The great and good of the British Rail Industry descended on Birmingham’s NEC last night (Thursday 28 November), to celebrate the 2024 RailStaff Awards.
More than 1,000 guests gathered to honour the exceptional efforts of the employees who go the extra mile and excel in their roles. From rail managers to customer service assistants, apprentices to training managers, the full breadth and depth of job roles was represented, and all were celebrated as equals with one aim – to keep the nation moving, safely and to schedule.
The RailStaff Awards are always a spectacular event, and this year was no different with attendees breathing in the glitz and glamour of New York City. Arriving at the venue, guests left their coats at the Broadway Ticket Office and made their way towards the best that Manhattan has to offer. With beautiful bars serving a range of exquisite cocktails and entertainers offering impromptu performances, they bathed in the exciting atmosphere of Christmas time in the Big Apple.
TV star and all-round top-class entertainer Brian Conley hosted this year’s event, putting guests at ease with his easy charm and lightening quick wit. Boasting a decades-long career as an actor, comedian, singer, and TV presenter, Brian has starred in many award-winning television shows and played the lead role in multiple West End musicals. He was the perfect choice to guide everyone through the night’s proceedings.
With every category winner named and given the chance to bask in their well-deserved applause, the night truly began, with fairground rides whirring into life and the dance floor opening for those with the energy to dance the night way. A midnight breakfast provided the energy to push on to the early hours, when guests made their way into the night to continue their celebrations or back their hotel rooms for some much-needed beauty sleep. Yet again, the event had been a huge success.
Adam O’Connor, managing director of Rail Media, said: “The RailStaff Awards is a truly unique event, celebrating the individuals in our industry who consistently go above and beyond. It is inspiring and humbling to host this event and witness the profound impact it has on our remarkable workforce. All winners and highly commended individuals deserve immense recognition, as do all the finalists and nominees.
I must say a heartfelt thank you to all our sponsors and supporters, whose contributions make this incredible event possible. Special thanks also go to our panel of judges and the entire team at Rail Media for their outstanding efforts in bringing this memorable occasion to life.”
Event organiser Gemma King added: “Another memorable RailStaff Awards has come to a close and we hope that everyone enjoyed a thrilling evening. Congratulations once again to all of tonight’s winners – you’ve all earned your place in RailStaff Awards history!”
Thank you
The RailStaff Awards relies on the support of some very special groups. We would like to express our gratitude to all those who recognised their colleagues’ contributions and took the time to nominate. A huge thank you also to our judges, everyone who voted, and all those who attended the ceremony.
We also thank our generous sponsors for making the night possible: Bodyguard Workwear Ltd, BTTC, c2c (Trenitalia c2c Ltd), Carlisle Support Services, City & Guilds Training, Freightliner Group Ltd, GeoAccess, Govia Thameslink Railway, Heathrow Express, Land Recovery Rail Limited, Land Sheriffs, Morson Training, McGinley Support Services, Rail Engineer, Readypower Group, RailwayPeople.com, ResponSec Ltd, Telent, Train’d Up Railway Resourcing Ltd, and Transport Benevolent Fund CIO.
Back next year
We have exciting sponsorship opportunities available for the 2025 awards.
If you’re interested in discussing this further or would like to put forward nominations from your team for future awards, please feel free to contact us by email at [email protected] or call us on 01530 816 440.
You can also find out more and view the upcoming pictures and videos from the evening by visiting our website www.RailStaffAwards.com.
