…and farewell 2025 – thanks for the memories!!!
As an example of how AARCPS provides its clients with outstanding outcomes, Taffs Well certainly ticked all of the boxes. Our team of time served railway professionals has been involved with the development and implementation of the new depot and supporting Integrated Control Centre (ICC) from the early stages, having already provided AIW with operational and training support/guidance since its appointment by TfW as Infrastructure Manager for the Core Valley Lines (CVL) – the section of the railway network running from Cardiff to Treherbert, Aberdare, Merthyr Tydfil, Coryton, Rhymney and Cwmbargoed.
Involved with the development and implementation of the new depot…from the early stages
Whilst much of this work has already featured on the AARCPS website as case studies and a blog, we have never captured anything visually. So, with the kind permission/support of both TfW and AIW, myself and a small ‘film crew’ comprising AARCPS’s Marketing Manager Nigel Barber and Dan Bullock and Sam Dyer from Quick by Design set out for Taffs Well last month (November 2025), armed with the requisite equipment.
On arrival at the depot, we were met by Colin Hughes, AIW’s Head of Operations for the CVL, who gave us the all-important safety brief/site induction, before providing a tour of the ICC and various filming opportunities. This included an interview with himself and Alison Thompson, Infrastructure Management Director for AIW on the CVL, with both focusing on AIW’s role on the CVL. A big thank you to Alison, Colin and all of the team at the ICC for all of their help and support both on the day and leading up to it, as well as Lauren Morgan and her colleagues in the TfW communications team and Laura Davies at Amey.
Addressing the need for a dedicated signalling & operations plan for the depot
Next to feature in the spotlight were our very own Tony Essam, Greg Edwards, Dan Barrett and Alan Brookes, taking us through their respective roles on Taffs Well. For Tony, AARCPS’s on-site lead, this focused on his work addressing the need for a dedicated signalling & operations plan for the depot, with support from fellow AARCPS associate Jim McGrory. Greg’s interview meanwhile centred on the development and delivery of training including Signaller and Depot Operations Controller training, set against the backdrop of the ICC’s dedicated simulator room, whilst Dan talked about his support for the Electrical Control Room Operator function. Last, but by no means least, Alan provided a brief insight into his assurance role, which has seen him working closely with both Alison and Colin across areas including safety management systems and the interface with the Office of Rail and Road.
Officially opened by HRH King Charles III
Whilst there, we were also kindly given a guided tour of the actual tram/train facility by TfW’s Depot Manager Phil Bishop, who talked us through the function of the impressive new £100m depot – home to the 36 strong fleet of new Stadler Class 398 tram/trains and officially opened by HRH King Charles III only a few days previously.
With time against us and daylight fading, we wrapped up filming with a final interview with myself, before bidding farewell to everyone at Taffs Well after what had been a very productive day. In respect of the final product, post editing and pending client approval, we aim to have something ready early in the new year – as always, watch this space for further details.
Goodbye 2025
So, as we reach the end of what will be the final blog of the year, I’d like to take the opportunity to highlight a few thoughts from across 2025. For AARC Professional Services, the last 12 months has seen the business start to regain momentum after what has been a slow start to Control Period 7, impacting the entire railway supply chain and in particular, small to medium size businesses. Fortunately here at AARCPS, turnover has gradually improved across the year and, whilst it is still early days, this upturn in growth is encouraging.
I also hope that the introduction of the Railways Bill, introduced to Parliament on 5th November to pave the way for the transition across to Great British Railways, will see confidence grow and provide the necessary momentum needed to re-energise the industry. It’s important to note the excellent work being done by the Rail Industry Association, which has been actively lobbying parliament and key industry figures on behalf of the supply chain – a point illustrated by Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander’s appearance at the RIA annual conference in November, from which she had to dash across to Westminster in support of the Railways Bill – a clear sign of the urgency and importance of this legislation!
In respect of AARCPS itself, the business was given a clean bill of health from two independent audits this year, the first being Cyber Essentials Plus certification, as well as passing our ISO9001 BSI surveillance audit, once again demonstrating our commitment to quality management. And out on the road, we once again attended all four Rail Infrastructure Networking events, as well as heading over to Dublin for the first ever Rail Link event. Thanks to everyone that dropped by to say hello and learn more about the support AARCPS provides across the areas of Rail Operations, Business Change and Projects, Safety and Assurance, Rail Operations Training and Rail Infrastructure. We look forward to seeing you when we hit the exhibition circuit again in 2026.
Our associates continue to demonstrate a high level of professionalism and expertise across all of projects
Our associates also continue to demonstrate a high level of professionalism and expertise across all of the projects we are supporting and client feedback remains consistently positive. Hearing first-hand from organisations and projects supported by AARCPS, such as Taffs Well, is both incredibly humbling and rewarding. I’m immensely proud of our team and their achievements, which serves to reinforce our commitment to providing all of our clients with outstanding outcomes. As always, a big thank you to everyone we work with for continuing to put your trust in AARCPS and the services that we offer.
All that remains is to wish everyone a happy festive season and best wishes for the year ahead. Regards,
