Executive Breakfast: What does the shift to sovereign digital services mean for the road network?
In partnership with Netcompany
The UK’s road network is becoming increasingly digital, with technology, AI and data playing a growing role in delivering safer, more efficient and more user-focused services. With RIS3 underway, now is an important time to consider how we deliver the digital technologies and services that will underpin the Strategic Road Network over the coming years.
At the same time, the UK Government is placing increasing emphasis on sovereign AI, data and compute capabilities, seeking to ensure the UK has greater control over the critical digital infrastructure and technologies on which its economy and public services depend.
This roundtable will bring these two developments together, focusing on sovereignty in digital and data services, and the changing way in which technology-enabled services are delivered across the road network.
Bringing together industry, Government, transport authorities and local and combined authorities, we will explore questions including: what does greater digital sovereignty mean in practice for the roads sector? How can we make the most of UK expertise and strengthen domestic capability while continuing to benefit from international innovation? And, as our networks become increasingly connected and reliant on AI, cloud and data services, how can we ensure the next generation of digital road services is secure and resilient?
The event will take place on the second day of Highways UK at the NEC’s Piazza 3 and 4, a short walk from the show. Doors will open at 7.45am, with proceedings starting at 8.15am and finishing by 9.45am.
We offer one place per Executive Member on a first come, first served basis. To register, please email contact@its-uk.org.
With thanks to our sponsor, Netcompany!
Key information
Sponsors
Platinum
The breakfast will take place at Piazza 3 and 4 in the NEC, a short walk from the Highways UK trade show.
You can find Piazza 3 and 4 on the NEC map here (in red, on the left).
Doors will open at 7.45am, with proceedings starting at 8.15am and finishing by 9.45am.
Agenda
7.45am | Doors open, breakfast served, networking.
8.15am | Welcome & introduction
Max Sugarman, Chief Executive, ITS UK
8.25am | Opening Remarks
Rich Pedley, CDIO, National Highways
8.35am | Delivering sovereign data services
Representative, Netcompany
8.50am | Discussion around the table
9.40am | Closing remarks
Max Sugarman, Chief Executive, ITS UK
9.45am | End of event
10am | Close
Richard Pedley, Chief Digital and Information Officer (CDIO), National Highways
Richard Pedley is the Chief Digital and Information Officer (CDIO) at National Highways, the government-owned company responsible for England’s motorways and major A roads. He was appointed to this permanent role in December 2022, following a period serving in an interim capacity since June of that year.
In his role as CDIO, Pedley leads National Highways’ digital transformation efforts, focusing on integrating digital, data, and technology (DDaT) strategies into the organisation’s core operations. Under his leadership, the IT directorate has evolved into a Digital Services division, enhancing the delivery of digital services across the business. This transformation includes the establishment of an Agile Centre of Excellence, training over 200 staff members in agile methodologies, and implementing a new demand management process to better align digital services with business goals.
Pedley’s background includes a career in the British Army as a Royal Engineer, specialising in Geographic Information Systems and Aerial Reconnaissance. Following his military service, he held senior IT leadership roles in various organizations, including the BBC, E.ON, Jaguar Land Rover, Severn Trent Water, and the Environment Agency, where he served as Head of Programme Delivery and Deputy CIO. His experience spans infrastructure programs, business partnering, program delivery, strategy, and cybersecurity.