VGC Group Backs Rail Team of the Year
07 Jul 2010
The VGC Group is sponsoring the Rail Team of the Year category at the RailStaff Awards 2010. 
‘Projects are delivered safely and efficiently by teams of workers operating closely and consistently together. Team work means keeping rail infrastructure safe and ensuring clients get best service and value at all times,' says Chris Darlow, Director for VGC Rail Projects.
‘Team work, from a contract management point of view, means successfully integrating engineering, technical, compliance and commercial expertise on all our projects. The RailStaff Awards Rail Team of the Year will highlight many teams displaying a noteworthy approach to team work and combining skills, talents, competencies, innovation whilst delivering continuous improvement,' adds Chris.
Says Tom O'Connor, managing director of the Rail Media Group, which is organising the RailStaff Awards, ‘We are delighted to welcome the VGC Group to this year's expanded RailStaff Awards. Team work is essential to the safe running and expansion of the rail industry. Supporters told us we should do more to recognise team work and we agree.
‘From train crews to on-track teams the industry depends upon team work. We are happy to take forward the idea of a new award: Rail Team of the Year. VGC Group is best placed to sponsor this category. VGC is as renowned for the excellence of its training and team development work as it is for the safe delivery of projects on time and on budget.'
Safe, friendly and professional
The VGC Group has been in existence since 1960 and has become one of the leading suppliers of support services to the Rail and Construction industries from labour supply and recruitment through to training and contracting. With offices in London, Manchester and Scotland the VGC Group operates on a national basis and is well established to meet the requirements of the national rail industry.
VGC Rail Projects, a subsidiary of the VGC Group, specialises in contracting within the rail environment. Experienced teams at VGC Rail Projects manage complete structured packages on the rail infrastructure meeting the requirements of every individual client. A vast industry knowledge and expertise forms the cornerstone of VGC Rail Projects' safe, friendly and professional manner.
Recently VGC Rail Projects achieved Principle Contractor status for the London Underground for undertaking of civils and signalling works on the infrastructure.
For the last 10 years VGC has worked in partnership with Network Rail operating the Rail Delivery Fleet. The project is delivered through their teams of highly skilled workers strategically positioned around the UK. The process of delivery involves the input from various companies and departments in the planning, logistics, possession management and operational activities.
It is clear that this contract is successful due to its ethos of team working. The development of close relationships between these organisations provides an efficient operation where the rail is delivered on time and to a high standard within a safe working environment.
On average VGC Rail Projects delivers 1.5 million metres of rail in partnership with Network Rail every year. With the active participation and involvement of the Rail Delivery Teams and Network Rail in developing improved efficiency and innovation they have been able to action the following improvements - multi-skilled self sufficient teams, assisted planning resources, improvements to the design of operating equipment and an internal coaching and mentoring programme.
These programmes have resulted in increased efficiency in the delivery of rail in a safe manner, unit cost savings, and increased job satisfaction for their employees.
Says Chris Darlow, ‘Delivering projects using the contribution of all members of the team is ingrained in the culture of VGC Rail Projects. We know that our people are our most valuable asset and it is up to us to harness the best from them. Our people fully understand the impact of their involvement on the success of the business.'
The RailStaff Awards, now in its fourth year, will be held on 23rd October 2010 at the International Convention Centre, Birmingham.