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Everyone’s a Winner
November Issue 2009
 ‘I am humbled and in awe,’ said Iain Coucher, chief executive of Network Rail, as he greeted railway staff at the RailStaff Awards 2009.
Mr Coucher described how he felt when reading the stories behind the awards and went on to say, ‘You are an inspiration to me. I will go in to work Monday aiming to redouble my efforts to live up to you.’
The RailStaff Awards gives a unique opportunity for railway people to talk direct to each other in what has become an informal and good fun evening. The RailStaff Awards, now in its third year, emphasises the unique contribution railway staff make, day and night, to the industry.
Michael Roberts, chief executive of the Association of Train Operating Companies, praised the professionalism and competence of all who work in the rail industry. ‘What you do underpins economic growth and sustains social bonds,’ Mr Roberts said. He went on to stress the need for more training and development as the industry shapes up for greater expansion in the future.
Railway staff and their families partied the night away at the RailStaff Awards at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham. ‘These are the awards that celebrate the achievements of the ordinary men and women who actually deliver the railway day after day. It’s the drivers, train crew and track workers, that deserve wider recognition,’ says Tom O’Connor managing director of the Rail Media Group which stages the RailStaff Awards.
Backed by ATOC and Network Rail, the RailStaff Awards unite the industry bringing people and ideas together. This year the RailStaff Awards was hosted by Adrian Lyons, former director general of the Railway Forum and a great supporter of the industry.
Says RailStaff editor, Andy Milne, ‘It is a unique privilege to talk to the winners and to meet the people who deliver the industry day after day. We see so many showbiz-style Oscars that it is easy to lose sight of the people who are actually looking after passengers and keeping the railway in good repair.
'They deserve a celebration and wider recognition of what they do. We are delighted that organisations like Network Rail and ATOC as well as the category sponsors are right behind this idea. The greatest asset of any railway company is the people who work for it.
'As Michael Roberts says, looking after and developing this asset is essential. Just like Iain Coucher, I too am in awe month after month as we publish the only newspaper in the rail industry specialising in good news – there is plenty about as these following stories attest.’
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