Andy Dickinson

Said the following about Bardon Hill Team:

“• Testimony 1– Andy Dickinson, Regional Manager South

All five of the Bardon Hill Assistant Train Managers (ATMs) deserve recognition for their tireless efforts to build relationships with the customer, Aggregate Industries, and ensure GB Railfeight has the best right arrival and departure figures possible.

Initially the only mess facilities at Bardon Hill comprised a tiny port-a-cabin with a very noisy generator built in. Despite being far from ideal, the five of them carried out their jobs, as required, until a more suitable structure was put in place.

All five of them have made a real effort to ensure the diagrams have been modified, so they are as efficient as possible. They have worked closely with the planning team, providing them with a guided tour of Bardon and Mantle Lane.

At a recent performance meeting with Network Rail, terminal performance was discussed for several locations and other FOCs were having a hard time explaining delays.When it was the turn of the Bardon Hill team, the network operator was amazed when they were said "we do not have any issues with Bardon at all”. This is largely down to the way these guys conduct themselves and their professional approach to the job.

The biggest thing that sets these guys apart is that they do actually function as a team, they look after each other and every other member of staff they work with. I know for a fact that this is very much appreciated by everyone, creates a good working environment for all of the staff and in turn is a massive benefit to the company and its success.

Wayne Lambert

The East Midlands TM's have been working with Wayne Lambert for around 2 years now. When GBRf took the NDS over at Toton, Wayne was a TS5 and, as such, was in charge of the Old Bank and the North Yard. There was a lot of hostility from some of the old operators, but this was not the case with Wayne. He welcomed GBRf and helped us from day one.

When the opportunity arose for some of the departing team to join GBRf, everyone wanted Wayne to join us.

Wayne will call me regularly to keep me informed on what's going on at Bardon and it is always in a positive manner. If there is a problem he will always have a solution.

Aaron Adams

The East Midlands Train Managers (TMs) have been working with Aaron for around two years now. When we took the NDS over at Toton, Aaron was a shunter and was often to be found in the Ballast Sidings. When we arrived at Toton with the bulk ballast from Mountsorrel, he would always do a quick shunt with us to finish the work quickly and efficiently.

Aaron calls me to keep me posted on thing arising at Bardon and again he is always in a positive manner with a solution to any problems.

Gary Toon

Gary was new to most of us when he joined GBRf. He has settled in extremely well and gets on with everyone.

Gary understands all aspects of the rail industry, particularly his knowledge of the network and various key locations.

Gary took part in an initiative with planning to help Jayne Taylor sort out some diagram issues. He met with myself at Bardon and we carried out a telephone conference which was extremely welcomed by planning.

Mick Simpson

Mick is one of those guys that comes to work and never gives you any trouble. If Mick calls, it’s for a genuine reason.

He helps out whenever he can with last minute shift changes, and was particularly useful at the start of the AI contract, when he assisted Gary, Wayne and Aaron with learning about the intricacies. This was very much much appreciated by them.

Jo Willox

Jo has a long history with GBRf and his knowledge of the company and the rail industry is excellent.

Many times Jo has called with potential issues that could be detrimental to the performance of the service and every time he has had a solution to the problem.

As with Gary Toon, Jo also took part in a telephone conference with planning to make them aware of any potential diagram issues and was also part of the reception committee when planning visited.

Jo regularly calls me to keep me informed of things that could potentially be a problem at Bardon or other AI locations and again it is always done in a positive manner.

• Testimony 2 – Colin Ellis, Rail Manager at Aggregate Industries

We have now been operating with GBRF for 8 months out of Bardon Hill. I initially had some reservations about how the transition from Freightliner to GBRF would progress

I am pleased to admit that all of my concerns were overcome very quickly. All of the staffI I have come into contact have given me great confidence with their knowledge

There five Bardon Hill ATMs, in particular, have shown excellence in all working areas. Their knowledge of all sites was evident immediately, they have continually shown the standard of PPE required, and communication within rail running/general issues has always been of the highest standard.

I especially like the manner in which they not only deal with the job in question, but also approach it with such a positive attitude

There have been occasions when they have phoned me in the evening to ensure our trains run by making the right decisions.“