Heald celebrates double success at Hull Daily Mail business awards

Heald Ltd, the Yorkshire based manufacturer of hostile vehicle mitigation systems which protect some of the world’s most high profile buildings from vehicle attacks, has been presented with two awards and named a finalist in a third category at the Hull Daily Mail Business Awards.

The awards, which were hosted virtually on March 11th 2021 by BBC Presenter Louise Minchin, saw the Hornsea based manufacturer take away the Innovation and Technology Award for its Bridge Bollard System, while Sales Apprentice Natasha McDermott was crowned the winner of the Apprentice Award. Heald was also named as a finalist in the Medium Business of the Year category.

Having brought a number of innovative perimeter protection products to market since the company was established over 30 years ago, last year Heald launched the Bridge Bollard System in response to an increasing number of vehicle attacks on high profile bridges around the world.

Prior to the launch of the Bridge Bollard System, effective perimeter protection options were limited due to the impact on a bridge’s structural integrity. With the majority of crash-tested products requiring excavation or in the case of surface mount products, bolting down, Heald set out to address the challenges faced in order to create a product that while effective in its security, would also blend in with the surrounding environment.

The Bridge Bollard System consists of a minimum of nine fixed bollards on individual base plates which are bolted together. It is a unique product that requires no pinning and has been crash-tested multiple times to the most stringent IWA-14 standards, with the most recent crash test arresting the vehicle in a head-on collision.

Subsequently, it has been listed on the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI) Impact Rated List. During the crash test, the vehicle was deflected off the Expansion Joint and back into the road, also making it ideal for protecting from vehicles that may accidentally mount pavements, such as when in a collision.

The bollards take approximately 45 minutes to deploy, excluding civil works. With no requirement for a concrete base, the existing pavers are simply lifted, the bollards are fitted, and the existing pavers are then refitted.
Natasha McDermott, who joined the firm in 2019 as a sales apprentice following her graduation from the University of Leicester was named the winner of the Apprentice category having demonstrated her commitment to understanding the business, the industry it operates in and the products it sells in order to become an integral part of the team. Natasha’s role involves directly engaging with customers and potential customers, providing an efficient response to their needs and has played a pivotal role in supporting the firm’s continued growth.

Commenting on the win, managing director Debbie Heald, MBE, said: “I am delighted that our Bridge Bollard System has been recognised for the innovative product it is. Once again, this award demonstrates Heald’s commitment to bringing products to the market which address the challenges faced in perimeter security.”

“I am also extremely proud of Natasha and delighted for her win. She has worked diligently since starting her career with Heald, she is a great member of the team and is always willing to help others wherever she can. She has put in the effort since joining us and 100% deserves the award.”