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​200 Years of Rail: A Frontline Focus​As the UK railway industry celebrates its 200th anniversary, it provides an opportunity to reflect not only on technological and infrastructural advancements, but also on the people whose work underpins the daily running of the rail network. Michael Dobson, who is our Recruitment Manager within the Transportation industry, heading our London office, shares his professional perspective on the evolution, continued relevance, and future of frontline roles in the sector. Drawing on his experience recruiting for positions such as train cleaners and customer-facing staff, he highlights the essential contribution these individuals make to the passenger experience and operational success of the railway.​Through the Lens of the Frontline: Then and Now​In recent years, the importance of frontline roles has become more visible. Particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, frontline workers remained active while much of the country came to a standstill, ensuring trains continued running and key workers could get to where they were needed most. This period highlighted the sheer dedication and resilience these roles demand, and began to shift public recognition toward the individuals behind the scenes.Train cleanliness, once an operational necessity carried out quietly in the background, is now a major focus for train operating companies. The bar for hygiene and presentation has risen sharply, with companies striving to meet the highest standards for both safety and customer satisfaction. At the same time, customer-facing roles have grown more complex and demanding. Staff must manage a wide variety of interactions - sometimes difficult ones - and provide a calm, clear presence during delays, cancellations, and busy travel periods. Their ability to communicate effectively and manage expectations directly impacts how passengers perceive their journey.​Why Frontline Roles Matter More Than Ever​In 2025, as more people return to regular commuting, these frontline roles have become more relevant than ever. Increased footfall across stations and trains means operators must deliver a consistently high standard of service, and this begins with having the right people on the ground.The reality of frontline work often includes tackling tough cleaning challenges, such as graffiti removal, waste left behind by passengers, and maintaining carriages in all weather conditions. Cleaners are the first line of defence in upholding quality and safety standards, often working through the night or in unpredictable environments.Customer service teams, meanwhile, must navigate a wide range of human behaviours. They are the face of the railway - responding to passenger needs, managing crowd control, and often delivering difficult messages during disruption. It’s a role that requires not just knowledge, but emotional intelligence, resilience, and professionalism.Train cleaning in progress​Supporting the Frontline Through Communication and Connection​Recognising the need to further support and celebrate these vital contributions, Ganymede has launched a new newsletter. This platform aims to keep the rail sector informed and connected by sharing updates, insights, and examples of best practice from across the network. In doing so, it creates space for valuable conversations about quality, workforce achievements, and opportunities to improve the passenger and employee experience alike.​Looking Ahead: The Future of Rail Recruitment​Looking to the future, frontline rail recruitment is expected to continue evolving. Emerging technologies, rising costs of living, and increased competition from other sectors will shape how train operating companies attract and retain talent. Pay, benefits, flexibility, and training opportunities will all play a key role. However, what will remain constant is the critical importance of these roles within the industry.For those considering a career in rail, frontline positions offer more than just a job - they provide hands-on experience, comprehensive training, peer support, and the chance to develop valuable communication and customer service skills. These roles serve as an ideal entry point into a dynamic and rewarding industry, offering the opportunity to make a tangible difference every single day.As we celebrate 200 years of railway heritage, it’s the perfect time to turn the spotlight on the individuals whose efforts too often go unnoticed. Through this new platform and continued recognition, Ganymede is proud to support the voices, challenges, and successes of the frontline teams shaping the future of rail.Read our previous blog: Accelerating Action: Ganymede's Women in Rail Reflect on IWD and 200 Years of Railway Progress

Ganymede Subcontractor Forum - April 2025​On Wednesday 2nd April 2025, the Ganymede rail team welcomed our valued partners to another successful Subcontractor Forum, hosted as part of our continued commitment to collaboration, transparency, and growth across the supply chain.​Our first session offered a deep dive into our current Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), reflecting on achievements and identifying areas of opportunity as we move forward together. Open and honest discussions around performance continue to be a cornerstone of how we strengthen delivery and build trust across our operations.​One of the standout sessions of the day was led by Fuel Learning, who delivered an inspiring workshop on Leadership Development. Focused on practical tools and behaviours that drive effective leadership, this session prompted great interaction and discussion, leaving our partners with fresh ideas and perspectives to take back to their teams.​We were also joined by Adrian Fricker from South Rail Systems Alliance, who provided a valuable industry insight on new, innovative technology to support the industry message of 'Home Safe, Every Day'.​The afternoon continued with a focus on operational excellence and responsibility. A session on Accident Investigation reinforced our shared commitment to safety, offering best practices and learning approaches that help prevent future incidents.​We closed with a look at our Carbon Accounting and Social Value initiatives, two areas where collaboration with our subcontractors is vital. As sustainability and social impact continue to grow in importance across the rail industry, we discussed practical steps to improve reporting and create meaningful outcomes together.​We wrapped up the day with an open floor session for any other business, followed by a thank you to all attendees for their ongoing support and input.​Thank you once again to everyone who attended and contributed. We’re proud to work alongside such dedicated partners and look forward to continuing the journey together.​

​​The Spring 2025 edition of Smart News, Ganymede’s quarterly Energy newsletter is now available to read.In this edition we focus on:General UpdatesA message from Joe Prestedge, Head of EnergyA welcome message to Damian Ciesielski and Matthew LambeOperations UpdateDelivering Excellence - Celebrating the achievements of our EngineersOnce a quarter we will announce winners of the Delivering Excellence awards, given to those who go above and beyond for our customers and fellow employeesCustomer feedback for our engineers​Spotlight on SafetyCable Strike IncidentProstate AwarenessDonations to MK food bank​Your Key ContactsThe Energy teamThe HSEQ team​Read the Spring 2025 Smart News Newsletter here​As always, we trust you will find the newsletter useful and engaging. If you have any questions or feedback after reading this edition of Smart News, please don't hesitate to get in touch using the form below.

Rail Transportation Newsletter - March 2025​​Ganymede is excited to launch the first edition of its Rail Transportation Newsletter, bringing you the latest trends and developments in the rail operations sector.​Each edition will feature exclusive interviews with industry leaders, providing valuable insights into their expertise and the essential roles they play in keeping the UK rail network running smoothly.Stay informed with industry updates, expert perspectives and key insights.We hope you enjoy this first edition.​This edition includes:Interview with Mark Dickinson, Regional Fleet Train Presentation Manager at EMRWomen in Rail OutreachStaffing TrendsSpotlight on our workforceSpotlight on Safety​Read the March 2025 Rail Transportation Newsletter here​As always, we trust you will find the newsletter useful and engaging. If you have any questions or feedback after reading the first edition of Rail Transportation, please don't hesitate to get in touch using the form below.​​

​Bridging the Talent Pipeline: Solving the Water Sector’s Workforce Crisis Ahead of AMP 8​As a sales professional within UK infrastructure, I spend my days talking with business leaders about their biggest challenges. Lately, one industry keeps coming up - the water sector. And let’s be honest, the headlines haven’t been kind. The UK’s water industry is at a critical point, heading into AMP 8 (Asset Management Period 8, the next regulatory investment cycle set by Ofwat, running from April 2025 to 2030). This period represents both challenge and opportunity, with a proposed investment of £104bn, the largest in the industry's history. However, one of the biggest concerns is whether the sector has the skilled workforce required to deliver these ambitious plans. ​The situation currently ​Pipes, treatment plants, and reservoirs are struggling to cope with increasing demand, climate change pressures, and stricter environmental regulations. According to Surveyorks UK “Water firms in England and Wales lost more than 1tn litres from leaks last year.” Crazy, right? The impact on consumers is impossible to ignore. Water companies are raising bills to fund urgent repairs, but for households already struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, these hikes hit hard. Trust in the industry is dwindling, with growing frustration over pollution, service interruptions, and a lack of transparency. ​AMP 8: The Workforce Bottleneck ​Significant investment is needed - not just to repair and maintain existing infrastructure, but to future-proof the industry for generations to come. While AMP 8 presents an opportunity to modernise the industry, the biggest hurdle isn't just funding or regulations - it's people. The water sector will need an estimated 50,000 additional workers to deliver AMP 8’s projects, spanning disciplines such as civil engineering, project management and digital transformation. ​To put it into perspective: ​The UK already faces a significant skills gap in engineering and infrastructure. 30% of the existing water sector workforce is set to retire in the next decade. Recruitment must scale rapidly to meet demand, particularly in leakage management, clean water infrastructure, and wastewater treatment upgrades. ​This was further highlighted when I attended the Institute of Water seminar towards the end of last year in Newcastle, where I had the opportunity to speak to industry leaders and listen to their concerns and feelings towards AMP8. It is clear that the biggest concern is the skills shortage, with a particularly insightful conversation about transferring skills from other sectors, such as rail and highways, proposed as a way to address the current shortage. ​At Ganymede, we have a dedicated team focused on the water sector. We understand the challenges ahead and are committed to being part of the solution. ​How? By attracting, selecting, connecting, and retaining the very best talent in the market. From Civil Engineers and Project Managers to Leakage Specialists and Regulatory Experts, we ensure water companies have access to the right people at the right time. ​The road ahead won’t be easy, but with the right workforce in place, the industry can rebuild trust, modernise infrastructure, and create a sustainable future.​If you're in the water sector and looking for top talent to drive change, let’s talk. I’m ready to help. ​Connect with Emma​emma.marshall@ganymedesolutions.co.uk07814 890 287Connect with Emma on LinkedIn​

Ganymede Successfully Passes Annual RISQS Supplier Audit​​We are delighted to share that Ganymede has once again successfully completed and passed our annual Railway Industry Supplier Qualification Scheme (RISQS) Supplier Audit. This accomplishment reinforces our commitment to upholding the highest standards of compliance, safety, and operational excellence within the UK rail industry.A RISQS audit is a crucial qualification process for suppliers working within the UK Rail Infrastructure. Maintaining this certification is essential for us to continue providing top-tier labour and recruitment services to our valued clients and fulfilling our contractual commitments with Network Rail and other clients.This achievement wouldn’t be possible without the dedication and hard work of our incredible Compliance & HSEQ Teams, whose commitment ensures that we meet and exceed industry standards year after year, as well as the unwavering support of our wider business. Passing the RISQS Supplier Audit once again reinforces our credibility, reliability, and professionalism as a trusted partner in the rail sector. Our clients can continue to rely on us for fully compliant, highly skilled, and safety-conscious personnel, ensuring that projects run smoothly and safely.To learn more about the rail sector we support, visit our dedicated Rail page.