The Young Railway Professionals celebrated their fourth annual Black Tie Dinner with the presentation of the first ever Young Railway Professional of the Year award.
Terry Morgan, Chairman of Crossrail encouraged Young Railway Professionals as he talked about his experiences as a young apprentice working in the rail industry. Newly-elected YRP Chairman, Martyn Chymera, spoke of the YRP’s ambitious plans for the coming year.
Lucy McAuliffe of Network Rail won the award. Tim Whitcher of CAPBROWN Consulting and Shaunie O’Neill of London Underground, winner of the 2011 Newcomer of the Year at the RailStaff Awards, were both shortlisted.
Lucy works for Network Rail High Speed and heads the 150 strong high energy team that runs St
Pancras, Ebbsfleet and Stratford stations. Lucy is also an assessor for Network Rail’s Track and Train graduate programme. Judges commended her for her passion for improving customer service and team work on the front line.
Says Lucy, ‘There are great opportunities for women and young people in today’s railways and this industry is a great place to be. I’d like to thank everybody who put me forward for this and the team I work with.’
The award was presented by Charles-Albert Giral, CEO of Colas Rail which sponsors the Young Railway Professional of the Year award. The award is designed to celebrate young professionals at the start of their journey through the rail industry and competition is fierce.
Martyn Chymera, Chairman of the Young Railway Professionals congratulated Lucy on her award, saying: ‘Judging the award was not an easy task – so many high achievers from every corner of the industry were nominated and the quality of the nominations was outstanding. However, Lucy’s achievements really stood out, and her level of commitment and dedication to the railway industry was truly exceptional.’
The event itself was sponsored by CPC Project Services and brings together young professionals who are making their mark on the industry. The Railway Children charity also took the stage to discuss their upcoming Big Breakfast event. Guests all dug deep to support the YRP Three Peaks Challenge team in its first fundraising attempt in aid of the Railway Children.
For more information about the Young Railway Professionals, or the Young Railway Professional of the Year Award, visit www.youngrailwayprofessionals.org
