Rail Media was proud to support this year’s Young Rail Professional (YRP) Awards, held at Cardiff’s Holland House Hotel.
In early March, the Rail Media team travelled by rail down to South Wales to celebrate the work of the industry’s up-and-coming stars at the Young Rail Professionals Annual Dinner and Awards 2025.
Taking place on Thursday 20 March, the event was an unforgettable one, honouring the exceptional achievements and contributions of some of the brightest talents in rail. Hosted by YRP every year since 2013, the awards recognise the outstanding contributions to rail of industry colleagues who are within the first 10 years of their railway career.
The evening brought together professionals from across the UK rail sector, who arrived in formal attire to a buzzing reception room filled with conversation, anticipation, and admiration for the evening’s finalists. Against the backdrop of an elegant three-course meal, they shared stories of innovation, perseverance, and leadership, highlighting the impact young professionals are having on the future of rail.
Proud partner
Rail Media was honoured to support YRP by acting as its media partner, producing its brochure and publicising the event. It also proudly sponsored the YRP Personality of the Year Award and Managing Director Adam O’Connor was delighted to hand the award to Trenitalia c2c’s Kelsey Pasfield.
Operations Team Coordinator Kelsey was nominated for her efforts on a project undertaken to improve train driver morale and wellbeing, where she led with an unwavering desire to improve the drivers’ working environment. Kelsey gave her all and was involved in every part of the project, often working outside of hours, including weekends and days off, without asking for anything in return.
The completed project has made an incredible difference and created a new set of standards which has made colleagues feel valued and their working environment respected. This has spread across the network, ensuring other facilities see it as a standard to be achieved.
Kelsey’s name was met with rapturous applause as she stepped on stage to accept her award, clearly moved by the recognition of her peers. And it wasn’t the only award that she had been put forward for in recent months.
“The past month has seen me attend both the annual Pride of c2c and the Young Rail Professionals (YRP) awards having been shortlisted for both, an achievement I absolutely don’t take for granted,” she explained.
Of her success in Cardiff, she added: “To be recognised with a nomination, then be shortlisted and go on to win is something that I am so proud of and it’s a night that I will never forget … it means so much to me and I’ll happily take home my trophy.”
Night to remember
Guests praised the evening not only for its celebratory tone but also for the opportunity to network, connect, and reflect on the future of the industry. Many in attendance noted the sense of optimism and progress shared among the young professionals.
The awards ceremony served as a reminder that fresh talent is not just present in the rail sector, but thriving. Young professionals are leading meaningful change in areas ranging from operations and customer service to infrastructure and technology.
Speaking of the success of the evening, YRP CEO Bonnie Price said: “I’d like to express my gratitude to everyone who has helped make this event possible – our sponsors, partners, and volunteers. Without their continued support, we wouldn’t be able to celebrate and uplift young professionals in rail the way we do each year.”
As the night concluded with applause, photographs, and heartfelt congratulations, one thing was clear – the future of the rail industry is in passionate, capable hands.
Image credit: YRP
