On retiring from Network Rail in 2014, I didn’t expect to find myself running a rail consultancy business – particularly not one that would still be operating 10 years down the line and which continues to grow and develop. But life has a way of leading you down some interesting avenues and for me personally, establishing and developing AARC Professional Services has certainly been one of those journeys.
It’s no secret that the railway is in my DNA, having first joined the industry in 1974 as a Junior Technical Officer in British Rail’s then design office in Croydon. From thereon in, I worked my way through the ranks and across the country, taking on a variety of roles ranging from track/maintenance renewals and contract management through to more operationally focused roles including Area General Manager for Network Rail’s West Coast South. But when it came time to retire from NR, I realised that I wasn’t yet ready to leave an industry that had effectively looked after me for the whole of my working life.
In 2015, I became a freelance consultant, setting myself up as AARC Professional Services – a name taken from the initials of my family – with my first role supporting Network Rail’s SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) programme. It was during this time that I was persuaded by a number of colleagues to transition from a lone operator to a fully-fledged rail consultancy, built around a core of like-minded and time served railway professionals, who, like myself, were keen to help address the apparent ‘brain drain’ affecting the sector. As far as we could see, too much invaluable knowledge and experience was being lost to the industry as people left or retired and we wanted to play our part in helping to do something about it.
Since then, AARCPS’s service offering has developed to include Rail Operations, Rail Infrastructure, Rail Operations Training, Safety & Assurance and Business Change & Projects and I have had the privilege of working with more than 35 associates on over 150 projects, ranging from small assignments to major multi-million pound programmes. And our clients span the full breadth of the rail industry, from Heritage railways to major infrastructure owners, with every project serving to reinforce the real value of not only experience, but also collaboration and trust – the cornerstones of any successful venture.
From a personnel perspective, one of the greatest rewards of running a rail consultancy is being able to stay connected to everything that AARCPS helps to deliver. I’ve always believed that leadership is about creating the right environment – a space where talented people feel empowered to do what they do best without needing constant approval, but with the confidence that there’s a guiding hand available whenever needed. I’m also incredibly proud that our associates aren’t just experts — they’re advocates for AARC Professional Services. Their passion, knowledge, and self-motivation are at the heart of our success. I take real satisfaction in handling the ‘back-room’ work so they can focus on sharing their expertise and delivering real value for our clients.
Now over five decades into my career, I’m as motivated as ever to be a part of this team. What we’ve built together as a consultancy gives me immense pride and I’m genuinely excited for what comes next. Here’s to the journey so far — and all the opportunities still ahead.
