SPL Powerlines UK is proud to announce a milestone in its continued growth and transformation with the promotion of three key members of its senior leadership team. With effective date 1 June 2025, Lee Pounder has been appointed regional managing director – Scotland & Ireland, Steve McWhan becomes regional managing director – England & Wales, […]
Category: People
Touring theatre show to take audiences on journey through 200 years of railway
A unique show written and produced by an Avanti West Coast employee is touring the UK as part of nationwide celebrations to mark 200 years of the modern railway. Railway 200: A new theatre show tells the story of the nation’s railway – from its beginning in 1825 to the present day. Geoff Baker, customer […]
Tragic story of WW2 train driver revealed at Sussex station
Historians have uncovered the story of a devastating attack in Sussex which resulted in the first death of a train driver in WW2. A plaque was unveiled at Bishopstone station on Thursday, July 3 to commemorate Southern train driver Charles Henry Pattenden, who was killed on July 3, 1940 in his line of duty when […]
AtkinsRéalis introduces new hard hat design for more diverse workforce
AtkinsRéalis, a global engineering and project management services company, has introduced more inclusive head protection for colleagues attending construction and industrial sites, in an initiative inspired by the experience of one of its own professionals who saw the need for a crucial change. The modified hard hat design enables the wearer to make adjustments to […]
LNER driver completes final journey after 46 years ‘up front’
An LNER train driver, who has been on the railway for 46 years, has completed his final journey before retirement. Mick Ingledew, 65, from Newcastle-upon-Tyne, joined British Rail in January 1979 as a traction trainee. While working for the local council, a train driver parent of one of Mick’s friends asked whether he had thought […]
Siemens Mobility expert awarded MBE for rail innovation
Sharief Gaafar, senior technical manager at Siemens Mobility UK&I, has been awarded an MBE in His Majesty The King’s Birthday Honours List for services to innovation in transport and diversity & inclusion. The honour recognises Sharief’s exceptional contribution to innovation in the UK rail industry through his work on digital and onboard systems and projects […]
Porterbrook appoints Max Ordish as head of freight and commercial projects
Rolling stock financier and asset management company Porterbrook has today announced the appointment of Max Ordish as head of freight and commercial projects. Max, previously senior commercial delivery manager at Porterbrook, has considerable freight experience and has been pivotal in supporting the company’s propositions in the sector since re-entering the market. Stefan Rose, chief investment officer, […]
TPE driver given send-off to remember after 40 years’ service
After an incredible four decades of service a TransPennine Express (TPE) train driver has been given a send-off to remember. Ian Carver, 62, who lives in Warrington and works out of Liverpool Lime Street, took to the tracks one final time on Friday 20 June, driving the 11:22 service from Manchester Victoria to Liverpool. But […]
VTG Rail appoints new head of sales and marketing
Private rail freight wagon hire company VTG Rail UK has appointed Matt Hannant as its head of sales and marketing. Matt takes over the role from Marc Hurn, who was promoted to become the company’s managing director in April. Matt joins VTG from previous sales and marketing director roles in the water and lighting sectors. […]
Mike Brown announced as chair of HS2 Ltd as Transport Secretary reveals project reset
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has confirmed that Mike Brown will be taking over as HS2 Ltd Chair, working alongside CEO Mark Wild to deliver a programme reset, including reviewing the costs and schedule, renegotiating HS2’s large construction contracts, and reviewing HS2 Ltd’s skills and structure. The Transport Secretary has asked Mark Wild to be ready […]