BWB Consulting has appointed Jonathan Wright, the former head of Network Rail’s building and civils design team, to lead its new rail group.
The engineering consultancy was taken over by Spanish rolling stock manufacturer CAF last year. It remains a standalone business but is expected to play a key role in CAF’s expansion into English-speaking markets, beginning with the formation of BWB’s rail design group.
Jonathan’s appointment also coincides with CAF appointing BWB to assist with the management of gauging projects for the £1.4 billion worth of rolling stock it is manufacturing for UK clients.
He said: “CAF and BWB bring real pedigree to the table and I’m going to be cultivating my extensive rail industry experience to make sure we explore its full potential.”
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Andy Passmore, BWB board director for transport and infrastructure, said that Jonathan’s appointment represents a significant milestone in the companies’ strategy to increase their presence in the heavy and light rail sectors.
He added: “BWB has been working in the industry for several years, providing civil and structural services on rail renewal projects and strategic rail freight interchanges, as well as involvement in tram systems, light rail research programme and the promotion of a new national rail freight route.
“With the recent announcement of £48 billion for Network Rail’s Control Period 6 and nationally significant rail schemes such as HS2 progressing well, we think our investment in a BWB rail group comes at the right moment.
“The government’s aspiration for market-led rail schemes and combined track/train franchises suggests it is a great time for a company like BWB to focus on the rail consultancy market.”
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