The fifth RailStaff Awards has been hailed as a great success.
In what has now become a popular annual event the RailStaff Awards recognises the ingenuity, effort and professionalism of the men and women who deliver the railway round the clock 365 days a year.
600 railway staff crowded into the International Convention Centre in Birmingham on Saturday evening to greet winners of the awards which ranged from Train Driver of the Year to Lifetime Achievement Award.
The theme this year was Halloween and guests certainly didn’t disappoint with their costumes!
Colin Flack, Chief Executive of the Rail Alliance, hosted the evening and paid tribute to the heroism and resourcefulness that all staff nominated for a RailStaff Award display.
Winners received a special commemorative glass award, certificate and £1,000 cash.
As well as the awards themselves there was live music and entertainment and railway staff were able to let their hair down and party the night away.
Says Tom O’Connor, managing director of the Rail Media Group which stages the RailStaff Awards:
“We were delighted to welcome all railway staff to the RailStaff Awards.
“Few among the general public realise the tremendous effort it takes to run a railway – the early starts and constant pressure to deliver on time and safely.
“I’d like to congratulate all the winners. The judges have a very difficult job. Can I reiterate what several of them said to me: Everyone there is a winner and this industry like no other is definitely on a winning streak.”
The Winners
Newcomer/Graduate of the Year: Shauni O’Neill, London Underground
Rail Team of the Year: CCTV Team, First Capital Connect
Train Driver of the Year: Paul Trigwell, East Midlands Trains
Rail Engineer of the Year: Lee Johnson, Amey
Trainer of the Year: Alison Walters, Network Rail
Signaller of the Year: Michael Lane, Network Rail
Station Staff of the Year: Richard Millbank, East Coast
Rail Safety Person of the Year: Steve Wiskin, Atkins
Recruiter / HR Person of the Year: Kris Parkin, London Underground
Rail Infrastructure Person of the Year: Paul Eggett, Bridgeway Consulting
Outstanding Customer Service: Paddy Fitzsimons, Virgin Trains
Depot Staff of the Year: Heather Neely, Southern
Rail Manager of the Year: Stephen Green, Northern Rail
Lifetime Achievement Award: Jacques Goodall, First Capital Connect
Rail Person of the Year: Jenny Calvert, Merseyrail
