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“Geoff is a long serving railwayman who works to secure the future of the railway. I couldn’t think of a better more deserving nominee for the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Geoff has been working in the UK Rail industry for over 40 years and I have been working with him at Network Rail on the Leicester Capacity project for the last 18 months. As Sponsor for the project, which is in early development, he has played a key role. Geoff understands the wider strategic context and will often encourage the project team to step back and see the bigger picture which has been extremely useful.
Geoff gives direction to the project but does this through discussion and is open to new ideas. His vast experience and more importantly his willingness to share this has been extremely valuable to me and the project.
Geoff is absolutely passionate about the railway – it is not just a job to him but a vocation. His interest in the railway doesn’t just end with the day job he enjoys producing rail themed artwork and has been involved with local railway trusts to secure the legacy for future generations.“
“Geoff has the vision to see the end solution to a problem and uses his blend of experience, knowledge, contacts, enthusiasm and no-nonsense character to persevere through to completion.
Geoff’s enthusiasm for developing rail schemes is like the man himself – Bound-less!
Geoff played a significant role in making railfreight schemes happen in his role as Railfreight Manager (Network Rail). I worked with Geoff on a number of schemes from development to first train running whilst I worked at EWS/DB Schenker.
Geoff had a key role working with the end customer and EWS to implement new Network Rail agreement to enable mainline connection, first level crossing under new Scottish Parliament order together with new siding construction at Greenburn Opencast in Scotland which was made operational in 2004.
When a scheme to rail connect a new glass factory in Goole stalled due to safety/infrastructure controller issues on connecting branch, Geoff initiated a solution to reclassify a branch line in conjunction with HSE . This led to EWS, Network Rail and customer collaboration on scheme railworks including reconnection of branch with Network Rail in 2004.
Geoff had a key role in developing a solution with ABP, Network Rail and EWS for the design and implementation of the scheme at Immingham HIT to continuously load coal and meet ABP contractual requirement of 1 train per hour 6 days per week.
Geoff had a significant role 2003-2006 in working with FOCs to develop a new suite of agreements for enhancements, all EWS customer schemes and JIF fund management.
Following this Geoff moved to a Senior Sponsor role for the Strategic Freight Team and played a major part in developing the long term strategy for railfreight development through CP4 and CP5 for the UK as a whole. This includes all the gauge enhancement schemes from ports to distribution centres.“
“I’ve been working with Geoff on the Leicester Capacity Project since early 2014 although Geoff’s contribution to the rail industry spans in excess of 40 years. Geoff has been invaluable to the development of this project, drawing on his extensive experience to help steer the development of this complicated and challenging scheme. Geoff is open and approachable and understands the needs of different individuals and organisations. This has meant that stakeholder liaison sessions, for example, have been positive and productive and helping to build towards a shared sense of purpose.
Geoff is always able to see the bigger picture beyond the immediate requirements of the project in question and he genuinely wants to do the best thing for the rail industry as a whole. Having worked in a variety of different roles within both the privatised and nationalised rail industry Geoff understands the need for long term strategic thinking but is equally able to manage expectations within the constraints of the 5 year Control Period funding framework we operate within.
Geoff has a real passion for the rail industry and outside of work he’s given his time and skills to several volunteer and heritage organisations over the years.
Geoff is an inspiring individual always willing to share his own experiences whilst remaining open to fresh ideas and a new approach to old challenges. He has helped and guided many individuals over the years including myself.“
“Geoff is working as project sponsor on Leicester Capacity. Geoff demonstrates enthusiasm for the project, and his personality highlights how much he cares for the passengers. His dedication to the rail industry is clear with the level of support he gives to the project team in making key project decisions. He is always looking at innovative ways to improve the layout of the Leicester Capacity scheme. He is an approachable person and encourages us to challenge, which is a good behaviour.“
“I first met Geoff in 1980 when he helped to introduce me to life within the Chief Mechanical & Electrical Engineers Office in Nelson Street Derby after I transferred from the BREL Derby Locomotive Works.
Geoff had a few years on me and had followed a similar move after starting his working life in 1969 as a fitter within the works. He was therefore able to assist me with his experience as well as inspire me with his passion for the rail industry.
This enthusiasm was evident in a number of ways, subscription to railway magazines which I'd never heard of; a knowledge of the geography and history of the railway which prevented me from making quite a few mistakes; and an artistic skill which he used mainly in detailed sketch form to pass on his love for the railways to others. The attached photo is such an occasion with a framed drawing for a colleague’s retirement, Geoff is on the far left and the drawing still hangs proudly in the hallway of the retired colleague after nearly 20 years! You can better see the standard of the ‘sketches’ and more of Geoff's background on this website:
http://www.rail.co.uk/documents/1/original/Geoff-Bounds-Transport-Artist.pdf
Although I am retired now, Geoff isn’t and still gives his time and energy to the much changed railway industry, ensuring that his knowledge is not lost and his experience is still passed on. One thing is for certain, his passion for the industry has not waned!
Geoff didn't just stick with what he knew but was willing to get involved in various aspects of the rail industry, moving from engineering to planning, building engineering services, project development, project management, freight development and now business development.
Others will be better able to explain his various successes in these areas but there is one part of his career which showed all his skills, determination and passion for the industry. This was the time he was associated with, and indeed was a prime driver for, the renovation and upkeep of the Settle and Carlisle line which was at the time under constant threat of closure. Many awards and much publicity followed but it was Geoff who was the Project Manager for those first five years giving the line a good foundation for securing its future. He again helped with advice and support for the book ‘Ribblehead Re-born' by WR Mitchell. He also gave much of his own time at weekends and evenings to support the work of the Settle and Carlisle Railway Trust.
Geoff started within the Rail Industry before I did and has continued in it after I have finished, he's still as keen as ever, a lifetime achievement indeed!“
“Geoff brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the projects he works on. His ability to understanding the complex interfaces on a project and confidently lead the project team in the right direction is unparalleled.
Geoff has developed a breadth of people skills that allow him to effectively interface with internal and external stakeholders at all levels. His infectious enthusiasm helps his to inspire stakeholders and staff.
Geoff understands the bigger picture and the context in which projects are undertaken, he is always considering what it is best for the industry as a whole rather than focusing on his work in isolation.
It is an absolute pleasure working with Geoff and I hope he is in no rush to retire as I have a lot more to learn from him!“
“I have found Geoff really supportive during the last 18 months of working with him on the Leicester Capacity project. Geoff is a very active Sponsor on Leicester and he wants to do everything in his power to help the project team succeed. Geoff not only has 40 years of railway experience which is invaluable but his communications skills and people skills are second to none. Not only does he bring his experience and expertise to our team but he goes beyond the day job and is really passionate about improving the railway and doing what is right. Geoff is a very positive and approachable character who is happy to take on a challenge and willing to listen and take onboard what others have to say.“
“I have known Geoff a number of years. He is one of those characters that everyone in the industry seems to know. The reason that everyone knows Geoff is because he so well respected in the rail industry.
I first worked with Geoff about 10 years ago. He was working for Network Rail at that time as a Scheme Sponsor, in York. Geoff was assisting me to get GRIP approval for freight terminal scheme that I was working on at that time. Geoff always took the time to help me and provide me with the advice I needed.
Latterly, when Interfleet Technology were looking to expand into the ports market, it was obvious to us we needed someone experienced and with a deep knowledge of that sector. Geoff was that person. I initially attended the Multimodal trade fair in Birmingham and got chatting to a few representatives from the trade stands and guess what, they knew Geoff. He was the person we needed to open those doors. Geoff had been an account manager for Railtrack with the responsibility of engaging with the ports
More recently Geoff has been seconded into the Leicester Area Remodelling scheme. He was working in a role in knew well from his Railtrack and Network Rail. Geoff was an asset to Network Rail and gave sterling service during his time on that project.
Working with Geoff I discovered what a varied career he has had. He started work in the old locomotive works in Derby, where Interfleet's office is today, so his career has gone full circle. He also used to reminisce about his days as Project Manager on the Settle to Carlisle railway. This was just after the line was saved in the late '80s. This was a high profile role, and one he particularly enjoyed.
Geoff is always happy to share his knowledge and I am grateful for him for doing that. I am much the wiser as a result.
Geoff is also a keen photographer and artist. He paints pictures of his beloved railway. In the past I am sure there were many characters like Geoff, working in our industry, but nowadays people like him are rare. It has been a real honour to know and work with Geoff and I hope that working relationship continues for a long time to come.“
“Absolutely amazing night last night at the Rail Staff Awards at the Ricoh Arena Coventry, good friends, new friends, great entertainment, well done to all the winners and finalists”
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