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Project management
Looking
to fill a key
management
vacancy ?
‘Short lead times can be a
challenge, so it is essential to
be able to source the necessary
materials at limited notice’
suppliers losing Crossrail work for not meeting the necessary
health and safety requirements, so there is clear risk in terms of
financial loss and damage to a company’s reputation.
Sustainability
Environmental responsibility is becoming increasingly
important across all industry sectors. While there is some
demand for sustainable materials within the rail sector, where
we are really seeing a change is the need to minimise carbon
footprint to fit with the organisation’s internal green strategies.
It is essential to minimise the environmental impact of all
aspects of the supply chain by reducing emissions.
This massive investment into the rail sector means it faces
many challenges to undertake and complete construction work,
whilst maintaining a high quality service to its customers. It
is important for all organisations within the industry to work
closely together to overcome any operational issues and deliver a
solution that minimises risk and provides total peace of mind.
typically taking possession of rail tracks and stations out of
hours, between 01:00 and 04:00 or during weekend closures, it is
critical that the necessary materials are available when required.
Any failure to complete work can often result in a delay of
weeks or even months, whilst potentially costing thousands of
pounds to secure additional possession time.
Short lead times can be a challenge, so it is essential to be
able to source the necessary materials at limited notice. Many
contractors and construction teams will only be aware of their
requirements 24-hours prior to work being undertaken, so it is
important to have a dynamic procurement system to receive core
and specialist items even with the tightest deadlines. Storage can
A recruitment advertisement in
Rail Professional is the most direct route
to the biggest pool of quality rail talent
in the country.
also be an issue, meaning deliveries need to be made in scheduled
timeslots to avoid any disruption at the rail site.
It is essential, therefore, to have access to a comprehensive
network with high levels of product availability to ensure that
the necessary material is delivered at the appropriate time and
place. This not only minimises the possibility of delivery failure,
but also provides added peace of mind to the contractor and rail
business. If you’ve got a key post to fill,
The appropriate delivery equipment is also a consideration,
Rail Professional is the magazine read by
as any delivery is being made to a live rail location rather than
a round-the-clock professionals construction – 59 site. per Therefore, cent of truck readers mounted
cranes are usually required because the station or track rarely has
any suitable are managers unloading or equipment, board-level whilst executives.
larger delivery vehicles
can be inappropriate dependent on the road access and entrance
to a site.
Call Doug Lewis on 02031 501 691
or email doug@railpro.co.uk
Risk management
The procurement process poses considerable threats to a
business in terms of corporate social responsibility (CSR),
brand protection and financial performance. For example, a
high profile accident can result in damaging publicity within
the media, while missed deadlines can equally impact an
organisation’s reputation and affect future business or prospects.
In terms of health and safety compliance, Crossrail and
Network Rail both operate a zero tolerance approach to
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR RAIL
ensure that any company that flouts the rules faces serious
consequences and could even be removed from existing and
upcoming work. Apparently, there have been examples of
Richard Wade is the rail sector manager at Keyline, the only heavy building
materials provider to the rail industry to achieve the Gold Standard of the Freight
Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS). This recognises the highest levels of
safety, efficiency and environmental responsibility.
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