Newsletter
News Releases
First GBRf victorious at National Rail Awards 19 September 2008
First GBRf, Britain’s most reliable rail freight operator, has beaten off stiff competition from long established rivals to scoop an esteemed prize at the National Rail Awards.
The British-owned rail haulier picked up the prestigious ‘Freight Achievement of the Year’ award at the Angel Trains-sponsored event, at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel on Thursday 18 September 2008.
The award recognised First GBRf’s rapid success within the UK railfreight market, especially in the coal division, where it has achieved, from a standing start, a 12% share of the market in less than two years. The judges were also impressed with First GBRf innovative approach to business, which encourages employees to openly challenge traditional railway practices, and its professional and helpful workforce.
The NRA judges commented: “We commend First GBRf on its success in the coal market in such a short time period. First GBRf’s good-neighbourly ground staff also provide a service to other freight operators to make the whole rail business more efficient.”
Managing Director John Smith was delighted at the win, which he attributed to the employees throughout the company who have made it possible.
He said: “At First GBRf our greatest point of difference has always been our staff, who really are the best in the business. They are not only committed to delivering the best possible service for us but prepared to go that extra mile to ensuring the freight industry as whole runs as smoothly as possible.
“The last year has been a fantastic one for us, with excellence growth in new and established markets and we look forward to the trend continuing into 2009.”
The judges were also impressed at the company’s ability to return mail successfully to the rails.
They said: “We are delighted that First GBRf has been able to win back some Royal Mail business for the railway.”
First GBRf has been carrying post for Royal Mail for more than three years, since winning the contract back in 2004. Within the last 6 months the freight company has increased the amount of services it runs for the postal organisation to include first class post.
Ends
Note to editors:
About First GBRf:
First GBRf is one of the UK's leading specialist railfreight companies, operating a wide ranging portfolio of intermodal and bulk traffic services in commodities such as coal, petrochemicals, mail and parcels, and construction materials. Its innovative approach and focus on flexibility, reliability and customer service has led to a raft of rail industry awards and a number of recent significant contract wins.
· Woodhouse Communications issued this release on behalf of GBRf. For more information contact Andrea Geeson on 01444 473588
