This week’s round-up of business news from the UK railway industry.
Following adverse national media coverage of the decision that Avanti West Coast‘s 07.00 Manchester to London service would operate as empty stock from the December timetable change in an effort improve overall network performance, on December 1 the Office of Rail & Road said ’we have taken account of all the evidence and feedback, and we have given Network Rail and Avanti the go ahead to arrange for the 7am service to continue running with passengers.’. ORR said ‘on the basis of the information we have, we believe the running of this 7 am service could have a negative impact on reliability and punctuality of services on the West Coast Main Line, but we recognise its importance and popularity and will support its continued operation.’
Spencer Rail Engineering has begun design work after being formally appointed to build the £28·5m replacement station in Waterbeach, which is being jointly funded by the Greater Cambridge Partnership and Homes England to support the Waterbeach New Town development. Work expected to begin on site in autumn 2026 for completion by 2028.
South Western Railway restored hourly services between London Waterloo and Exeter St Davids on November 29, after the removal of speed restrictions between Gillingham and Axminster which were imposed after soil moisture deficit caused by the driest spring and hottest summer on record dried out clay embankments and disturbed track levels. Cooler temperatures and autumn rain have since rehydrated and stabilised the embankments, and Network Rail has completed extensive tamping work.
The Rail Safety & Standards Board has appointed Joshua Fisher as Chief Operating Officer, succeeding Johnny Schute who is to retire in April 2026. Fisher was previously RSSB’s Chief Digital Officer. ‘Joshua’s deep understanding of our organisation and his proven ability to lead complex programmes will be invaluable as we navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead’, said RSSB CEO Mark Phillips.
South Western Railway, Network Rail and mental health charity Chasing the Stigma have installed ‘Hub of Hope’ signage at Mortlake station, providing information on local and national mental health services. Scanning the sign’s QR codes will take users to the Hub of Hope Directory, helping people find relevant and clear guidance.
Resonate Group has appointed Carmen Hula as Chief Finance Officer. She has advised and supported organisations across all stages of growth, from start-ups to global banks, including PrePay Solutions, HSBC and 101 Ways. CEO Blake Richmond said ‘Carmen brings a wealth of financial and strategic expertise, with a strong record of supporting organisations through transformation and growth. Her experience across technology and financial services will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our business foundations and scale our impact in the rail technology sector.’
Gavin Williams, Managing Director of GRP access platform, handrail, cable management system and anti-slip grating supplier Engineered Composites Ltd, has said rail remains a core market for the business, which has ‘built strong relationships throughout CP6 with Network Rail and the major rail contractors.’ He said ‘we expect CP7 to bring increased demand as projects move from planning to delivery.’
Avanti West Coast has achieved the National Centre for Diversity’s Investors in Diversity Bronze Award.
Professor Patricia Thornley of Aston University has been appointed as Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department for Transport, succeeding Professor Sarah Sharples. Thornley will join the Department for Transport early next year, where she will be based four days a week, spending one day a week at the University. ‘The responsibility for providing scientific evidence to inform government decision-making in transport will build on my sustainable engineering background; but the UK academic community has a vast breadth and depth of expertise applicable to transport, and so positively drawing on that will be vital’, she said.