By Scott Parnell
With Government announcing a £4.8 billion Levelling Up Fund to invest in UK infrastructure aimed at improving local transport networks, the mood of the supply chain is optimistic after what has been an unprecedented time for all. Scott Parnell, the UK’s leading independent merchant and rail specialist saw record figures achieved throughout the pandemic and continues to enjoy this success. Now the plans to Build Back Better are being progressed, Scott Parnell look to build on its offering to support this investment. Alongside this they look to drive sustainability into the supply chain and support innovative products offering a route to market for start-ups and new products.
Already able to cover the majority of UK Infrastructure and Rail projects with branches in Essex, Milton Keynes, Hirwaun, Burnley, Warrington and Leeds they have their sights set firmly on growth in the far North of England and Scotland. A recently appointed Rail Team in Scotland have ambitions to support the regions rail infrastructure in line with the Strategic Transport Projects Review which brings record investment in maintaining and improving the rail network. Introducing Scott Parnell to Scotland and increasing our specialist Team with experienced staff sees them provide an enhanced service UK wide.
While the merchant offering is core to their business, they have two key areas of focus which distance them from your run-of-the-mill merchants; Sustainability and innovation.
Scott Parnell has become a name synonymous with the introduction of new products into the UK sector. Arcosystem, a six-metre span elevated cable trough, was the first of these products followed swiftly by Touchsafe; 100 per cent GRP palisade fencing. Mounting on the success of these they became a name associated with introducing innovative products into industry and were soon approached by manufacturers to bring Technocrete and FlexMSE to the attention of the UK Rail market.
Technocrete, a sustainable and lightweight post mix alternative was first introduced in 2019 with the product having found a spot with contractors looking to offer a green alternative to traditional installation methods while significantly reducing manual handling and use of RRV’s. Used widely by Network Rail and Tier 1 contractors on major schemes such Merseyrail and Feltham Resignalling the efficiencies of installation are clear in comparison.
FlexMSE has been introduced to the UK Rail sector by Scott Parnell as an alternative to traditional retaining walls which rely on concrete and/or steel. This geo modular block and interlocking plate system, which offers endless options for retaining walls, roads, bridges, green roofs, culverts, headwalls and much more is a perfect way to keep our built environment sustainable and biodiverse. Since their adoption of the product, the desire for its use has reached far and wide across the industry from major schemes in Cornwall to HS2.
While these products are enjoying huge successes, the Team are always looking for more products which can benefit the industry, particularly those offering sustainable advantages. If you have an idea, prototype or product which you would like to push through Scott Parnell’s customer base their Head of Rail Strategy and Product Specification, Sharon Meek would welcome a discussion on what the Team can offer – sharon@scottparnell.com
