DRS Strikes Gold for the second year running
DRS struck gold once again at this year’s Golden Whistle Awards and were delighted to be declared for the second year running officially “The Best Performing Rail Freight Operator” taking home the prestigious Golden Whistle Award.
Pictured above back row from left: Tony Kay–DRS, Norman Egglestone–DRS, Paul McMahon-Network Rail(NR), Nick Coles-NR, Neil Dodd-DRS. Front row: Rachel Gilliland-NR, Neil McNicholas-DRS, Sue Bell-DRS, Hayley McDermott-DRS, Rita Handley-NR. Official photograph by: Tony Miles
The event is organised by the Institute of Railway Operators in conjunction with Modern Railways Magazine to celebrate operational excellence in the industry.
The Golden Whistle is awarded on consistent arrival times at destination over the previous 12 months during which DRS were declared to be far more reliable than any of our competitors.A Silver Whistle award is also presented to the most improved performer based on last year’s figures. This year DRS were also acknowledged as being officially the most improved performer however the event organisers have a policy of not awarding Gold and Silver Whistle Awards to the same operator, if it wasn’t for this ruling DRS would have received both awards.
Following the awards Neil McNicholas, Managing Director of DRS said: “This is the third time DRS have won this award and it is fantastic we have maintained our position for the second year in a row. This award recognises the hard work and dedication of the DRS workforce and the vital roles played to ensure our services get to their destination on time as well as the strong investment in reliability of assets. Well done to everyone involved who have ensured DRS remain “officially The Best Performing Freight Operator””.
Nick Coles, Customer Relationship Executive for Network Rail added: “Network Rail is committed to working with Freight Operating Companies to achieve the highest levels of train performance on the railway network. In the last 12 months, we have enjoyed a strong relationship with DRS on a wide variety of performance matters and it is really pleasing that our collaborative efforts have yielded such positive results”.
As a subsidiary of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) DRS are responsible for transporting nuclear materials around the UK, Alan Moore, the NDA’s Head of Operational Delivery Performance and Chairman of the DRS Board, said: “Its great news that once again we can congratulate Neil and his team on winning this prestigious award. DRS is now recognised as a reliable, innovative company that enhances the UK rail system performance and UK economy as a whole. The company through its nuclear operations, helps secure strategic nuclear capability, supports Cumbria being recognised as a centre of nuclear excellence and plays an important role in keeping the country’s lights on.”
DRS was established in 1995 as a supplier of transport and associated services to the nuclear industry, 2015 will also mark our 20th Anniversary.
Today the company employs more than 370 staff and has an annual turnover of £65m, operating from rail hubs in Carlisle and Crewe along with a network of 23 depots across the country.