Ian is currently the Rail Safety Manager for Transport for Greater Manchester, but before that he was the the Head of Tramway for Blackpool Transport. He was responsible for both Engineering and Operations for the new LRT fleet as well as the traction power infrastructure. He worked closely with the Heritage Operation Team to ensure a seamless interaction of the two services which is a unique operation within the UK tramways.
Ian began his career with Blackpool Transport in April 15 when he appointed as a highly experienced safety professional to consult with the Executive Team on a Tramway Safety Strategy. Ian created and implemented a Safety Improvement Plan which resulted in immediate positive benefits. This led to Ian being offered a permanent position as Safety and Infrastructure Manager. During this time Ian was able to restructure the Overhead Team in order to have cover onsite at all times of the day and night as well as extra crews in during out of service times. Ian also had built a training facility within the depot where Overhead Line training could be carried out at ground level without interruption of service.
On securing the position of Head of Tramway in January 17 (which broke from tradition of bus and tram operations being as one into a standalone tramway operation) Ian transformed the employee structure for LRT operations to ensure every team member is well trained, supported and encouraged to progress within the company. These themes were major employee issues as highlighted in the 2016 employee survey. In addition, all Conductors received enhanced customer experience training including disability awareness.
Ian enjoys being a member of the Blackpool Transport Executive Team and brings fresh thinking when actively contributing to the strategic business plan which results in improvements across all departments. Recent successes for the company include tramway extension agreement, Council agreement for bus fleet renewal and recognition for disability inclusion activity.
Ian spent 24 years in the Royal Corps of Signals after joining as a boy soldier back in 1983. As an electronics engineer he serviced in many operational theatres working on a wide range of communications equipment. He left the Army as a Staff Sergeant in May 2007 and Joined Virgin Trains where he gained his diploma in Heath Safety and Risk Management resulting in his appointment as Regional Safety Manager for the North and Scotland.
Ian’s strategic management portfolio includes customer experience, operational management employee management, engineering, safety and transformation management. Ian would be delighted to bring this diverse range of skills and experience to support the UKTram board through the challenges we are about to face.