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Obituary Notice – Peter Michael Hutchinson

Date published 7th June 2024

Traffic Group Signals

It is with deepest regrets that we announce that Peter (Pete) Hutchinson, Managing Director of The Traffic Group, passed away on May 30, 2024 following a short illness. He is survived by his wife Rachel and their three children Kerrie, Ciara and Conor, brother Phil and his parents Mike and Hilary.

A Chartered Physicist, Pete co-founded AGD Systems Limited in 1991 with his father Mike, and his uncle Mark. Pete was the motivating force for the advancement of AGD’s radar detection technologies, their application in the Intelligent Traffic Systems (ITS) market, and the international expansion of the business. He successfully led AGD to its current prominent position in the ITS sector.

Under his AGD Systems leadership, Pete was involved in several strategic acquisitions, leading to the formation of The Traffic Group, and was instrumental in the award of several patents and three Queens Awards for Innovation. His commitment to building a sustainable business was also recognised with two Green Apple awards for environmental best practice. His approach to continuous improvement enabled his employees to thrive, creating a dynamic and highly collaborative workplace where everyone is valued.

One of his greatest joys, after his family, was his work, often remarking “if you enjoy your job, you never work a day in your life!”

Pete was a widely respected figure with the industry, having brought about positive change through working within TOPAS to revise specifications for industry products, and more recently a leading author in the latest temporary traffic signal guidance for the traffic management sector. He was driven by a purpose to make products, roadside installations and road works safer and more efficient for road users, road workers and the general public.

Outside of work, Pete was a passionate cyclist, having won several national and international competitions in cyclo-cross. He had an unbounded enthusiasm for motorsports, reflected in his choice of cars which were his pride and joy. A considerate, quick-witted and intelligent man, Pete was popular within his local community and will be greatly missed by all who knew and worked with him.

The Traffic Group remains a family business, in the hands of Mike, Mark, Phil and Maxine Hutchinson, and continuity plans are in place to minimise disruption to its customers and partners.

Traffic Group Signals

Obituary Notice – Peter Michael Hutchinson

It is with deepest regrets that we announce that Peter (Pete) Hutchinson, Managing Director of The Traffic Group, passed away on May 30, 2024 following a short illness. He is survived by his wife Rachel and their three children Kerrie, Ciara and Conor, brother Phil and his parents Mike and Hilary. A Chartered Physicist, Pete […]

Recognising more than just plates

The launch of the new AiQ Advanced Intelligence ALPR camera offers more than just plate recognition, it eradicates the limitations that have previously faced ALPR cameras and has opened a wealth of visual data mapping and target detection that set new performance standards. After 2 years of research and testing, MAV systems have now launched […]

23rd March 2024

The Traffic Group marks expansion with a symbolic steel signing at its headquarters in Cheltenham

Marking a symbolic moment for its pioneering expansion project in Staverton, Cheltenham, The Traffic Group signed the steel to celebrate the construction of its new and sustainable workspace. The new building will sit alongside two existing buildings on the site which form the Group’s headquarters. In partnership with fellow local businesses – Cheltenham-based RRA architects, […]

26th January 2024

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The Traffic Group marks expansion with a symbolic steel signing at its headquarters in Cheltenham

Date published

Marking a symbolic moment for its pioneering expansion project in Staverton, Cheltenham, The Traffic Group signed the steel to celebrate the construction of its new and sustainable workspace. The new building will sit alongside two existing buildings on the site which form the Group’s headquarters.

In partnership with fellow local businesses – Cheltenham-based RRA architects, who designed the project, and contractors EG Carters in Gloucester – the new building has been purposefully designed to prioritise sustainability and long-term functionality. The new development will offer the Group a versatile workspace capable of evolving alongside the future demands of the transport technology industry.

Senior team members from the family-run business became a permanent part of the building’s legacy by scribing their names and a message from The Traffic Group. Pete Hutchinson, Managing Director, Maxine Hutchinson, Executive Director and Phil Hutchinson, Operations Director, were joined by representatives from RRA Architects, Hydrock, WWA and E G Carter and Co Ltd, who also left their imprint.

“We’re excited to mark the next stage in the project and have been impressed at the efforts of our partners in bringing our vision of the building to life. The new facility will not only enhance our service delivery and operational capabilities but also create a new social space for colleagues to come together,” says Pete Hutchinson. “Additionally, we wanted to establish a campus-style facility that fosters long-term business growth. As we celebrate the construction of our new and eco-conscious workspace, we look forward to a future where innovation, sustainability and growth are at the heart of everything we do.”

The Traffic Group marks expansion with a symbolic steel signing at its headquarters in Cheltenham
The new building, which comprises a large warehouse facility and office space, has been designed with air source heat pumps and 45kW PV solar panel arrays, creating a carbon-positive workspace that uses surplus energy generation to power older buildings on the estate. It was designed by registered B-Corp firm RRA Architects.

Pete Nickols, Associate at RRA Architects comments: “This has been a very exciting project to be involved in, with some challenging conditions to resolve at both planning and building regulations stage. Now that the steel frame is in place (and signed!), momentum is gathering and it’s exciting to see the plans coming to life. RRA Architects is thrilled to be involved in this project and to be part of a fantastic team!”

The project was awarded to a local construction firm, E G Carter & Co Ltd, who have previously worked with the Group and have recently extended the manufacturing facility located within the site.

Mark Harries, Associate Director at E G Carter & Co Ltd, says: “We are delighted to be working with The Traffic Group again, which continues our longstanding relationship with the business. This project involves the creation of a first-class warehouse and office facility, with sustainability at the forefront of the design.”

The project is expected to be completed in July 2024.

Traffic Group Signals

Obituary Notice – Peter Michael Hutchinson

It is with deepest regrets that we announce that Peter (Pete) Hutchinson, Managing Director of The Traffic Group, passed away on May 30, 2024 following a short illness. He is survived by his wife Rachel and their three children Kerrie, Ciara and Conor, brother Phil and his parents Mike and Hilary. A Chartered Physicist, Pete […]

Recognising more than just plates

The launch of the new AiQ Advanced Intelligence ALPR camera offers more than just plate recognition, it eradicates the limitations that have previously faced ALPR cameras and has opened a wealth of visual data mapping and target detection that set new performance standards. After 2 years of research and testing, MAV systems have now launched […]

23rd March 2024

The Traffic Group marks expansion with a symbolic steel signing at its headquarters in Cheltenham

Marking a symbolic moment for its pioneering expansion project in Staverton, Cheltenham, The Traffic Group signed the steel to celebrate the construction of its new and sustainable workspace. The new building will sit alongside two existing buildings on the site which form the Group’s headquarters. In partnership with fellow local businesses – Cheltenham-based RRA architects, […]

26th January 2024

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AGD radar and AI detector to take centre stage at Highways UK

Date published 4th October 2023

Two ITS solutions that continue to lead the way will be on display at an upcoming event.

Highways UK is one of the major dates in AGD’s annual calendar, and this year we’ll be taking along examples of our AGD343 and AGD650 solutions – which are being increasingly used at sites across the UK as well as further afield too.

The AGD343 is our class-leading highways monitoring radar which has the capacity to provide real-time data for up to ten lanes from just 2m away from the nearest lane. Enforcement-grade radar and sophisticated techniques measure the speed, range and length of passing vehicles in all weather conditions.

A real win for safety, capability and efficiency on highways; so, it’s no wonder the AGD343 has attracted the attention of transport authorities in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Qatar, where the radar was deployed in large numbers along the FIFA Travel Corridors for the 2022 World Cup.

And the AGD650 is our very latest solution, having launched full production earlier in 2023. It’s a dual zone stop-line detector which makes intersections more efficient using in-built artificial intelligence (AI).

Its neural processing platform and sophisticated algorithms provide automated decision-making equalling ultra-reliable detection.

The AGD650 is already proving hugely popular given its capabilities, especially at locations where there are specific needs such as cycling lanes intersecting traffic, bus priority lanes or all-red clearance at junctions.

And of course, the team will be more than happy to discuss specific needs with Highways UK visitors – as we have a plethora of solutions focused on traffic and pedestrian control, highways, and enforcement, all backed up by our 30+ years as one of the UK’s leading ITS manufacturers.

Click here more information about Highways UK, which takes place on October 18th and 19th at the NEC in Birmingham. Attendees can visit for free, and you can find us at Stand 73 alongside the team from our sister company Traffic Group Signals.

Traffic Group Signals

Obituary Notice – Peter Michael Hutchinson

It is with deepest regrets that we announce that Peter (Pete) Hutchinson, Managing Director of The Traffic Group, passed away on May 30, 2024 following a short illness. He is survived by his wife Rachel and their three children Kerrie, Ciara and Conor, brother Phil and his parents Mike and Hilary. A Chartered Physicist, Pete […]

Recognising more than just plates

The launch of the new AiQ Advanced Intelligence ALPR camera offers more than just plate recognition, it eradicates the limitations that have previously faced ALPR cameras and has opened a wealth of visual data mapping and target detection that set new performance standards. After 2 years of research and testing, MAV systems have now launched […]

23rd March 2024

The Traffic Group marks expansion with a symbolic steel signing at its headquarters in Cheltenham

Marking a symbolic moment for its pioneering expansion project in Staverton, Cheltenham, The Traffic Group signed the steel to celebrate the construction of its new and sustainable workspace. The new building will sit alongside two existing buildings on the site which form the Group’s headquarters. In partnership with fellow local businesses – Cheltenham-based RRA architects, […]

26th January 2024

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AGD support school safety in Australia

Date published 25th May 2021

Keeping Our Kids Safe Around Schools

As Victorian students head back to school, the Andrews Labor Government with the support of AGD, is making it safer and easier to get to class, with new innovative pedestrian crossing technology and electronic speed signs being rolled out across the suburbs.

Rolling out across the west, east and south east of Melbourne, 75 new dynamic pedestrian crossings will use sensors and high definition cameras to detect how many people are waiting at a crossing and adjust the crossing time accordingly – keeping students and families moving, and cutting idle time for motorists when crossings are quiet.

As part of the Labor Government’s $340 million investment in Victorian roads, the program is targeting intersections with high pedestrian traffic or near train stations, like Clarinda Primary School, St Joseph’s Primary School in Boronia and Heathdale Christian College in Werribee, as well as delivering 125 new electronic speed signs in school zones.

The upgraded infrastructure complements Victoria’s school crossing supervisor program, the most extensive in Australia – with more than 3,000 crossing supervisors supporting students to get to and from school safely every day.

As part of the Victorian and Australian governments’ $19.5 million Pedestrian and Safer Schools Program, extra electronic speed signs will be installed at 55 schools across the state ahead of school speed zones being switched on as Term Two kicks off from 19 April. Some school speed zones are permanent, while others operate from 8am to 9.30am and from 2.30pm to 4pm on weekdays during term time. Young children’s movements can be unpredictable and difficult to see, so as students get to and from school it’s critical that drivers and cyclists are aware and take extra care and watch out for pedestrians and children on bikes.

The dynamic pedestrian crossings and upgraded electronic speed signs support Victoria’s Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030 which has a focus on protecting vulnerable road users, as part of ambitious targets to halve road deaths and significantly reduce serious injuries by 2030 and sets us on a path to zero road deaths by 2050.

Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll
“We all have a responsibility to keep Victorian kids safe as they get to and from school – even a small reduction in speed could save a child’s life.”

“These important upgrades will help keep some of our most vulnerable road users safe, and improve efficiency and traffic flow during busy school drop-off and pick-up times.”

Member for Werribee Tim Pallas
“It’s great to see this innovative road safety technology being rolled out at local schools with high pedestrian traffic. Every investment in road safety saves lives, and we’ve all got a role to play to prevent people dying on our roads.”

Traffic Group Signals

Obituary Notice – Peter Michael Hutchinson

It is with deepest regrets that we announce that Peter (Pete) Hutchinson, Managing Director of The Traffic Group, passed away on May 30, 2024 following a short illness. He is survived by his wife Rachel and their three children Kerrie, Ciara and Conor, brother Phil and his parents Mike and Hilary. A Chartered Physicist, Pete […]

Recognising more than just plates

The launch of the new AiQ Advanced Intelligence ALPR camera offers more than just plate recognition, it eradicates the limitations that have previously faced ALPR cameras and has opened a wealth of visual data mapping and target detection that set new performance standards. After 2 years of research and testing, MAV systems have now launched […]

23rd March 2024

The Traffic Group marks expansion with a symbolic steel signing at its headquarters in Cheltenham

Marking a symbolic moment for its pioneering expansion project in Staverton, Cheltenham, The Traffic Group signed the steel to celebrate the construction of its new and sustainable workspace. The new building will sit alongside two existing buildings on the site which form the Group’s headquarters. In partnership with fellow local businesses – Cheltenham-based RRA architects, […]

26th January 2024

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AGD Systems to exhibit at ITS European Congress – 2-6 June, Eindhoven, The Netherlands

Date published 29th May 2019

AGD Systems, leading manufacturer of ITS product solutions, will exhibit at this year’s ITS European Congress, 2-6 June, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.

ITS European Congress is the largest event entirely dedicated to smart mobility and digitalisation of transport. At this year’s show, AGD will showcase its new suite of pedestrian solutions for 2019, and will share a stand with ITS (UK) and Videalert, a leading provider of CCTV enforcement solutions.

Later this year, AGD will be replacing its entire popular traffic portfolio with a new family of high-performance pedestrian and vehicle detectors for urban crossings and junction control.

The AGD 326 will allow optimisation of the crossing phase, giving back more green time to traffic. Suitable for UK and international deployment, it will feature dynamically adjustable range for new site designs. The 641 will offer a 4 x 2m zone for monitoring the pedestrian wait area and 3D stereo vision with self-IR illumination of zone for enhanced night-time detection. Both solutions will offer safe, easy remote setup via a smart phone or tablet with AGD Touch-setup.

Ian Hind, AGD’s commercial director, says:

“Customers will benefit from the ease, convenience and safety offered by WiFi AGD Touch-setup across the whole range, and a complementary suite of solutions that have been designed using valuable customer feedback for international as well as UK deployments.”

AGD Solutions

As part of this comprehensive solutions suite, visitors to ITS European Congress can see AGD’s WiFi-enabled, IP-capable 645 Pedestrian Detector – now with 10m x 3m detection zone, and the non-intrusive, loop-replacing 318 Traffic Control Radar.

The 645 now has volumetric capability as part of the standard build, which allows monitoring of the level of pedestrian occupancy in the wait zone for safer, smarter pedestrian crossings. The 318 includes an important new function: the ability to detect stationary or queuing traffic. This, together with WiFi AGD Touch-setup technology and an enhanced user setup GUI, will facilitate MOVA installations and other strategic applications.

AGD will also present its new 343 Highways Monitoring Radar at the show. Developed using the company’s experience and expertise in designing radars for highway speed enforcement, the AGD 343 is an easy-to-integrate traffic flow monitoring solution that provides real-time data on multi-lane highways.

The 343 can be mounted as close as 2m from inner edge of the inside lane of the carriageway and will still provide information for the lane immediately below the radar, as well as the lane on the farthest point of the carriageway – looking across both carriageways to detect vehicle travel in approaching and receding directions. It can be used almost anywhere for better-informed decision-making and optimised traffic flows and combines well with AGD’s enforcement solutions to offer a full product suite for UK smart motorways as well as international highways.

AGD can be found on stand 0.74 at ITS European Congress 2019.

Traffic Group Signals

Obituary Notice – Peter Michael Hutchinson

It is with deepest regrets that we announce that Peter (Pete) Hutchinson, Managing Director of The Traffic Group, passed away on May 30, 2024 following a short illness. He is survived by his wife Rachel and their three children Kerrie, Ciara and Conor, brother Phil and his parents Mike and Hilary. A Chartered Physicist, Pete […]

Recognising more than just plates

The launch of the new AiQ Advanced Intelligence ALPR camera offers more than just plate recognition, it eradicates the limitations that have previously faced ALPR cameras and has opened a wealth of visual data mapping and target detection that set new performance standards. After 2 years of research and testing, MAV systems have now launched […]

23rd March 2024

The Traffic Group marks expansion with a symbolic steel signing at its headquarters in Cheltenham

Marking a symbolic moment for its pioneering expansion project in Staverton, Cheltenham, The Traffic Group signed the steel to celebrate the construction of its new and sustainable workspace. The new building will sit alongside two existing buildings on the site which form the Group’s headquarters. In partnership with fellow local businesses – Cheltenham-based RRA architects, […]

26th January 2024

Traffic Technology Today

Posted on 1st April 20191st April 2019 by andrew.penn91

Where are we exhibiting?

AGD – D026

Traffex and Parkex starts on 2^nd April

Traffex 2019 is the UK’s largest and most established event for all those involved in the highways sector. Thousands of traffic engineers, safety professionals and infrastructure planners are heading to Birmingham’s NEC to explore the latest products, tech advances and services from some 350 leading exhibitors. Register for your free ticket now.

Features for 2019

New conceptual Road Feature working with leading consultants to take visitors on an interactive journey while showcasing some of the latest products, concepts and services
A ‘Trading floor’ area for exhibitors to deliver information on business deals and new products and innovation
Four conference theatres delivering the latest strategic high-level thinking and best practice operation delivery via case studies, technical session and debate and discussion and covering every sector of the highways and transport sector
Live hackathon – the Data Discovery Centre – using real industry data to help create solutions for challenges on the network
Directors’ Briefings – a series of briefings for local authority and private sector directors to help them develop and deliver more efficient and effective services and create better places to live and work
Round Table Debates – a series of invite-only round table debates reflecting the latest thinking
TRAFFEX Community – Networking at Traffex isn’t just for the day. Discover all the additional networking opportunities available throughout the event – The Traffex Dinner, Exhibitors’ Drinks Reception and Traffex partner bars around Birmingham
Co-located with Parkex, Europe’s leading parking trade event, the two shows are essential visiting for anyone working within the transport engineering sector.

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AGD Systems Ltd acquires Radix Traffic Ltd

Date published 1st April 2019

Leading manufacturer of ITS product solutions, AGD Systems Limited, has acquired Radix Traffic Limited as part of its ambitious plans for growth. Radix, which is based in Romsey, Hampshire, is the largest manufacturer of ‘rotating cone’ tactile equipment to assist visually impaired pedestrians at signalised crossings. Radix designs and manufactures its market-leading products in-house and has a customer base that is complementary to AGD’s.

Pete Hutchinson, managing director of AGD Systems, says: “As one of the largest manufacturers of nearside signal equipment in the UK market, AGD has been a very satisfied customer of Radix for many years. There’s a natural fit between our product ranges and this acquisition comes at an exciting time for us, allowing us to build on the Radix brand with AGD know-how. Putting it all together makes sense because it means customers can continue to benefit from the Radix best-in-class product but now as part of the bigger AGD portfolio.”

The Radix tactile indicator, when fitted to the familiar nearside signals, allows a blind or partially sighted person to hold a cone which protrudes from the signal. When it is safe to cross, the cone starts rotating as the green man appears. When Radix was evaluating the market in 1988, a survey indicated that some 5,000 tactile units would satisfy UK need. Today it is estimated that more than 200,000 tactiles are operating on Britain’s crossings and junctions.

The contribution to the traffic industry of Radix founders, Dick Duley and Milan Fuchs, in making life easier for vulnerable pedestrians cannot be underestimated. Dick spent more than 50 years in the industry, starting as an apprentice with GEC, holding several key industry positions and directorships during his career. Milan joined Dick at GEC in 1968, where he designed the first microprocessor-based traffic controller. Dick and Milan’s commercial and technical skills enabled them to give support and encouragement to the Radix management team, now headed by traffic industry professional Brian Cherry.

Brian will continue as a director of the Radix division of AGD Systems, maintaining continuity for customers and assisting with the transitioning of the product portfolio.

Traffic Group Signals

Obituary Notice – Peter Michael Hutchinson

It is with deepest regrets that we announce that Peter (Pete) Hutchinson, Managing Director of The Traffic Group, passed away on May 30, 2024 following a short illness. He is survived by his wife Rachel and their three children Kerrie, Ciara and Conor, brother Phil and his parents Mike and Hilary. A Chartered Physicist, Pete […]

Recognising more than just plates

The launch of the new AiQ Advanced Intelligence ALPR camera offers more than just plate recognition, it eradicates the limitations that have previously faced ALPR cameras and has opened a wealth of visual data mapping and target detection that set new performance standards. After 2 years of research and testing, MAV systems have now launched […]

23rd March 2024

The Traffic Group marks expansion with a symbolic steel signing at its headquarters in Cheltenham

Marking a symbolic moment for its pioneering expansion project in Staverton, Cheltenham, The Traffic Group signed the steel to celebrate the construction of its new and sustainable workspace. The new building will sit alongside two existing buildings on the site which form the Group’s headquarters. In partnership with fellow local businesses – Cheltenham-based RRA architects, […]

26th January 2024

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Traffex – The UK’s largest

Date published 29th March 2019

Leading manufacturer of ITS product solutions AGD Systems will exhibit at this year’s Traffex exhibition, 2-4 April at the NEC, Birmingham.

Traffex is the UK’s largest and most established exhibition for all those involved in the traffic and pedestrian control sector. At this year’s show, AGD will showcase its new suite of pedestrian solutions for 2019.

The 326, available from September, allows optimisation of the crossing phase, giving back more green time to traffic. It is suitable for UK and international deployment, and features dynamically adjustable range for new site designs. The 641, available from May, offers a 4 x 2m zone for monitoring the pedestrian wait area and 3D stereo vision with self-IR illumination of zone for enhanced night-time detection. Both solutions offer safe, easy remote setup via a smart phone or tablet with AGD Touch-setup.

Ian Hind, AGD’s commercial director, says:

““It is very exciting for AGD to be replacing its entire popular traffic control portfolio in 2019 with a new family of high-performance pedestrian and vehicle detectors for urban crossings and junction control. Customers will benefit from the ease, convenience and safety offered by WiFi AGD Touch-setup across the whole range, and a complementary suite of solutions that have been designed using valuable customer feedback for international as well as UK deployments.”

As part of this comprehensive solutions suite, visitors to Traffex can also see AGD’s WiFi-enabled, IP-capable 645 Pedestrian Detector – now with 10m x 3m detection zone, and the non-intrusive, loop-replacing 318 Traffic Control Radar.

The 645 now has volumetric capability as part of the standard build, which allows monitoring of the level of pedestrian occupancy in the wait zone for safer, smarter pedestrian crossings. The 318 includes an important new function: the ability to detect stationary or queuing traffic. This, together with WiFi AGD Touch-setup technology and an enhanced user setup GUI, will facilitate MOVA installations and other strategic applications.

AGD will also present its new 343 Highways Monitoring Radar at the show. Developed using the company’s experience and expertise in designing radars for highway speed enforcement, the AGD 343 is an easy-to-integrate traffic flow monitoring solution that provides real-time data on multi-lane highways.

The 343 can be mounted as close as 2m from inner edge of the inside lane of the carriageway and will still provide information for the lane immediately below the radar, as well as the lane on the farthest point of the carriageway – looking across both carriageways to detect vehicle travel in approaching and receding directions. It can be used almost anywhere for better-informed decision-making and optimised traffic flows and combines well with AGD’s enforcement solutions to offer a full product suite for UK smart motorways as well as international highways.

AGD can be found on stand D026 at Traffex 2019.

Traffic Group Signals

Obituary Notice – Peter Michael Hutchinson

It is with deepest regrets that we announce that Peter (Pete) Hutchinson, Managing Director of The Traffic Group, passed away on May 30, 2024 following a short illness. He is survived by his wife Rachel and their three children Kerrie, Ciara and Conor, brother Phil and his parents Mike and Hilary. A Chartered Physicist, Pete […]

Recognising more than just plates

The launch of the new AiQ Advanced Intelligence ALPR camera offers more than just plate recognition, it eradicates the limitations that have previously faced ALPR cameras and has opened a wealth of visual data mapping and target detection that set new performance standards. After 2 years of research and testing, MAV systems have now launched […]

23rd March 2024

The Traffic Group marks expansion with a symbolic steel signing at its headquarters in Cheltenham

Marking a symbolic moment for its pioneering expansion project in Staverton, Cheltenham, The Traffic Group signed the steel to celebrate the construction of its new and sustainable workspace. The new building will sit alongside two existing buildings on the site which form the Group’s headquarters. In partnership with fellow local businesses – Cheltenham-based RRA architects, […]

26th January 2024