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.
The Traffic Group marks expansion with a symbolic steel signing at its headquarters in Cheltenham
L-R: Mark Harries, Associate Director at E G Carter & Co Ltd and Pete Hutchinson, Managing Director at The Traffic Group
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.
About The Traffic Group
The Traffic Group is a collection of specialist technology innovators that supply for the present and test for the future.
TTG’s current portfolio of companies comprises AGD Systems Ltd, MAV Systems LTD, Traffic Group Signals, AGD Systems Ptd Ltd (Australia) and LTM Design Ltd. TTG, a privately owned business, employs over 120 staff across the UK and Australia and is headquartered in Gloucestershire, UK.
The partner of choice for all construction services
E G Carter & Co Ltd is a fourth-generation family-owned construction company operating across South West England. We provide a modern construction service with an underlying sense of tradition, value, and history. Operating as the Partner of Choice, we are a company that delivers a dynamic, seamless and trusted service, supporting our clients, our people and our communities.
E G Carter & Co Ltd deliver a comprehensive range of building and construction services throughout the Midlands, South and South West, operating in a variety of sectors including Education, Residential, Commercial, Private Clients, Healthcare & Insured Loss Repair. Project values range from a few hundred pounds up to £25m with a turnover approaching £85 million. We operate a continual training matrix investing £250,000 per year to the on-going upskilling of staff and operatives.
Please contact our Service Centre to arrange your product servicing or re-calibration, quoting the serial number/s where possible.
We will issue you a Return Material Authorisation (RMA) number, which must be included on returns to the above address and on any accompanying paperwork.
(Please note AGD reserves the right to refuse returns without an RMA)
Once I have sent my product in for service, what happens next?
Your product undergoes comprehensive analysis using bespoke calibrated test equipment, which simulates real world conditions. The test routine optimises signals / optics and verifies performance. If required, your product is then re-calibrated to original manufactured values and then certified, before being dispatched.
All serviced components carry a 12 month parts warranty.
How long will servicing take?
We aim for a turnaround within 20 working days.
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