Recruitment
“Andy is dedicated to both his work and employees, as well as company progression and rail development through new initiatives and creation of first in the market machinery.“
“Andy is not only one of the nicest and funniest guys that you could ever meet but he is a wealth of knowledge/experience and a firm but fair leader. He would never ask anyone to do a job that he himself was unwilling to undertake (given the right training of course) and he will back his team to the hilt. He values everyone's expertise, experience and input and leads from the front always taking ultimate responsibility for any decisions made by his team members.
Having started his career straight from school by working as an operative on the piling rigs, he worked his way up to Site Foreman level before making his ambitions to move up to the Supervisor and Contracts Manager role known. His ability, leadership, people management skills and work ethic was quickly recognised by the Senior Management Team and he was the only choice when it came to putting someone in place to develop and grow a specialist on-track rail team. He is one of the most diversely experienced individuals within our specialist sector and is regularly called upon by other Directors within the Van Elle Group, main contractors, engineers, Network Rail and governing bodies for his advice/input.
His focus on health, safety and training is recognised by many clients and has led to him, and members of his team, to becoming trainers in the IIF (Injury & Incident Free) programme ensuring that all on our sites are as safe as possible at all times. His awareness of the latest plant and openness to innovative techniques and cutting edge technology has quickly escalated Van Elle Rail to become a leader in its sector and the envy of more established companies operating in the rail environment. A member of the Innovations Committee, an advocate for R&D and the instigator of the Van Elle Rail Test Track development (one of the largest in the UK), Andy has his sights firmly set on continuing to grow this business ethically, safely and responsibly.
Manager, colleague, counsellor and friend, Andy is the ultimate professional, is reliable and consistent in all aspects of work and life.
Collaboration has always been a priority of Van Elle and Andy is leading the charge with his team. Whilst many contractors look at collaboration solely between the PC and the designers or the specialist contractor, Andy integrates the entire supply chain into projects from the earliest stage ensuring that every avenue is investigated, the use of innovative products and solutions are maximised and costs/programme are minimised. We have always found, particularly in the rail environment, that the key to success and safety is in the planning. Having quality, reliable suppliers, partners and clients involved from day 1 minimises the potential for the unexpected and this approach has gained Andy great respect throughout the supply chain.
From securing the largest specialist piling contract Network Rail has ever released to planning, pricing and managing complex offshore projects as far away as the Falkland Islands, Andy is always happy to work with clients to propose and install the best performing and most cost effective solution regardless of where in the world it is located and the logistical issues it poses. Almost 35 years of experience and overcoming many challenges along the way, Andy has been elevated him to guru status within the industry in every meaning of the word.
Although he has spent a lifetime helping to build Van Elle into THE most successful and fastest growing ground engineering specialist in the UK, his past 3 years have been spent leading Van Elle Rail to become one of the largest, most capable and most respected on-track rail ground engineering specialists in the UK. With too many achievements to surmise within this submission, I can honestly say that my life, the life of all whom work with him and the industry as a whole would be a poorer place without Andy’s knowledge, experience, humor and input.“
“Thanking you for organizing the awards on Saturday. They seem to get better year on year. We had staff and clients on our table, who together thoroughly enjoyed the evening. Many thanks for organising a great event and look forward to next years.”
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