safety culture that drive our industry forward. Having the opportunity to judge gave me first-hand insight into the incredible projects and initiatives being delivered across the region, and I’m proud that Winvic continues to play an active role in raising the bar for best practice. Best of luck to all the other shortlisted entries – the standard this year has been exceptional”
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