Barnet Crowned Champions of the London Boroughs Youth Cup!

Cromer Road Primary School, representing the London Borough of Barnet, have been crowned winners of the London Boroughs Youth Cup– a one-day, capital-wide football tournament sponsored by Marlborough Highways held in partnership with the Mayor of Barnet’s Charity, Barnet FC, and the Hive Foundation.

The tournament brought together 29 mixed teams of 10- and 11-year-olds from across London, each representing their borough with pride. It was a day filled with energy, and community spirit – and Cromer Road stood out with a winning performance that earned them the top spot.

The knockout stages were full of excitement, with some brilliant performances across the board. In the semi-finals, Barnet faced Sutton while Bromley took on Croydon. After two competitive matches, Barnet and Bromley emerged victorious to set up an exciting final. In front of a cheering crowd, Cromer Road Primary School clinched the win for Barnet and lifted the trophy winning 4-0.

The day also marked the culmination of several weeks of community engagement, with Marlborough’s Social Value & Sustainability Apprentice, Poppy Kennedy, visiting participating schools – including Cromer Road – in the run-up to the event to deliver footballs, answer questions, and build excitement ahead of the big day.

We were delighted to welcome the newly appointed Mayor of Harrow, Cllr Anjana Patel, to the event. The tournament was held at Barnet Football Club, which is located within the borough of Harrow – so it was a pleasure to host the Mayor at this special community celebration taking place in her borough.

We were also incredibly proud to welcome several borough dignitaries to the event, whose presence added a real sense of pride. These included the newly appointed Civic Mayor of Croydon, Cllr Chatterjee; the Speaker of Hackney, Cllr Sharon Patrick; the Mayor of Havering, Cllr Gerry O’Sullivan, accompanied by the Mayoress, Sue O’Sullivan; Councillor Sue Jameson of Haringey, and the Mayor of Kingston upon Thames, Cllr Noel Hadjimichael, joined by the Mayoress, Ms Carol Berliner.

Matthew Revell, Managing Director of Marlborough Highways, said: “A huge congratulations to Cromer Road and the Borough of Barnet! We’ve been proud to sponsor the London Boroughs Youth Cup and see firsthand the passion and sportsmanship shown by every team. This event was about more than football – it was about bringing communities together and giving young people a moment to shine.”

Images

Below: Winners of the London Boroughs Youth Cup, Barnet – Cromer Road Primary School.

Below: Henry Green Primary School represented the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham with (left to right) the Mayor of Harrow, Cllr Anjana Patel, Joseph Revell, Director of Marlborough Highways and Councillor Tony Vourou, Barnet.

Below: Cromer Road Primary School representing the London Borough of Barnet with (left to right) Joseph Revell, Director of Marlborough Highways and Councillor Tony Vourou, Barnet.

Below: Bexley District Team representing the London Borough of Bexley

Below: Christ Church (Brondesbury) C of E Primary School representing the London Borough of Brent. 

Below: Tubbenden Primary School the London Borough of Bromley with representatives (left to right) Joseph Revell, Director, Marlborough Highways, Councillor Sue Jameson, Haringey and Councillor Tony Vourou, Barnet.

Below: Strike Force FC represented the London Borough of Camden. 

Below: Next Gen Football Club represented the City of London Corporation with (left to right) Joseph Revell, Director, Marlborough Highways and Councillor Tony Vourou, Barnet.

Below: Legacy Youth Zone represented the London Borough of Croydon with Civic Mayor of Croydon, Cllr Chatterjee.

Below: Holy Family Catholic Primary School represented the London Borough of Ealing

Below: Charlton Manor Primary School represented the London Borough of Greenwich

Below: Hackney New Primary School represented the London Borough of Hackney

Below: New Salamis Youth FC represented the London Borough of Haringey with (left to right) Joseph Revell, Director, Marlborough Highways, Councillor Sue Jameson, Haringey and Councillor Tony Vourou, Barnet.

Below: West Lodge Primary School represented the London Borough of Harrow with Mayor of Harrow, Cllr Anjana Patel.

Below: Scotts Primary School represented the London Borough of Havering

Below: Oak Farm Primary School represented the London Borough of Hillingdon. 

Below: Foxes FC represented the London Borough of Hounslow with (left to right) Joseph Revell, Director, Marlborough Highways, the Mayor of Havering, Cllr Gerry O’Sullivan and Councillor Tony Vourou, Barnet.

Below: St. Josephs Catholic Primary School represented the London Borough of Islington with (left to right) Joseph Revell, Director, Marlborough Highways, Councillor Sue Jameson, Haringey and Councillor Tony Vourou, Barnet.

Below: Colville Primary School represented the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea with (left to right) the Mayor of Havering, Cllr Gerry O’Sullivan, Joseph Revell, Director, Marlborough Highways and Councillor Tony Vourou, Barnet.

Below: Our Lady Immaculate Primary School represented the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames. 

Below: Escalate Elite FC represented the London Borough of Lambeth with (left to right) Joseph Revell, Director, Marlborough Highways, the Mayor of Havering, Cllr Gerry O’Sullivan and Councillor Tony Vourou, Barnet.

Below: Merton District represented the London Borough of Merton. 

Below: One Touch Youth represented the London Borough of Newham with (left to right) Joseph Revell, Director of Marlborough Highways, the Mayor of Harrow, Cllr Anjana Patel and Councillor Tony Vourou, Barnet.

Below: Sheen Mount Primary School represented the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames with (left to right) Joseph Revell, Director of Marlborough Highways, the Mayor of Kingston, Cllr Noel Hadjimichael and Mayoress Ms Carol Berliner and Councillor Tony Vourou, Barnet.

Below: Tower Hamlets District represented the London Borough of Tower Hamlets

Below (left to right):  Civic Mayor of Croydon, Cllr Chatterjee, Mayoress of Barnet Mrs Caroline Vourou, Mayor of Barnet, Councillor Tony Vourou, Mayor of Harrow, Cllr Anjana Patel, Councillor Sue Jameson, Haringey, the Speaker of Hackney is Councillor Sharon Patrick, the Mayor of Havering, Cllr Gerry O’Sullivan and the Mayoress of Havering, Sue O’Sullivan.

Marlborough presents the London Boroughs Youth Cup

The Mayor of Barnet and Marlborough Highways is thrilled to announce its sponsorship of the London Boroughs Youth Cup, an exciting 6-a-side football tournament in aid of The Mayor of Barnet’s Charity. Taking place at Barnet Football Club on Sunday, 18th May 2025, the event will bring together budding young footballers from all 32 London boroughs, aged 10 and 11.

Open to both boys and girls, the London Boroughs Youth Cup is a fantastic opportunity for young people to experience the thrill of competitive football, build camaraderie, and foster a sense of togetherness. London schools, community groups, and grassroots football clubs are encouraged to get involved in the free event, with the day aiming to promote inclusivity and participation from a diverse range of backgrounds.

In partnership with the Mayor of Barnet’s Charity, Barnet FC, and the Hive Foundation, Marlborough is proud to support the tournament. The Hive Foundation is the registered charity that works alongside Barnet Football Club and London Bees to deliver positive lifelong activities to local schools, residents, and young people within the local communities of Harrow and Barnet. Through initiatives like the London Boroughs Youth Cup, The Hive Foundation is dedicated to fostering community engagement in healthy recreational activities by offering facilities and opportunities centred around football, with the goal of enhancing participants’ health and well-being.

Matthew Revell, Managing Director, Marlborough Highways, commented: “We are delighted to sponsor the London Boroughs Youth Cup. This event aligns perfectly with our commitment to supporting local communities and promoting healthy lifestyles. We believe that sport has the power to inspire and unite people, and we are excited to see the positive impact this tournament will have on young people across London.”

To find out more and and to apply, visit the link. 

Helping Havering shine with Marlborough Highways’ £20,000 Christmas donation

As the Highways Maintenance service contractor in the London Borough of Havering, Marlborough Highways is delighted to announce a £20,000 donation in support of Havering Council’s 2024 public Christmas displays. The money is being used to buy and install Christmas trees, ensuring every town centre in the East London borough is beautifully decorated and full of festive spirit.

As local government across the country experiences financial pressures, Marlborough’s donation has been welcomed by residents and councillors alike, with Collier Row, Elm Park, Hornchurch, and Rainham (pictured) amongst the locations to benefit.

Marlborough is also working closely with Havering Council’s operational team throughout the festive period, providing complimentary traffic management services in support of local Christmas charity events. These efforts ensure that residents and visitors to the borough can safely enjoy the celebrations, with minimum disruption to neighbourhood communities.

Furthermore, Marlborough is donating £1,000 to the Kids Bank HQ, which is a wonderful charity that supports underprivileged families in Havering and beyond. The money will be spent on new toys and other items, which will be given to the children of service users. A team of Marlborough volunteers will wrap the presents in preparation for distribution throughout December, ensuring that the children have gifts to open on Christmas Day, helping them to feel cared for and loved.

Marlborough’s Christmas donations and professional assistance forms part of the company’s broader commitment to supporting communities in Havering. Across the year, the organisation is proud to deliver a range of meaningful social value initiatives in the authority, including staff volunteering, school engagement, and programmes to support resident employment.

Cllr Ray Morgon, the Leader of Havering Council, said, “My sincere thanks goes first to Marlborough Highways who will be providing Christmas trees to a number of local areas and also to the other businesses and community groups who have worked so hard to ensure Havering can still celebrate Christmas.”

Andrew Rosindell, MP for Romford, also welcomed the support, stating, “I am pleased to learn that thanks to the generosity of Marlborough Highways, Christmas trees will now be placed in town centres across Havering this year. This donation of £20,000 is a welcome gesture that ensures every community will have the chance to celebrate Christmas in the way they deserve.”

Will Blostone, Director, Marlborough Highways, added, “We understand how important community spirit is, especially during the holidays. By supporting Havering Council with this year’s Christmas celebrations, we want to spread festive cheer and help create vibrant, welcoming spaces where families and friends can come together and enjoy the season.”

(Image: The Christmas tree in Rainham. Pictured left to right, Lorna Waters, Havering Council; Rob & Carol Baker, Rainham Community Group; Councillor Gerry O’Sullivan, Mayor of Rainham; and Nick Reading, Kevin Prince and Jamie Bird, Marlborough Highways).

Arlington Square: Community Collaboration in the London Borough of Islington

In November 2023. Marlborough Highways was delighted to assist a local resident group called the Arlington Association with the clearing and preparation of two large urban flower beds in the London Borough of Islington. Working in partnership with Islington Council, Marlborough’s team turned an overgrown and unsightly space into an oasis of beauty and calm where people can relax and unwind.

(Marlborough clear the flower beds in Arlington Square)

Four 77sqm flower beds dominate Arlington Square, but two of them had become full of weeds. The removal of the old vegetation could not be achieved with hand tools alone, and the volume of soil involved, required the use of lightweight machinery and the expertise of skilled operatives. When the Arlington Association raised the matter with Islington Council, they were put in touch with Marlborough, who are the Term Service Highway contractor for the borough.

Marlborough offered their services free of charge and partnered with their valued supplier, North London Plant Hire, to deliver the project. Working closely with the Arlington Association throughout, the Marlborough team cordoned off the space with high-visibility fencing, before bringing a three-tonne dumper and 1.5 tonne digger on site. A team of four then excavated the ground to a depth of between 200-300mm, removing several tonnes of soil and foliage in the process.

Some of the excavated ground was repurposed, with the remaining being taken to a site in Essex. Then, working with a group of Arlington Association residents, 20 tonnes of fresh soil was placed on the flower beds, before it was thoroughly raked. The square remained open to visitors throughout the process, with the fenced off section quickly removed on completion. Over the following weeks new bulbs were planted, with the flower beds set to burst into colour in the spring.

Gordon McArthur, Chair, Arlington Association said, “We have just completed the dig out of the two northerly central beds in Arlington Square and have filled them with 20 tonnes of fresh soil. This was only possible with the help of Marlborough Highways who provided labour, equipment and paid for the disposal of the old soil. Without their help we could not have progressed this project, which is the largest we have ever tackled. I commend the generosity of Marlborough and their commitment to giving back to the communities they serve.”

Liz Wathen, Head of Highways and Streetworks, Islington Council added, “Great to see the work you have done, this is much appreciated by the residents and the Council, please pass on our thanks to the team.”

(Main image: The Marlborough Highways team pose with members of the Arlington Association) 

Christmas card competition winner revealed

Marlborough Highways is grateful to all the children of Noel Park Primary School in the London Borough of Haringey, who entered the company’s annual Christmas card competition. Over 100 designs were submitted, with pupils from Reception through to Year 6 taking part. Alteo from Year 2 was named the winner, for his lovely picture featuring a Christmas tree, Santa Claus, a reindeer and a snowman.

Alteo’s winning design

Students were asked to create their most imaginative festive image, with Alteo’s winning drawing set to be used on the front of Marlborough’s 2023 Christmas card. For his efforts, he has been awarded a prize that perfectly matches his love for the Marvel Comics franchise. As well as tickets to Madame Tussauds’ new Marvel 4D movie experience, Alteo has been given a goody basket with Marvel toys alongside chocolate and sweets..

Marlborough has a strong relationship with Noel Park Primary School, following works to create four rain gardens in front of the school in 2023, and a scheme to build an attractive parklet in 2022 on nearby Gladstone Avenue. During both projects, which have brought more greenery to the area and greater biodiversity, Marlborough engaged with pupils and teachers, with their feedback worked into the final designs.

Marlborough’s Social Value team visited the school to present Alteo with his prize during assembly, and to thank all the children for their fantastic entries.

Matthew Revell, Managing Director, Marlborough Highways, said,“Marlborough is incredibly grateful to all the children of Noel Park Primary School for their amazing Christmas card designs. The entries were of such high quality it was very difficult to choose a winner, but Alteo’s picture really stood out. We’re delighted to have his work featured on our Christmas card this year and grateful to the school for its ongoing support. Our relationship with Noel Park Primary School is a source of great pride, and we’re committed to working together to make the London Borough of Haringey an even better place for children and families.”

Rob Roberts, AVP & Science Lead at Noel Park Primary School added, “A massive thank you to everyone at Marlborough, you really inspired our children.”

Main image left to right: Bansi Shah, Year 2 Teacher, Noel Park Primary School; Anna Wilson, Performance Administrator, Marlborough Highways; Nula Krawczynski, Social Value Manager, Marlborough Highways; Alteo, Year 2, Noel Park Primary School; Poppy Kennedy, Social Value and Sustainability Apprentice, Marlborough Highways; and Rob Roberts, AVP & Science Lead, Noel Park Primary School.

Supporting Change 1’s Life

Marlborough Highways has donated 450 jumpers to Change 1’s Life, which is a UK-registered charity that assists people in need across Africa. The clothing will primarily be delivered to communities in Angola, with the items helping to keep adults and children warm during the cold winter months.

On 8 November 2023, Marlborough’s team delivered the jumpers in an all-electric Nissan Townstar van to a site in Brentford, West London. There they met Change 1’s Life’s Managing Director, Edmilson Angelo, who took receipt of the sweaters. With the help of Marlborough volunteers, the clothing was loaded on to a container, alongside other items bound for the west-central coast of Southern Africa. The jumpers of various sizes will be added to gift packages and sent to some of the most remote towns and villages in the country, with some of the items given as Christmas presents.

Change 1’s Life supports people who live in poverty, as well as victims of natural disasters. By working with organisations like Marlborough, they seek to tackle inequality in one of the world’s poorest regions by ensuring everyone has access to food, shelter, clothing and education.

Marlborough’s Social Value Manager, Nula Krawczynski, said, “We are thrilled to be here with Change 1’s Life, helping to load up our jumpers, which will be sent to communities overseas. It’s a privilege to partner with such a fantastic organisation and we are grateful to Edmilson and his team for this opportunity; it will make a real difference.”

Edmilson Angelo, Managing Director, Change 1’s Life added, “We want to bring about practical changes through sustainable solutions, and for us as a small charity, donations from organisations like Marlborough are vital. This is our fourth shipment to the region this year and we are very happy to be able to count on this sort of support.”

(Pictured left to right: Nula Krawczynski, Social Value Manager, Marlborough Highways; Edmilson Angelo, Managing Director, Change 1’s Life; and Tom Johnson, Marketing Executive, Marlborough Highways)

Social Value Quality Mark award – Bronze Certification

Marlborough Highways is delighted to announce that it has been awarded the Social Value Quality Mark (SVQM), achieving Bronze Certification. The accreditation reflects the company’s wide-ranging community efforts and dedication to effecting positive change across London and the South East. This significant achievement follows a comprehensive application process undertaken by Marlborough’s growing Social Value team, with Nick Reading, Head of Performance, Sustainability & Social Value, and Nula Krawczynski, Social Value Manager, leading the process.

The SVQM is the nationwide benchmark for excellence in Social Value, spanning all industries, recognising organisations that demonstrate a commitment to helping others. The Bronze status is a tribute to Marlborough’s extensive charity work, volunteering initiatives, school engagement activities, and dedication to local employment. It also recognises the company’s support for the Armed Forces Community and underscores the importance of Marlborough’s careers guidance programme for the residents it serves.

In addition to submitting evidence about Marlborough’s previous and current community initiatives, Nick and Nula also shared a ‘Social Value Road Map’, outlining Marlborough’s ambitious plans for the future. This involved making a series of pledges across a variety of themes, including Health and Wellbeing, Education and Skills, Employment and Volunteering, Environment, and Leadership. As well as identifying actions in support of the public, Marlborough has also made a commitment to maintain and enhance the wellbeing of its own employees and industry partners.

With the Bronze accreditation now secured, Marlborough has ambitions to achieve SVQM Silver status. This involves the company honouring its Social Value Road Map pledges and demonstrating that its commitments are making a real and meaningful difference.

Matthew Revell, Managing Director, Marlborough Highways, said, “I believe we have a responsibility to the people we serve and beyond, so I am enormously proud that Marlborough has achieved the Social Value Quality Mark Bronze Certification. Our organisation has long been a force for good, with this prestigious award recognising the amazing work of our Social Value team and all those kind and compassionate colleagues who assist them. Whether it’s supporting underprivileged families, helping young people to achieve their career goals, or creating more inclusive spaces for everyone to enjoy, our community efforts have a real impact on individuals and wider society.”

(Image: Marlborough Highway’s Social Value team. Pictured from left to right, Nick Reading, Head of Performance, Sustainability & Social Value; Anna Wilson, Social Value Administrator; Nula Krawczynski, Social Value Manager; and Poppy Kennedy, Social Value and Sustainability Apprentice).

Flying high with the Big Fun Art Adventure

Marlborough Highways is proud to support North London Hospice with their brand-new public art trail, the Big Fun Art Adventure. Taking place this summer, Marlborough is sponsoring one of 30 giant owl sculptures, which will hide in plain sight on the streets and in the parks of North London.

The 30 five-foot-tall owls have been created for the trail by professional artists and will sit alongside a parliament of 30 smaller owlets, which have been designed by local schools and community groups.

Running for eight weeks until mid-October, the free art trail will help to raise money for charity, while inspiring residents and visitors to discover areas they have not explored before.

Left: Artist Michelle Sutton working on the Park Life owl design
Right: Marlborough’s Jo Marshall and Nick Reading pose with Park Life alongside the Mayor of Barnet

Through our Term Maintenance Contracts, we have long been proud to serve the London Borough of Haringey, and the London Borough of Barnet. North London Hospice is a wonderful charity providing free palliative nursing and medical care to adults and children living in these boroughs, with complex or incurable conditions. The Big Fun Art Adventure will help to generate vital funds in support of their incredible work.

Marlborough’s owl is called Park Life, and was created by the talented artist Michelle Sutton. Her sculpture shows the variety of wildlife that can be found in the parks of North London, while highlighting the importance of looking after urban green spaces. With flora and fauna on the front depicting daytime, and nocturnal animal species on the back representing night-time, Park Life is a fun and thought-provoking piece, which aligns with Marlborough’s commitment to biodiversity and sustainability.

Artist, Michelle Sutton commented, “The idea of Park Life is to show the important part our urban parks can play in conservation and just how biodiverse they are. By including a nightlife scene on the back of the sculpture, I wanted to highlight the more secretive wildlife that people might not be aware exists and lives around us.”

Anna Cooper, Director of Fundraising and Communications at the North London Hospice said: “We are so grateful to every one of our sponsors for supporting our Big Fun Art Adventure. Our sculpture trail is a unique opportunity for us to raise awareness of the vital support we provide to our community, and it is also a chance for local artists and businesses to showcase their brilliant work too. Like Marlborough Highways, we are proud to serve our local communities and it is through partnerships like this that we can realise our vision of providing the best of life, at the end of life, for everyone.”

Above: ‘Park Life’ on the lower path at Alexandra Palace

Matthew Revell, Managing Director at Marlborough Highways added, “We are excited to sponsor the Big Fun Art Adventure, with the owls set to bring joy and to inspire all those who see them. This initiative not only brings vibrant art into our community but also supports the North London Hospice, an organisation that delivers amazing work every day. As an organisation that is committed to delivering positive change in the communities we serve, I couldn’t be prouder of our involvement in the project.”

For further information and to download the trail map, visit Big Fun Art Adventure 2024 | North London Hospice.

Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award

Marlborough Highways is delighted to announce that it has secured the coveted Gold Award in the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) Employer Recognition Scheme. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the company, demonstrating the organisation’s commitment to the Armed Forces Community.

As signatories of the AFC scheme since 2022, and Silver members since 2023, the increase to Gold status follows efforts by Marlborough’s HR and Social Value teams to strengthen its support for Service Personnel and their families. This includes the provision of flexible employment opportunities for Reservists, tailored training programmes for Service Leavers, and the creation of a positive and inclusive working environment for Veterans.

In addition to increasing its internal support for those who serve, Marlborough has actively promoted the benefits of the Armed Forces Covenant to its supply chain partners, clients, and the broader industry. This advocacy has been instrumental in encouraging other organisations to recognise and adopt the principles of the Covenant, which champion fairness, respect, and opportunity for the Armed Forces community in all areas of society.

Marlborough’s Gold status exemplifies the company’s specially tailored recruitment processes for Veterans and Service Leavers, including the company’s engagement with the Career Transition Partnership, which provides guidance and assistance to those in the military as they transition back into civilian life. Furthermore, Marlborough’s enhanced support for the Army Cadet Force underscores Marlborough’s commitment to young people, helping to equip Cadets with the knowledge and skills they need to grow and thrive.

Matthew Revell, Managing Director, Marlborough Highways, said, “At Marlborough we value the contribution of the Armed Forces Community and are grateful for the sacrifices they make on behalf of all of us. So, we are immensely proud to receive the Gold Armed Forces Covenant Award, with the recognition a testament to our team’s unwavering commitment to supporting Veterans and those who continue to serve. Our dedication extends beyond our own employees; we are passionate about championing the AFC to our friends and partners across the industry, with the scheme’s amazing benefits contributing to a stronger, more inclusive society for all”.

Armed Forces Covenant Silver Award

Marlborough Highways is delighted to announce that it has been accredited with the Armed Forces Covenant Silver Award, which demonstrates the company’s commitment to both active and former service personnel.

With a long and proud history of employing members of the Armed Forces Community, Marlborough celebrates the valuable contribution that they make to society. Employees with a military background are represented across the business, including front line operatives and senior members of the office-based team.

As Bronze members of the Armed Forces Covenant scheme since March 2022, the increase to Silver status follows efforts by Marlborough to strengthen its support for the Defence Community. This includes the provision of flexible employment opportunities for Reservists, tailored training programmes for Service Leavers, and the creation of a positive and inclusive working environment for Veterans.

Matthew Revell, Managing Director, Marlborough Highways said “we are proud to be recognised for our commitment to the Defence Community and it is a testament to our team to receive the Armed Forces Covenant Silver Award. We value the skills and experience that Service Leavers, Veterans and Reservists bring to our business, and we are committed to providing them with the support they need to succeed in their careers.”

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity Golf Day

Marlborough Highways would like to thank ABF The Soldiers’ Charity for the opportunity to sponsor a fantastic Charity Golf Day at the Lexden Wood Golf Club on 28 April 2023.

The event in Colchester, Essex welcomed businesses from across the region, with players competing for team prizes as well as individual prizes, including awards for Nearest to the Pin and the Longest Drive. There was also a raffle and refreshments laid on throughout, concluding with a lunch and prize giving ceremony.

Marlborough has a long and proud history of employing Service Leavers and Reservists, with former military personnel represented across the business. The company’s sponsorship of the golf event for the second year in a row, raised funds for ABF, which is the national charity of the British Army and since 1944 has provided a lifetime of support to soldiers, veterans and their immediate families at times of need. The day gave an opportunity for all those involved to show their commitment to the Armed Forces Community and to celebrate the valuable contribution that they have made to our society.

Simon Ferrier, Briefing Liaison Officer for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, expressed his gratitude to all those involved. “We had a brilliant day meeting golfers from last year and welcoming new teams too. The players created such a warm atmosphere for everyone who attended, with a dose of healthy competition for good measure. Thank you to everyone who supported the day, including our sponsors’ Marlborough Highways and our volunteers for their hard work.”

(Pictured from left to right, the Marlborough Highways team: Bill Smart, Mike Gibson, Jack Dighton and Mark Ellerington) 

Marlborough Highways Helping Kids ‘to Get on their Bike’ in the London Borough of Hackney

Working in partnership with Hackney Council, Marlborough Highways has donated four cycle stands to local primary schools in the London Borough of Hackney. The move follows the 2022 annual London Walking and Cycling Conference at Guildhall in the City of London, where Marlborough temporarily installed cycle stands for the event’s delegates. The initiative is helping children to get more active and to travel more sustainably, by encouraging them to ride to school, instead of making their journey by car.

June’s London Walking and Cycling Conference drew over 200 delegates, exhibitors and speakers, many of whom commuted to the event by bicycle. Attendees included Seb Dance, who is the Deputy Mayor of London for Transport, and Philip Glanville, who is the Mayor of Hackney. Marlborough’s Mark Ellerington, Fiona Cummings and Nick Reading were also in attendance, the latter of which heads up the organisation’s newly formed dedicated Social Value team. Rather than repurposing or scrapping the conference cycle stands after the event, Marlborough reached out to the local community to explore who could benefit most from the equipment. After local engagement, the items were then gifted to St John the Baptist Primary School, Sir Thomas Abney Primary School, Millfields Community School and Parkwood Primary School, with each receiving a cycle stand, which can securely accommodate up to ten bicycles.

Marlborough is a dynamic civil engineering company that specialises in highways maintenance, traffic management and infrastructure projects. The organisation is responsible for much of the road network in the London Borough of Hackney and is regularly involved in initiatives that seek to improve the urban environment and to better the lives of residents. The cycle stand donation was made in line with Marlborough’s social value commitment to the north London borough, with the company passionate about playing a meaningful role in the communities in which it serves.

Adi Roser is a Senior Sustainable Transport Planner at Hackney Council and was involved in the initiative. She commented “Following the London Walking and Cycling Conference, Marlborough has generously donated cycle stands to local schools in Hackney. With a large proportion of children in the borough choosing to scoot or cycle to school, the additional parking is helping to support sustainable travel.’

Paul Thomas is the Headteacher at Parkwood Primary School, he said “The stand was really welcomed by our Year 5 and Year 6 pupils. Previously they struggled to find space to park their bikes and as a result some did not want to cycle to school. The rack has made a big difference, with students now able to store their bikes safely and securely.”

Sarah Tai is the Deputy Headteacher at St John the Baptist Primary School, she added “Thank you for the bike stand, which is being used in our playground. Over the last few years, the number of children riding a scooter or bike to school has grown so much, that we were struggling for storage, so the new facility is a big help.”

Dressing to Impress with the Marlborough Highways Clothing Drive

Marlborough Highways has teamed up with the fantastic charities Smart Works and Suited & Booted to donate over 100 items of professional work wear, which will be worn by under privileged people in search of employment. The clothing drive forms part of Marlborough’s commitment to playing a meaningful role in the communities that it serves and is the latest initiative to be promoted by the company’s dedicated social value team.

Marlborough had a fantastic response to its request for donations of men’s and women’s clothing from its staff. 114 items were received over a one-month period, with an estimated value of £2,675. The work wear consisted of formal trousers, blazers & jackets, shoes, dresses, bags, scarves, belts, cufflinks, coats and more, with collection points at Marlborough’s Chelmsford, Brentwood, Southend-on-Sea and London offices.

Nula Krawczynski, Marlborough’s dedicated Social Value Coordinator, delivered the donated items in a fully electric company vehicle to the offices of Smart Works in Islington and to Suited & Booted in the City of London. Both organisations help vulnerable people seeking work by providing them with interview ready outfits and by offering them valuable career guidance and advice. While Smart Works supports women, Suited & Booted assist men that are either unemployed or on a low-income.

Marlborough is a dynamic civil engineering company that specialises in highways maintenance, traffic management and infrastructure projects. The organisation is responsible for maintaining and improving many of the roads in London and the South East, and is regularly involved in initiatives that seek to improve the urban environment and to better the lives of residents in the communities that it serves.

Isabel Duce, Senior Partnerships & Development Manager at Smart Works said “‘Smart Works is a community dedicated to supporting and empowering unemployed women through the transformational power of coaching and clothing. This is in part thanks to our corporate partners who kindly support us with clothing donations throughout the year. We have ambitious plans to grow our service and double the number of women we help, reaching 10,000 per year by 2025. The help of Marlborough Highways will play an important part in allowing us to achieve this.”

Nula Krawczynski added “We had the best day delivering the clothes donated by the wonderful Marlborough employees. Smart Works and Suited & Booted are two brilliant charities, both helping people into employment by providing them with professional workwear for their job interviews. It was great to meet the teams and volunteers at both organisations and to see the fantastic work that takes place behind the scenes.”

(Pictured: Nula Krawczynski and Tom Johnson at the offices of Suited & Booted)

Remembrance Day in Southend-on-Sea

Marlborough Highways was proud to assist with Remembrance Day commemorations on the Essex coast on Sunday 13 November 2022. Our team played a crucial role in the organisation of parades that took place in Shoeburyness, Southend-on-Sea, and Leigh-on-Sea, with our expert operatives overseeing the traffic management of the events.

In support of Southend-on-Sea City Council, Marlborough arranged road closures, placed diversion signs, installed crowd barriers, raised flags, and set up seating areas and temporary stages for veterans and dignitaries. Careful planning took place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all those in attendance, with roads and pedestrian areas reopened quickly after proceedings.

Adam Tregoning JP is the Mayor’s Officer & Macebearer at Southend-on-Sea City Council, and a former Sergeant and Musician in the British Army. He said “please accept my sincerest thanks for all your hard work in ensuring the smooth running of the Remembrance Day Parade & Service. As always, your “can do” attitude makes life so much easier and for this I am extremely grateful. Please pass on my thanks to all the Marlborough Team”.

Marlborough has a long and proud history of supporting the Armed Forces community, celebrating the valuable contribution that they have made to our society and giving thanks for the service and sacrifice that they have made for others.

Marlborough plants 5,000 Trees in the London Borough of Hackney

Marlborough Highways is delighted to announce that it has reached its target of planting 5,000 new street trees in the London Borough of Hackney. The initiative is one of the largest schemes of its type in the country and forms part of Hackney Council’s ongoing commitment to making the north London borough a greener and cleaner place to live and work. The project also included 1,000 new trees and 30,000 saplings in parks and green spaces across Hackney, helping to create more attractive urban environments, while improving air-quality.

In line with Hackney Council’s environmental strategy of reaching Net Zero emissions by 2040, planners set the ambitious goal of planting thousands of trees throughout the borough in just two years. As Hackney Council’s principal highways contractor, Marlborough worked with the council team in partnership with the distinguished tree suppliers Barcham, to project manage the programme, sourcing more than 80 varieties of native and non-native species.

The substantial programme of works required a complex schedule, involving storage, transportation, ground preparation and planting, with specialist botanical knowledge vital to ensuring that the right trees were chosen for the right settings. At the peak of the scheme, Marlborough was planting up to 200 trees per week, with individual trees typically ranging from three to five metres in height. The initiative sees street tree canopy coverage in the London Borough of Hackney increase from 20% to 30%, and it is helping to reduce the risk of flooding through better street drainage. Marlborough is now tasked with the maintenance and upkeep of the 5,000 trees, with a specialist team monitoring their development in the months ahead.

Matthew Revell, Managing Director of Marlborough Highways said, “We are proud to have managed such an important scheme in partnership with our friends at Hackney Council and at Barcham Trees. As well as providing shelter and shade, and improving the appearance of the city landscape, the new trees are helping to reduce pollution and are encouraging local people to reconnect with nature. I am looking forward to seeing the streets of Hackney blossom as the trees grow and mature.”

Marlborough Highways raises £2,800 for Mind with Meet the Buyer Event and Charity Golf Day

Marlborough Highways would like to thank all those that attended its Meet the Buyer event at Wanstead Golf Club in East London on 6 September 2022. Well received by suppliers, it provided companies in the highways industry with the opportunity to showcase their innovative and sustainable products to a captive audience. A round of golf in support of Mind immediately followed the networking session, with the unpredictable weather failing to dampen the spirits of players who, with a matched funding pledge from Marlborough, raised £2,800 for the mental health charity.

Returning for its second edition, it was the first major supplier day to be hosted by Marlborough since the end of Covid restrictions, giving guests the opportunity to exhibit their products face-to-face in a social setting after more than two years of virtual events. The session, which was free to attend, had a strong emphasis on eco-friendly services, which can provide solutions to the environmental challenges that confront the sector. Key decisionmakers enjoyed productive meetings with local organisations that are based in the London boroughs in which Marlborough serves, although the team were also delighted to welcome those from further afield, with representatives from across England in attendance.

With more than 50 guests at the event, the day included breakfast, a buffet lunch, and featured multi-media presentations from Marlborough, Eurovia, Clee Hill, Aggregate Industries, Eugene Harrington Marketing (EHM), CC Infrastructure Services, Roadtechs Group, and the Asphalt Group. After the talks, the delegation took part in a networking afternoon, giving attendees the chance to build on existing relationships and to establish new ones, through informal one-to-one meetings at supplier tables.

Samantha Lester of CC Infrastructure Services said, “Marlborough have hosted a brilliant event; it has provided us with a good opportunity to exhibit our pioneering surface rejuvenation and industrial coating products, while making some great connections. We are already looking forward to the next one.”

Lynn Roberts of Pudsey Diamond Engineering added, “Today was fantastic, it allowed us to better understand Marlborough’s business and to explain how our quality engineering solutions can help the organisation to operate more sustainably and more cost-effectively.”

In line with Marlborough’s approach to social values, delegates were invited to a complementary charity golf match following the Meet the Buyer event. Guests enjoyed a relaxed game on the historic 18-hole, par 69 course, with players donating £1,400 to the company’s chosen charity Mind. After the event, Marlborough matched the value, bringing the total amount to £2,800. Prizes were awarded to the best golfers, with Bill Smart of Foster Contracting named the Individual Stapleford Winner, while Tony Williams of Eugene Harrington Marketing was given the accolade for playing the Longest Drive.

Jack Dighton, Strategic and Supply Chain Procurement Manager at Marlborough Highways said, “Our Meet the Buyer Event and Charity Golf Day was a huge success. The occasion allowed us to thank existing industry partners and helped us to establish valuable new relationships as we grow and diversify our increasingly sustainable supply chain. It was wonderful to meet in person again, and I would like to thank everyone that exhibited and to all those that donated to Mind.”

Marlborough donates £250 to Boxing Academy

Marlborough Highways has donated £250 to Mid Essex Boxing Academy of Broomfield, Chelmsford, a club run entirely by volunteers who offer regular boxing training for people of all ages and backgrounds. The money will be used to buy new equipment and will contribute towards the membership subs of some participants, ensuring that the sessions remain inclusive and accessible.

The club, which is located only a mile away from Marlborough’s Woolf House headquarters, caters to beginners and to experienced boxers, with dedicated sessions for men, women and juniors aged 9-14. It’s a great location for anyone wanting to get fit, to socialise, to boost their self-confidence, or to simply de-stress. The academy also offers martial arts training, and currently has several young athletes displaying exceptional talent, with a promising future in sport ahead of them.

Marlborough’s Nula Krawczynski (Social Value Coordinator) and Ashley Magill (Planing, Milling & Transport Logistics Manager) presented the cheque to the members and have also arranged for a selection of boxing equipment to be delivered to the club. The donation forms part of Marlborough’s commitment to playing a meaningful role in the communities that it serves and is the latest initiative to be promoted by company’s dedicated social values team.

Nula said “We had so much fun visiting the Mid Essex Boxing Academy. Ashley and I attended on behalf of Marlborough Highways to present the club with a donation of £250 in support of the great work they do in the local community. It was inspiring to see first-hand the dedication and commitment of the volunteers involved, as well as the hard work and effort the members put into their training.”

Marlborough support Southend charity TrustLinks

Marlborough Highways were contacted by TrustLinks, an independent mental health charity, to ask if we could make path improvements at Growing Together Westcliff, a local garden that helps people experiencing mental health problems through therapeutic gardening. The damaged path was uneven providing a trip hazard for members of the garden, the path has now been re-laid, levelled out and the edges of the paving have been raised, the garden now safe and accessible for all members and the public.  

Managing Direction of Marlborough, Matthew Revell commented on the works undertaken at Growing Together Westcliff garden “As a long-term partner of Southend-on-Sea City Council, it’s a pleasure for the team at Marlborough to be able to support Growing Together Westcliff. The improvements made by our team, to make a safer pathway for the charity, will have a positive impact on the local community and it’s a pleasure for us to be able to contribute this way”.  

Matt King, TrustLinks CEO also commented on the improvement works “It is a continual task to maintain our estates and help from businesses such as Marlborough Highways is essential in ensuring we have the best facilities possible for use by our members and the general public”. 

Marlborough has raised over £20,000 for Ukraine

Marlborough Highways has raised over £20,000 as part of its campaign for Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, which provides essential supplies and support to those affected by the ongoing war.

Marlborough set out to raise £10,000 of which it would match pound for pound up to the value of £10,000.  After a month of fundraising, we achieved this target and matched it, with the current donation total being £20,065.

We’ve been overwhelmed by the support from staff, clients and our suppliers. Davlav, Marlborough’s supplier of mobile welfare facilities and portaloos, donated £5,000 and NLPH (North London Plant Hire), Marlborough’s supplier of plant, donated £2,500.  This shows how our supply chain relationships provide a powerful partnership to support a great cause.

Thank you to everyone who has donated! Marlborough has raised over £20,000 but we are still accepting donations via this link https://bit.ly/3vIMBmq.

The Queen’s Green Canopy tree planting initiative

Marlborough Highways has joined the national tree planting initiative, the Queen’s Green Canopy, in celebration of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee.

The scheme invites people from across the UK to ‘Plant a Tree for the Jubilee’, encouraging businesses, schools, and the general public to plant trees during the official planting season, between October and March.

Marlborough has planted 6 cherry trees at Woolf House, their head office located in Chelmsford, Essex. The new cherry trees include Prunus Tai Haku trees which will blossom during the springtime.

Matthew Revell, Managing Director and Will Blostone, Director, were joined by some of the Marlborough team, to celebrate the tree planting. Alongside this national tree planting initiative, Marlborough are proud to support other tree planting schemes across their Contracts based in London and Essex.

Take a look at the Queen’s Green Canopy website, to see Marlborough Highways on the map.

Marlborough Highways is an established, independent and dynamic civil engineering company with 30 years of industry experience and expertise in public realm, regeneration and infrastructure projects.

We’ve built our business around the needs of our clients, and we deliver complete full-service solutions for surfacing, highway maintenance, road marking, traffic management, street lighting and infrastructure projects.

We work with Councils, Local Authorities and Contractors in London, Essex, Cambridgeshire and the South East, delivering pioneering multi-million-pound trials and rollouts for large programmes and phased schemes through to smaller one-off projects.

We have a 30-year track record of consistently excellent client satisfaction scores for our end-to-end solutions which is testament to our core values – to provide clients with more personal client relationships and better customer care.

Marlborough support the DEC Ukraine Appeal

Marlborough Highways are raising money for the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal for refugees of the ongoing war in Ukraine with a matched funding initiative.  Violence is causing people to flee their homes and become separated from their families and many Ukrainians are going without the most basic supplies, like food and water.

Marlborough want to support the DEC Ukraine appeal and raise some much needed funds. Marlborough will match pound for pound the first £10,000 raised via our fundraising page on JustGiving.  What’s more, the UK Government also announced that they will match every pound donated to the DEC through it’s Aid Match scheme up to the value of £20 million. So that means if you donate £10 to our Just Giving page, that will equate to a total donation of £42.50!

This is how the DEC Ukraine Appeal will use the matched funding donation to reach people in urgent need:
• Providing food, first aid, clean water, shelter support, warm clothing, hygiene parcels and medicines
• Supporting hospitals and healthcare facilities
• Supporting fire fighters and civil protection units
• Training people up in life-saving first aid
• Helping families stay in contact with each other
• Educating people on the risks of explosives
• Repairing vital infrastructure
• Helping to repair homes, healthcare centres, schools and community centres

Click here to donate via our JustGiving page.

Marlborough Highways is an established, independent and dynamic civil engineering company with 30 years of industry experience and expertise in public realm, regeneration and infrastructure projects. Find out more about us here.

Helping Havering to switch on Christmas

Marlborough Highways were delighted to be the headline sponsor for the Christmas lights switch-on event which took place at Romford Market Place on Thursday 18th November.

Marlborough Highways work in partnership with the London Borough of Havering resurfacing the borough’s worst roads and pavements to help make resident’s journeys better.

Marlborough Highways attended the event and spent the evening engaging with local residents and promoting the many local jobs available within Havering and further afield.

The evening concluded with a spectacular fireworks finale and the lights switch-on, initiated by Mayor of Havering, Councillor John Mylod.

Mayor John Mylod, commented: “Switching on the Christmas lights marks the start of the festivities in Havering, and it really feels it’s back in a big way following last year’s Covid-19 restrictions.

“I would like to thank all the performers for giving us such a fantastic show, our sponsors for making this possible, and everyone who came out to share this special night.”

Grabbing some time with Southend’s Youth Group

Digger Day at Little Adventures Nursery

Marlborough Highways goes the extra mile for Place2Be

Helping to capture Hackney’s Festive Spirit

Supporting local schools

Marlborough Sponsors Havering Show 2019

Marlborough sponsored the Community Stage at the 2019 Havering Show over the August Bank Holiday Weekend as part of our partnership with Havering Council. Marlborough had a large stand at the four day show, offering free cycle safety demonstrations, a free play area for children plus some guidance on how to report a potholes in the Havering borough.

Social Distancing for Schools

Rainbow Southend Hospital

Ekro Whitecaps Sponsorship