Commercial department rises to the challenge I
T’S been all systems go for the commercial department over the holiday season, with a heavy workload and a particularly wet winter to contend with. First on the ‘to do’ list was rail replacement work at Gravesend station in Kent. From December 22 to January 6, the department was busy coordinating bus replacement services while the station was upgraded. Bexleyheath, Blue Triangle and Belvedere provided the majority of replacement services, with a number of local companies also stepping in to help. A huge undertaking, it took 100 driver duties a day to cover the work. “The main challenge was the weather we had just before Christmas, which caused bad traffic congestion in the area,” said commercial manager Colin Farrant. “Everyone involved did a fantastic job and Southeastern were very quick to say how happy they were with the service Go-Ahead London provided.” The second big job for the department was the Gatwick blockade, following the closure of the Gatwick Express service for redevelopment of Gatwick Airport station and track repairs over Christmas. There were 150 driver duties needed per day to cover the work, with Sutton, Merton,
Gatwick rail replacement following the closure of the Gatwick Express service over Christmas.
Waterloo, Stockwell, Camberwell, Peckham, New Cross and Putney garages all helping to provide the necessary resources. “Because of the nature of the work, we needed baggage handlers, conductors and other specialised employees,” added Colin. “In total, there were up to 250 people working on the Gatwick rail replacement services every day. “I am thoroughly impressed with the way everyone banded together to get the work
Welcoming new faces on board The new year has heralded in employee changes in the commercial department, including two fresh faces. Commercial operations manager Tony Bull is now covering the Southeastern emergency rail contract, working away from head office, and fellow commercial operations manager Phil Seago has stepped in to cover rail replacement services. Commercial operations
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supervisor John Hopkinson has now retired, although John will still assist with Southeastern emergency rail cover, and commercial assistant Carly Moram has taken maternity leave to look after her son Joseph, who was born on December 16. Stepping in will be new commercial assistant Sara Kent and new clerical assistant Rosie Ward.
done, especially considering the scale of the undertaking. “We are now looking to continue the good work into 2014, with preparations already under way for contracts involving the Farnborough International Airshow and the Wimbledon tennis.”
Now you can follow us on twitter SOCIAL media users can now get all the latest Go-Ahead London news through the company’s Twitter page. Not only can you keep up to date with the latest goings-on from throughout the company, the page also features commendations, photos and other useful tidbits. If you want to check out the page or even tweet something to the company yourself, just visit www.twitter.com/Go_Ahead_ London.
Obituary Kevin Lane of Northumberland Park CCTV analyst Kevin died tragically on Sunday 9 February in a cycling accident, in Woodford Green High Road. He worked within the industry for 13 years and was a keen cyclist, attending the Tour de France as part of his holiday last year. "We were shocked and saddened to learn of the death of Kevin," said general manager Angie Ryder. "He will be missed by his colleagues and our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time."