Recruitment
“Frannie embarked on his remarkable railway career in 1977, marking an impressive 46-year journey within the rail industry. His story began in the ticket office of his hometown, Bolton, in the North West of England. Over the years, Frannie transitioned through various customer service roles, including stints at the enquiry bureau and parcel office in and around Manchester, stationed at both Victoria and Piccadilly stations until 1992.
A pivotal shift occurred in Frannie's career as he transitioned into the realm of safety expertise. Between 1992 and 2000, he dedicated himself to safety roles, making significant contributions in Crewe and Birmingham for British Rail and Railtrack. During this period, Frannie pursued and achieved his NEBOSH Diploma, solidifying his commitment to a career centred on safety.
In the year 2000, Frannie made a strategic move to the contracting side of the industry, aligning with major Principal Contractors such as Babcock, Volker, and Keltbray. This transition propelled him into senior HSQE (Health, Safety, Quality, and Environment) roles, affording him invaluable experiences throughout the UK. Over two decades, Frannie became a driving force behind pioneering HSQE initiatives, leaving an enduring impact on the industry.
Frannie possesses an unwavering passion for HSQE and a genuine affinity for people. His remarkable ability to communicate effectively with individuals at all organisational levels, from junior staff to senior executives, is a testament to his exceptional interpersonal skills, and when he isn’t talking about safety, he’s known to invariably bring up his favourite teams, the Bolton Wanderers and the Cleveland Browns. Regardless of the subject, Frannie's warm demeanour, infectious smile, and engaging manner captivates others, often acting as a gateway to honest and open discussions on safety, health, and environmental topics.
Within the broader railway community, Frannie holds a distinctive position. His presence is such that even when not physically present at a meeting with contractors or clients, discussions rarely go without asking "how’s Fran?", underscoring his lasting impact on those around him. As he approaches the later years of his esteemed railway career, Frannie generously dedicates his time to mentoring junior colleagues. His incomparable personality and influence within the industry are irreplaceable. A unique and inspirational character; his eventual retirement will undoubtedly leave a void. Yet, as he assures us, that moment is not arriving anytime soon.“
“Frannie is a lovable character, he has so many tales to tell in all the years he has worked on the Railway, he truly deserves this award for many reasons.“
“I would like to thank you for a amazing night. The theme of the night was great, we all entered into the spirit and dressed to impress. On arrival we where amazed with the greeting, the Rail Seventeen Cups were a lovely touch, as were the bouncers on the door. The food was fabulous and the show by the stunt men and dancers was a real treat. The awards were a pleasure to watch, my favorite being the Life Time achievement, which brought a tear to everyone’s eyes. Then we danced the night away to the band, who where great and had a gamble with our fun money. Overall the atmosphere was electric. I enjoyed every minute of the evening.”
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