As a Professional Development Partner of the IHE, Kiely Group recently hosted their very first CPD-accredited Surface Treatment Seminar in partnership with the Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE) and Road Surface Treatments Association (RSTA) at the Forest of Arden Hotel & Country Club.
The event was tailored for an audience of local authorities, tier one contractors, and industry specialists looking to deepen their understanding of road surface maintenance and sustainable treatment solutions. The goal was to help councils and highways professionals understand outcomes from proactive maintenance strategies, such as surface dressing and micro surfacing, in extending road life, improving safety, and reducing whole-life financial (and carbon) costs.
The seminar featured a series of expert-led sessions from some of the sector’s most respected figures:
“Exploring Road Surface Treatments” by Mike Hansford (CEO, RSTA) and Neil Levett (Industry Consultant to Kiely Group). Drawing on Mike’s extensive experience leading Dorset Council’s highways operations – where his team achieved some of the highest road condition standards in the country – the session explored the decision-making, planning, and delivery frameworks that underpin successful asset management. Neil complemented this with insights into industry collaboration and the growing role of innovation in supporting council delivery models.
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“Understanding Carbon Emissions and Climate Change in the Highways Industry”, by Emma Pye, focused on the need for carbon reduction within highways management and the practical steps authorities can take to align with national net zero goals.
“A Deep Dive into Surface Treatments and Their Myths” by Keith Brett, Contracts Director at Kiely Group. The session examined common misconceptions surrounding surface treatments, providing clarity on performance, longevity, and cost efficiency. Keith’s presentation offered an honest, data-led perspective on when, where, and how these techniques deliver the greatest benefit.
The seminar concluded with an engaging Q&A session from the floor, where attendees discussed practical implementation challenges, funding constraints, and long-term maintenance planning.
Mike Kiely, Managing Director of Kiely Bros, commented:
“The industry has a shared responsibility to support councils with knowledge and expertise to help them make informed decisions about how best to care for their networks. Sessions like this allow open discussion about what really works – balancing budgets, sustainability, and performance. Education and collaboration are vital if we’re to deliver durable, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible roads for the future.
Mr Kiely continued “On behalf of the company, I’d like to thank the attendees and presenters for their engagement and enthusiasm today and to reaffirm that we are available to answer any queries that anybody may have on surface treatments, at any time.”
Feedback afterwards from the well-attended event was that it was very informative and well received, reinforcing the importance of knowledge-sharing and CPD across the highways sector.
As Mr Kiely said, the company remain committed to working alongside local authorities, the IHE, and the RSTA to promote best practice and deliver sustainable road maintenance solutions nationwide.
