Derek Bird - Managing Director
Derek joined us as Construction Director in May 2008 and took up the reins as Managing Director in October 2009. He was previously Operations Director for Alfred McAlpine (now Carillion) for their Wales and the South West region.

Derek has been involved in Major Schemes such as the A30 Bodmin to Indian Queens, A419 Blunsden Bypass and the M4 Widening in Wales. He has had close contact with the existing ERHC Management Team as early as 1994 on the Second Severn Crossing Approach Roads scheme, the M4 Message Signs Project and more recently on the M4 Widening, on all of which ERHC had significant work packages.

Derek has established excellent working relationships with both the Highways Agency and The Welsh Assembly Government through his involvement in several ECI schemes where he was a Project Board member with experience of taking Major Schemes from tender award through Public Inquiry and on to construction.

He is an Executive Committee Member of CECA Wales and is a Fellow of the Institute of Highways and Transportation.

Geoff Smith - Technology Director
Geoff stepped down as Managing Director in October 2009 taking up this important role focusing on technologies for the future to be able to offer our clients alternative products and services.

Geoff formed Fibrecomm Ltd (the previous name of ERH Communications Ltd) in 1992. After 10 years of successful trading in 2002, its 10th year anniversary, the Company renamed itself ERH Communications Ltd (ERHC) to reflect its inclusion within The ERH Group.

Geoff has vast experience of the Highways Industry and has a very hands-on approach to contracts being involved with the development of major contracts at tender stage and retaining an avid interest throughout the duration of the works. He recognises the importance of repeat business, Best Value, Partnering, Innovation and the development of long term relationships which can be demonstrated through the contracts we are currently undertaking.

Steve Butler - Commercial Director
Steve joined the Company in the first half of 2008 and brings with him experience gained through 20+ years within the commercial management facet of the construction industry.

Prior to joining us Steve was Commercial Director for Alfred McAlpine with direct responsibility for their Wales and South West region. During his tenure with Alfred McAlpine further invaluable experience was gained through the contracts which were acquired under the many and varied procurement routes. Such contracts ranged from Early Contractor Schemes, (ECI), to Framework arrangements, the success of which saw annual regional turnover grow from £55m to in excess of £100m in a 4-year period. Consequently Steve has developed excellent working relationships with many Clients including the Highways Agency and the Welsh Assembly Government.

Dean Neale - Director
Dean joined the Company as a Contract Surveyor in 2000 and was promoted to Director in 2002. Dean maintains financial control of the Company’s Major Contracts and is directly responsible for teams of Contract Managers and Quantity Surveyors. He is highly experienced in developing Client relationships securing repeat business opportunities from Major Contractors and has excellent negotiation and problem solving skills. He is an Associate Member of the Institute of Highway Engineers.

Alan Groves - Director
Alan joined the Company in 1993 as a Electrical Engineer and was appointed Director in 2003. He has over 13 years experience of working in the highways industry and is directly responsible for the operation and financial control of our highly successful All Wales Maintenance Contract (RMC) for Tunnels, Traffic Controls and Communication Equipment.

He is a qualified Electrical Engineer and has considerable experience in all aspects of Maintenance and Installation Management including Risk Assessment and Site Safety; the approval, appointment and supervision of Sub-contractors and the planning and supervision of all works including Traffic Management, Civil Engineering works, Loop Detection and Cable Equipment installations.

His expertise also lies in the management of Communication Infrastructure projects, including Blown Fibre, alongside Motorways and Trunk Roads throughout the UK.