It has come to my attention via one of our member companies that the Hemming Group (the owners of Traffex) has been casting completely unfounded accusations as to whether one our events, SHL!ve, will take place this year for commercial gain for their own organisation.
As many of those who are familiar with Safer Highways are aware, SHL!ve is a collaborative, industry-wide event, drawing attendees from across every element of the supply chain, where member companies are availed of the opportunity to exhibit free of charge.
As such our decisions on dates and venues are based upon what is best for not only our membership but also the broader supply chain.
We do not sell exhibition space, unlike commercial events such as Traffex and as such are not bounded by the same restrictions.
All of our membership buy into our vision and accept that at times external forces may have an influence on our activity.
That said, it is still our intention, that should we have the full backing of our membership, to do so, we will be holding our event in the current calendar year.
I find it very sad that, as a result of a commercial organisation attempting to destabilise the market for their own financial gain, I am forced into a position where I have to justify our actions.
It is deeply regrettable that, having had members who have been contacted by members of the Hemming Group’s sales team spreading false truths I am now in a position where I should have to issue this statement.
A full due diligence process is currently taking place on SHL!ve 2022, with our venue, with the aim of releasing further details in the coming weeks.
SHL!ve functions completely independently of many of our other initiatives and, if I am being honest, this smacks of jealousy as people step away from the (Hemming) Highways Awards in favour of our Highways Heroes and indeed throw their support behind programmes and events which have a tangible benefit for our sector.
We have also taken the unprecedented step of asking the Hemming Group to cease in the spread of unsolicited rumours and asked our legal advisors to closely monitor the narrative.
I thank you for your support
Kevin Robinson
CEO
Safer Highways