News of seven new members and additional resources directed at raising the profile of the organisation that was launched less than a year ago.

Engineering consultant Scott Wilson is the latest 'recruit' to the Highways Term Maintenance Association (HTMA), whose aim is to promote the overall image of the highways term maintenance industry, foster and develop standards, and share Best Practice knowledge and experience across the sector.

The founder members are: Accord, Alfred McAlpine, Amey, Atkins, Carillion, Colas, Fitzpatrick, Jacobs Babtie, Mott MacDonald, MouchelParkman, RCS and Ringway. They have been joined by Edmund Nuttall Limited, May Gurney Ltd, Morrison Highway Maintenance Ltd, McNicholas Plc, URS, Scott Wilson and WSP.

"We joined the HTMA to add our presence to this strong, influential private sector body,' said Scott Wilson Central Division CEO Chris Jennison. 'As this group represents most of the key suppliers to the public sector with respect to highways maintenance, it is important the specifying authorities are aware of our issues and concerns, particularly with respect to roadworker safety, innovation, stakeholders and customers.

'The HTMA will work with local authorities, the Highways Agency and DfT to ensure that as one voice we can give an opinion on any strategic highway issue, from either the contractor or consulting engineer viewpoint, ' Mr Jennison added. 'This is particularly valuable to our clients, as we are collectively delivering the service across the whole country.

'The main benefits of joining the HTMA are to keep Scott Wilson engaged with the industry's major players in this sector and to share best practice with our piers for the benefits of our clients and work at the highest level in the market ."

The HTMA, which represents highway maintenance providers, provides a forum for discussion and information sharing on core issues affecting the highways term maintenance industry as a whole. The association will also play a key role in lobbying Government on behalf of the industry to change legislation for a more efficient and safer way of working.

Minister of State for Transport Dr Stephen Ladyman MP will deliver the opening address at the HTMA's first conference in London on May 31st. In conjunction with the launch of the conference will be the publication of the HTMA 'industry handbook', which will focus on some of the most important issues relevant to the highways maintenance sector such as safety, people, image and performance.

'The handbook will highlight how the industry has moved to address many issues; areas where a partnership approach between the sector and its stakeholders is needed, and what some of the challenges are for the industry and its stakeholders in going forward, 'said HTMA chairman John Jackson. 'It is further evidence of the association's commitment to stimulating discussion and encouraging information sharing in the industry.

'The existence of the HTMA enables highway term maintenance companies to work together towards a common goal, which is the improvement and advancement of the industry. It provides a voice for members, a vibrant team spirit and a vision for the future,' Mr Jackson said. 'The HTMA is designed to promote the sharing of knowledge and expertise generally. We are confident that those organisations who have joined the HTMA are already reaping considerable benefits.'

Another key development from the HTMA is the launch of its website, www.htma.org.uk, which offers comprehensive information on the organisation, its objectives, its members and the industry.