One of the UK rail industry’s most respected railwaymen Phil James is taking his expertise to AARC Professional Services as the latest addition to the rail consultancy.
A Fellow of both the Chartered Institute of Rail Operators and the Railway Engineering Institution (formerly PWI), the former route director for Network Rail North West brings almost 40 years experience with him to AARC, having started his career as a train recorder in his home town of Llandudno.
While the opportunity of early retirement from Network Rail presented itself earlier this year, rather than hang up his boots completely, Phil took the decision to join AARC Professional Services – a rail consultancy led by fellow operator Steve Derrick and comprising a team of lifelong rail professionals, all with the common aim of delivering expert support and advisory services to the rail industry.
Talking about his new role as Principal Consultant with AARC, Phil said: “I have a genuine passion to see the railway succeed, particularly as we move towards the introduction of Great British Railways and I was keen to find a way where I could still make a positive contribution. AARC Professional Services ticks all of those boxes. A collective of rail professionals with a shared desire to give something back, I’m delighted to now be a part of that, particularly when the industry risks losing hard earned knowledge as experienced people step away.”
Welcoming Phil’s arrival, Managing Director Steve Derrick said: “It’s a real pleasure to welcome someone of Phil’s experience to the AARC Professional Services family. Like all of us here, Phil has a genuine passion for the industry and again, like all of our associates, is keen to give something back. We very much look forward to working with Phil on the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.”
Image credit: AARC
