GB Railfreight celebrates CIRO’s 25th birthday at Waterloo Station

GB Railfreight, a leading transporter of goods for businesses and consumers, held a special naming ceremony at London Waterloo station to celebrate the Chartered Institution of Railway Operators’ (CIRO) 25^th anniversary.

This week, GB Railfreight’s Chief Executive Officer, John Smith OBE and Vice Chair of the CIRO Board, Phil James unveiled GBRf 66728 new nameplate ‘Chartered Institution of Railway Operators – Celebrating 25 Years’ at a packed-out Platform 19 at Waterloo Station.

Established in 2000, CIRO has over 13,000 members. With a strong emphasis on education, innovation, and collaboration, it has established itself as a pillar of professional development in railway operations. This naming ceremony is one of many special commemorative events for CIRO throughout the year, as the Institution marks its Jubilee Year—a celebration of 25 years’ dedication to operational excellence.

John Smith OBE, Chief Executive Officer of GB Railfreight said; “This is a fond milestone to mark, as CIRO was formed just before I set up GB Railfreight. The sector has changed a lot since 2000 and will change a lot in the coming years, but what has been a constant is CIRO, which has done some vital work helping skilled professionals progress across the railway.”

Phil Sharratt, Chief Executive Officer of Chartered Institute of Railway Operators said; “Seeing our Chartered title proudly carried by this locomotive is a moment of great pride for CIRO. It reflects not just our evolution as a professional body over the last 25 years, but also the vital role railway operators play every day. We’re hugely grateful to GB Railfreight for helping mark