BWB swoops for Network Rail boss to expand rail business
BWB, the Nottingham-based engineering consultant acquired last year by Spanish rolling stock giant CAF, has revealed plans to expand its presence its rail infrastructure business.
The company has set up its own Rail Design Group, which will be spearheaded by a former Network Rail design lead who has just joined the business.
Jonathan Wright arrives from Network Rail’s own internal buildings and civil engineering design group and is expected to drive significant expansion of BWB’s capabilities as its existing rail operations develop into an end-to-end service provider.
His appointment coincides with CAF appointing BWB to assist with the management of gauging projects for the £1.4bn of new rolling stock the train manufacture is introducing to the UK.
At the same time, BWB has just received accreditation from the Rail Industry Supplier Qualification Scheme (RISQS), qualifying for 108 supply codes, which range from consultancy to design and software development.
Wright will report to Andy Passmore, BWB’s main board director for transport and infrastructure, who said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Jonathan to the business. His appointment represents a significant milestone in the BWB/CAF joint strategy to expand involvement in the heavy and light rail sectors.
“BWB has been working in the industry for several years, providing civil and structural services on rail renewal projects and strategic rail freight interchanges, as well as involvement in tram systems, light rail research programme and the promotion of a new national rail freight route.
“With the recent announcement of £48bn for Network Rail’s Control Period 6 and nationally significant rail schemes such as HS2 progressing well, we think our investment in a BWB Rail Group comes at the right moment. The Government’s aspiration for market-led rail schemes and combined track/train franchises suggests it is a great time for a company like BWB to focus on the rail consultancy market.”
A design engineer whose career includes spells with Faber Maunsell and AECOM, Jonathan has worked at Network Rail for the past nine years, most recently as Head of Design.
He said: “I’m excited to be joining BWB at a stage when it is developing into a major end-to-end rail services provider as part of the CAF Group.
“I’ve been hugely impressed by the energy, culture and work ethic of the team and leading the rail design group is a massive opportunity that has come at the right time for me. CAF and BWB bring real pedigree to the table and I’m going to be cultivating my extensive rail industry experience to make sure we explore its full potential.”
CAF has been steadily building its presence in the UK market over recent years,. Increasing rolling stock contracts and the construction of a new manufacturing plant in South Wales have been complemented by the acquisition of privately-owned BWB, which has a £22m turnover and employs close to 300 people across seven offices.
Martin Fuica, CEO of CAF TE, said: “We are delighted that BWB has appointed Jonathan to head up its Rail Design Group and we see this as significantly enhancing CAF’s UK rail capability.”
Alongside its core engineering competencies, BWB has been investing heavily in digital and data skills and considers itself well-placed to take advantage of the move towards Digital Railway.
Steve Wooler, BWB’s chief executive, added: “Joining the CAF family represents a step-change in the opportunities for BWB and our decision to build on our existing rail activities by bringing in Jonathan is a key part of that strategy.
“We are expecting to build a strong national team over the next couple of years, with a key focus on providing contractor orientated rail design solutions to Network Rail, HS2 and our existing developer client base.”
