Just when we thought we couldn't be any more thrilled, after E951 was awarded Product of the Year, Bob Gaskell, our Contracts Services Director, was thrown into the spotlight when he received the Service to Industry Award for 2022.
Matt Murray, CU Phosco, Sales Director, commented, "A worthy recipient of such an honourable Award and well deserved, we are all very proud of Bob’s recognition”.
His input in meetings and chairing of the safety council were invaluable.
He eventually became the 3rd Director of CU Phosco to become President in 2019-20, the year scuppered by the pandemic. So, it was a year of Teams and no Celtic Manor celebrations (the highlight of the calendar). This did not deter his belief in improving the HEA and the industry. He diligently guided his Council to the next chapter.
The pandemic and Brexit changed the dynamics of the way we work. Coming out the other side of these two major incidents, Bob strengthened the Council, helping it be more visible in broader industry circles - especially with the supply chain issues in the last two years. His legacy has allowed members of the Council to react responsibly to the recent conflict in Ukraine. His established protocols have ensured all business members and the wider audience have transparency on supply chain issues, material, and skilled labour shortages across all sector disciplines within the UK, a topic discussed at the Conference this year."
Each year, the Service to Industry Award is given to the person the HEA judges believe has made a significant contribution to the industry.
Bob Gaskell says, "In my 20-plus years in the industry, I have never felt as proud as I do now. It is a tremendous honour to be bestowed with this award, joining some of the industry's greats and measured to the highest of standards. I hope to continue adding value to this esteemed Highways Trade Association."
During his service to the industry, Bob has become rather well known and not just for his strong north-eastern accent and inquisitive instincts, so you will probably have met or know of him. But here, we've compiled a list of ten facts you probably didn’t know.
- Born in Bolton in 1965.
- Bob was the first in his family to attend university, gaining a degree in Agricultural Engineering.
- He played Rugby Union for West Hartlepool back when they were in the National League Division One.
- In the early 90s, Bob was a house husband, looking after his two daughters, while his wife Alison ran the family business.
- His first venture back into the world of work was with Newey and Eyre.
- He joined the CU Phosco family in 2000 as a Sales Manager and covered the M62 corridor.
- His first major High Mast and floodlighting project was at Bradford Bulls Odsal Stadium.
- You can often spot Bob on his travels and at meetings with his sidekick Titch the dog, who even has her own company hi-viz outfit.
- In 2019 Bob was the 3rd Director of CU Phosco to become President of the HEA.
- Bob has been close friends and work colleagues with Matt Murray and Andy Kay for over twenty years!!!! Both previous HEA Presidents.