Advance TRS News Archives

On Monday 28 September, colleagues came together for our Macmillan Coffee Morning, raising £130 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The table was soon filled with an impressive mix of homemade sweet and savoury treats, giving everyone a good excuse to step away from their desks, catch up with colleagues and raise money for an important cause.

Macmillian Coffee For Cancer Cake Bake and Sale For Charity

What was on the table?

There was plenty to choose from, with lots of our team getting involved:

Ella made sausage rolls and banana bread.
Fiona made banana muffins.
Our resident office baker, Jess Dade, treated everyone to coffee cake and custard cream blondies.
Sean Bezer-Logue made cinnamon gingerbread and white chocolate muffins.
Sam Jennings and his son baked a classic Victoria sandwich.
Mandy Phipps recreated a school dinner favourite with a butterscotch tart.
James Brooks brought cupcakes.
Jo-anna made carrot cake.
A mystery baker contributed a batch of brownies.
Harry Harding made some fudge.

A huge thank you to everyone who baked, bought a treat or made a donation. It was great to see so many people getting involved and helping us raise £130 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Part of something bigger

Our Macmillan Coffee Morning is one of the many ways our team gets involved in fundraising throughout the year.

Over the years, Advance TRS has now raised £200,000 for a range of charities, thanks to the support of our colleagues, clients and wider community. From coffee mornings and charity challenges to our annual golf day, every event and every donation has helped us reach this milestone.

We’re proud of what we have achieved together and look forward to continuing to support causes that matter to our team and the communities around us.

Join our team

Want to be part of a team that works hard, supports one another and gets involved in giving back? Explore our latest opportunities and find out what it’s like to work at Advance TRS.

Advance TRS is proud to announce that its 6th Annual Charity Golf Day, held at Goodwood golf course, has raised approximately £20,000 in support of two incredible causes: Little Roo’s Foundation and Railway Children.

The event brought together clients, partners, colleagues, and industry friends from across the rail, infrastructure and built environment sectors for a day of golf, networking and fundraising. The latest total builds on the success of previous events, which have now generated more than £100,000 for charitable causes over the past five years.

Funds were raised through team entries, competition entries, donations, auctions and additional fundraising activities throughout the day and evening. The money will help both charities continue their vital work supporting vulnerable children and families both in neonatal care and within the railway community.

Golf Carts and clients and staff at Charity Golf Day

Supporting Little Roo’s And Railway Children

Little Roo’s supports premature and sick newborn babies receiving neonatal care at St Peter’s Hospital, as well as their families, by helping to fund vital specialist equipment, improvements to care and practical support during an extremely difficult time. The funds raised through the Golf Day will contribute to services that make a meaningful difference for babies, parents and neonatal teams.

Railway Children works in the UK, India and East Africa to protect vulnerable young people who are at risk around transport networks. Through outreach, safeguarding, education and long-term support, the charity helps children move away from danger and towards safer, more stable futures. Support from the event will help the charity continue reaching young people when and where they need it most.

Reflecting on his personal connection to both charities, Andy Ridout said:

“Little Roo’s is a cause that is incredibly close to my heart. My daughter was born at just 24 weeks and received the specialist care and support that Little Roo’s helps make possible. She is now eight years old, healthy, happy and thriving at school.”

“As a family, we will never forget the people who supported us through such a difficult and uncertain time, and it means so much to be able to give something back. “

“I have also been proud to support Railway Children over many years through challenges including trekking to Everest Base Camp, climbing Kilimanjaro, completing Ironman events and running marathons. Visiting the charity’s vital projects both here in the UK and overseas has shown me first-hand the difference its teams make for children facing danger and uncertainty.”

“That personal connection to both charities made this year’s event especially meaningful, and I am deeply grateful to everyone whose generosity will help them continue their life-changing work.”

It’s not too late to donate, if you would like to help us reach our target, you can donate here: Advance TRS is fundraising for Ashford & St Peter’s Charitable Trust – Little Roo Neonatal Fund

Turner & Townsend returned as Headline Sponsor for the 2026 event, continuing a valued year-on-year partnership that has helped the Golf Day grow in reach and fundraising impact. We would like to thank the Turner & Townsend team for once again getting behind the event and supporting this year’s fundraising.

Keynote Speaker

Planned guest speaker Mark Wild OBE was unable to attend because he was paying his respects at the funeral of Danny O’Connell MIET, a highly respected leader in the UK rail industry who sadly passed away in August. Advance TRS’s thoughts remain with his family, friends and colleagues.

Advance TRS was especially grateful to Jimmy Carter for stepping in at short notice to address guests and help make the day a success. Jimmy enjoyed a distinguished 20-year professional football career, representing clubs including Millwall, Liverpool, Arsenal and Portsmouth. In addition to giving his time, he generously donated two exceptional items of Arsenal memorabilia to the charity auction.

Speaking at the event, Andy Ridout, Group Managing Director at Advance TRS, said:

“Together, we raised approximately £20,000 for Railway Children and Little Roo’s, building on the substantial total generated by the event over the previous five years. This achievement would not have been possible without the generosity of everyone who attended, donated and bid in the auction. Both charities do remarkable work, and every contribution will help make a meaningful difference to vulnerable children, babies and their families.”

Introducing Advance Infrastructure Partners

The Golf Day also gave us the opportunity to introduce guests to Advance Infrastructure Partners (AIP), the new name for Advance TRS Management Consultancy.

During the event, Jonathan Edwards spoke about Advance Infrastructure Partners (AIP) and the next stage for the business. AIP is a senior-led delivery and consulting partner created to improve the delivery and lasting legacy of complex infrastructure programmes.

Working alongside clients across rail, aviation, water and major projects, AIP brings the senior capacity, experience and independence needed to set clear direction, strengthen decision-making and help clients get the best from consultants and contractors. The business works as an extension of each client’s team, assembling senior leaders around key challenges to help retain control, resolve difficult issues and accelerate decisions.

AIP remains part of Advance TRS, with the same people, relationships and commitment at the heart of the business. Jonathan Edwards leads AIP as Managing Partner, working with Partners James Bowry and Andy Ridout. The launch marks a new name and continued ambition, with the same focus on supporting clients and the infrastructure they deliver.

Congratulations To Our Winners

There was plenty of competition on the course too, with some strong scores across the day.

A highlight of the day was the presentation of the golfing awards, celebrating some impressive performances across the field.

Winning Fourball: VolkerRail Team with an outstanding team score of 88 points.

Individual Stableford Champion: Graham Shaw (VolkerRail) with an exceptional 45 Stableford points.

Nearest the Pin: James Bowry

Longest Drive: Sam Whitehead

Beat the Pro Challenge: David Smith, Elliott Passmore, Sam Whitehead, Scott Duncan, Mick Rayner, Clint Martin, Ed Griffiths, Louise Odham

Congratulations to all of our winners and thank you to everyone who took part.

Looking Ahead

The Golf Day has become an important date in the Advance TRS calendar, giving us the chance to bring together clients, partners, colleagues and friends while raising money for charities that are close to us.

Thank you to everyone who played, sponsored, donated, bid in the auction or supported the event. Raising approximately £20,000 would not have been possible without everyone getting involved.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back again next year and continuing to build on what the Golf Day has raised over the past six years.

For more information about the charities supported through this year’s event, visit:

To register your interest in attending next year, contact Ella.

A Few Photos From The Day

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The Advance TRS Executive Charity Golf Day 2026 is almost fully booked, with just one fourball remaining. Returning headline sponsor Turner & Townsend and keynote speaker Mark Wild OBE will join infrastructure leaders at Goodwood Park Golf Club on Thursday 24 September 2026 for the sixth annual charity event.

This year’s event is made possible once again through the continued support of Turner & Townsend, returning as Headline Sponsor and reinforcing a partnership that has helped establish the event as one of the standout dates in the industry calendar.

Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, guests and supporters over the years, the Advance TRS Executive Charity Golf Day has now raised more than £100,000 for charitable causes, a milestone that reflects the collective commitment of the industry to creating impact beyond business.

Advance TRS would like to extend sincere thanks to Turner & Townsend for their continued year-on-year support and contribution in helping grow both the reach and fundraising success of the event.

Mark Wild OBE Confirmed as Guest Speaker

A major highlight of this year’s event will be an evening guest address from Mark Wild OBE, Chief Executive of HS2 Ltd, who has kindly volunteered his time to join attendees for the evening reception and dinner as keynote speaker.

Mark leads one of the UK’s largest and most significant infrastructure programmes, overseeing the delivery of Britain’s new high-speed railway between London and Birmingham and supporting more than 33,000 jobs across the country.

With more than 35 years of experience leading some of the world’s most complex transport and infrastructure programmes, Mark brings a unique perspective on leadership, transformation and delivering major projects at scale.

Known for putting safety, sustainability and future talent development at the centre of his work, Mark’s contribution to the evening is expected to provide guests with insight into the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of UK infrastructure.

Andy Ridout, Group Managing Director at Advance TRS, said:

“To see the event reach this stage and to announce Mark Wild OBE as our guest speaker makes this year’s charity golf day especially significant. Mark has led some of the most transformational infrastructure programmes in recent history and we’re incredibly grateful that he has chosen to volunteer his time to support the evening and our fundraising efforts.

Equally, none of this would be possible without the continued support of Turner & Townsend. Their year-on-year commitment has helped us build this event into something that delivers real value to our industry while raising over £100,000 for charity. We’re hugely appreciative of their partnership and support.”

Supporting Railway Children and Little Roo Neonatal Fund

In 2026, fundraising from the event will support Railway Children and Little Roo Neonatal Fund.

Railway Children works across the UK, India and East Africa to protect vulnerable young people at risk around transport networks through safety, education and long-term support. Little Roo Neonatal Fund supports premature and sick newborn babies and their families through vital equipment, care and support services.

Book the Final Fourball

The Advance TRS Executive Charity Golf Day has become known for combining first-class hospitality and networking with a genuine commitment to giving back. With only one final fourball remaining, Advance TRS looks forward to welcoming guests for another memorable and impactful event and delivering another successful year of fundraising.

Contact Ella Gardiner at Advance TRS to book the final fourball.

We’re proud to share that Sam Riley has successfully summited Mount Kilimanjaro in support of Railway Children, completing an extraordinary challenge to raise vital funds for vulnerable children.

Now back from Tanzania, Sam has reflected on the experience as one of the toughest challenges he has faced, both physically and mentally. Battling altitude, heavy rain, freezing temperatures, lack of sleep, and high-altitude fatigue, the climb proved to be a true test of resilience from start to finish. As Sam described, “at times it was brutal, but it was also incredibly rewarding.”

A key part of the journey was the team around him. Climbing alongside a group of 14, Sam highlighted the importance of support, humour, and shared determination in reaching the summit, a reminder that even the most individual challenges are rarely achieved alone.

Before beginning the ascent, Sam and the team spent time in Tanzania visiting Railway Children’s projects, including the Kivuko project in Mwanza. These visits provided firsthand insight into the charity’s work supporting children who are alone and at risk and helping them access safety, care, and long-term opportunities. Reflecting on this, Sam shared that the experience “puts everything into perspective”, reinforcing that the challenge was about far more than reaching the summit.

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Sam’s Kilimanjaro trek is part of a long-standing commitment from Advance TRS to support Railway Children, with the business and its people having raised over £100,000 through various fundraising initiatives over the years.

So far, Sam has raised an impressive £5,800 towards his £7,000 target. There is still time to contribute and help push this total even further. Every donation makes a real difference in enabling Railway Children to continue their life-changing work.

If you would like to support Sam and the work of Railway Children, please consider donating here.

Railway Children is a powerful international charity working across the UK, India, and East Africa to reach children who are alone, scared, and living on the streets. Many are found around railway stations, where they are vulnerable to abuse, exploitation, and trafficking. The charity intervenes early to provide safety, shelter, education, and long-term support to help these children rebuild their lives.

Advance TRS is pleased to announce that the business has successfully achieved Cyber Essentials certification, the UK Government-backed scheme designed to help organisations protect themselves against the most common cyber threats.

This achievement marks another important milestone in our commitment to maintaining robust cyber security and protecting the data entrusted to us by our clients, candidates, and colleagues.

Cyber Essentials certification confirms that Advance TRS has implemented key technical controls to safeguard our IT systems and reduce vulnerability to common cyber-attacks such as phishing, malware, and unauthorised access.

The certification covers our UK-managed office networks in Port Solent and Guildford, as well as our Azure UK production networks, ensuring strong security standards across the infrastructure supporting our business operations.

Strengthening Our Cyber Security Framework

Achieving Cyber Essentials builds upon the strong foundations already established within Advance TRS. The business operates an ISO 27001-certified Information Security Management System (ISMS), which provides a structured framework for managing information security risks and continuously improving our processes.

ISO 27001 sets internationally recognised standards for how organisations manage sensitive information, ensuring appropriate policies, governance, and controls are in place.

By maintaining ISO 27001 certification and achieving Cyber Essentials, Advance TRS continues to strengthen its cyber security posture and demonstrate a proactive approach to protecting critical information.

These certifications support our commitment to:

Protecting client, candidate, and employee data
Maintaining a secure digital infrastructure across the business
Managing cyber security risks through structured governance
Continuously improving our information security practices

Supporting Secure Delivery For Infrastructure Clients

Advance TRS supports major organisations across the rail, water, energy, aviation, and built environment sectors, providing specialist recruitment and consultancy services.

Operating within complex supply chains means our clients expect high standards of governance, compliance, and cybersecurity. Achieving Cyber Essentials provides additional assurance that Advance TRS meets recognised cyber security standards and maintains secure systems for collaboration and data management.

For organisations operating within regulated industries and critical infrastructure, working with partners who prioritise information security is essential.

Thank You To Our Cyber Security Partners

We would like to extend our thanks to Nigel and the team at MGN for their expertise and support in guiding Advance TRS through the Cyber Essentials assessment process and ensuring a successful audit outcome.

Cyber security is an ongoing journey, and this certification represents the latest step in our continued investment in strengthening the resilience, security, and reliability of our digital infrastructure.

FAQs

What is Cyber Essentials certification?

Cyber Essentials is a UK Government-backed cyber security certification designed to help organisations protect themselves against the most common cyber threats. The scheme focuses on implementing essential technical controls such as secure network configurations, access management, malware protection, and regular system updates to reduce the risk of cyber-attacks.

Why is Cyber Essentials important for businesses in the UK?

Cyber Essentials helps organisations strengthen their cyber security defences and demonstrate that they take information security seriously. Many clients, particularly in regulated sectors and critical infrastructure industries, expect suppliers and partners to meet recognised cyber security standards.

How does Cyber Essentials support information security in recruitment?

Recruitment businesses handle sensitive data, including candidate information, client details, and project documentation. Cyber Essentials ensures organisations implement key security controls to protect this data from cyber threats such as phishing, malware, and unauthorised access.

What is the difference between Cyber Essentials and ISO 27001?

Cyber Essentials focuses on protecting organisations against common cyber threats through five key technical controls.

ISO 27001 is a broader international standard for managing information security through a structured Information Security Management System (ISMS), including governance, risk management, and continuous improvement processes.

Many organisations use Cyber Essentials alongside ISO 27001 to strengthen their overall cyber security framework.

Why should organisations work with a secure recruitment partner?

Working with a recruitment partner that follows recognised information security standards ensures that candidate data, client information, and project details are handled securely. Certifications such as Cyber Essentials and ISO 27001 demonstrate that an organisation has robust cyber security processes and governance in place.

What industries benefit from working with cyber-secure recruitment partners?

Industries that manage complex infrastructure projects or sensitive operational data particularly benefit from working with secure recruitment partners. This includes sectors such as rail, water and environment, energy and renewables, aviation, highways, buildings, and wider infrastructure programmes.

As we start 2026, it’s the perfect time to reflect on 2025 and what was another defining year for Advance TRS. From celebrating a major business milestone and strengthening our compliance credentials, to welcoming new leaders, supporting our communities, and recognising the people who make everything possible. It was a year about people, progress, and purpose.

Celebrating 14 Years of Advance TRS

Last September marked a proud milestone as Advance TRS celebrated 14 years in business. Over the years, we’ve grown into a trusted recruitment partner across rail, infrastructure, energy, aviation, telecoms, and the wider built environment, while staying true to the values that have guided us from day one.

Reaching this anniversary is a reflection of long-standing relationships, continued trust from clients and candidates, and a team that consistently delivers with integrity and commitment.

Accreditation & Memberships

Maintaining the highest standards across everything we do remains central to Advance TRS. In 2025, we reinforced that commitment through several key achievements:

Successful RISQS recertification, demonstrating our continued focus on quality, safety, and compliance within the rail sector
ISO 27001 and ISO 45001 surveillance audits completed, reinforcing our dedication to information security and health & safety management
Joining the Rail Forum, becoming a member of the Rail Forum was important as it plays a vital role in connecting organisations across the rail industry, encouraging collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and innovation. For us, joining the Rail Forum is about being actively involved in shaping the future of the sector. It allows us to stay close to industry developments, contribute to meaningful conversations, and ensure the recruitment solutions we provide are informed, responsible, and aligned with the evolving needs of rail clients and professionals.

These accreditations and memberships go beyond compliance. They reflect how we operate, the standards we hold ourselves to, and the trust placed in us by the industries we support.

Expanding Our Sector Experience

We also saw exciting growth across our specialist offerings with the launch of our Nuclear and Defence sectors. These additions reflect increasing demand for highly skilled professionals across critical infrastructure and further strengthen our ability to support complex, highly regulated environments.

Welcoming New Talent & Strengthening Leadership

We were proud to welcome many new team members in 2025, across delivery, leadership, marketing, recruitment, and compliance, each bringing valuable experience and a fresh perspective.

Two appointments in particular marked an important step forward in strengthening our sector leadership:

Karen Upton – We were delighted to welcome Karen as Lead Delivery Manager for Infrastructure & Rail. Karen brings deep sector knowledge and a delivery-focused mindset, supporting the continued growth of our rail and infrastructure offering.
Sam Mayo – We also welcomed Sam as Head of Telecoms & M&E, reinforcing our commitment to investing in specialist leadership within this rapidly evolving sector.

Celebrating Loyalty & Long-Service Milestones

We were especially proud to celebrate the dedication of team members reaching five years and beyond at Advance TRS. Something that’s increasingly rare in today’s working world and a true reflection of how we look after and invest in our people.

More than 10 staff members reached their 5-year+ milestone. A special mention goes to Sam Jennings, who celebrated 11 years with the business, and to Carolyn Kaye, marking an incredible 14 years, a remarkable achievement that speaks volumes about their impact, leadership, and long-term commitment.

A Year of Connection, Incentives & Celebrations

Bringing people together remained a key focus for us throughout the year. We came together for many key events and celebrations, and to celebrate our successes. In April, we kicked things off with a company-wide conference, followed by a summer gathering at the Boathouse. We also played mini golf and ended the year by dancing the night away at our fabulous, glitzy Christmas party.

These moments are about more than socials; they reflect our people-first culture and the importance we place on recognising effort, success, and connection.

Industry Events

Throughout 2025, we stayed actively engaged with the wider rail industry, attending key events including the 5th Annual Rail Aid Golf Day in support of Railway Children, as well as RIA Trailblazers at The Oval and the RIA 150th Anniversary Event, which brought together professionals from across the rail sector to connect, share insight, and celebrate the industry’s progress.

Giving Back: Community & Charity at the Heart of Advance TRS

Supporting our communities remains central to life at Advance TRS, and our teams once again demonstrated their commitment to making a positive impact.

Our wider charity and community initiatives in 2025 included:

33km Wine Walk for The Railway Children‘s Charity, raising just under £1,000 for this incredible charity.
Environmental volunteering in Victoria Park, with the South Coast team clearing, planting, and restoring green spaces.
Mock interview sessions at Surrey Care Trust, supporting young adults preparing to enter the workforce.
Movember fundraising, led by Stuart Minchen, supporting men’s mental health awareness
One of the most inspiring initiatives connected to Advance TRS this year is Sam Riley’s upcoming Mount Kilimanjaro trek. Sam, our Lead for Digital Infrastructure, is also Head of Corporate Relations for the Young Rail Professionals. His climb will take place in March 2026 and is in support of Railway Children. This challenge reflects Sam’s commitment to making a difference and our continued support for a charity that provides vital protection, care, and opportunity to vulnerable children around the world. We’re incredibly proud of Sam for taking on this challenge and encourage everyone to support, contribute, and help raise awareness for this important cause.

Sam Riley takes on Kilimanjaro for Railway Children's Charity

Looking Ahead

We closed 2025 with pride in what’s been achieved and excitement for what lies ahead in 2026. The business is growing, our sector expertise continues to expand, and our people remain at the heart of everything we do.

Thank you to our clients, candidates, partners, and colleagues for being part of the journey. We look forward to building on this momentum and making the year ahead even stronger.

We’re proud to announce that we have been audited and received our RISQS recertification. This audit revealed no non-conformances or observations, maintaining our standing as a trusted supplier to the rail sector.

At Advance TRS, we believe that safety, compliance, and quality are non-negotiable and not just a box to tick. They are the foundation of everything we do across all the sectors that we work in. Achieving this renewed RISQS accreditation reaffirms our ongoing commitment to those principles.

What RISQS accreditation means, and why it matters

RISQS isn’t just another certificate, it’s the gateway to supplying the rail industry. As the UK’s dedicated rail-industry supply-chain assurance scheme, it’s used across the rail sector to verify that suppliers meet rigorous standards of safety, compliance, and operational excellence.

By being RISQS-accredited, we demonstrate to our clients and contractors that we:

Operate under validated safety and quality management systems, ensuring that every project meets the stringent standards the rail industry demands.

Are capable of delivering services, whether consultancy, maintenance, or labour supply, while adhering to rail-specific compliance obligations.

Provide clients with a trusted, auditable record of competence, reducing the need for duplicate audits or supplier-side audits by clients.

RISQS accreditation gives our clients confidence. Ultimately, it means working with a partner who is independently verified and trusted throughout the rail supply chain.

What is RISQS Accreditation?

Why does this latest RISQS recertification matter to us?

Our entire compliance team works all year round to maintain robust processes and ensure that safety, documentation, and competence are always up to date.

This RISQs recertification is a clear confirmation that we continue to meet, and often exceed, the demanding standards set by the rail industry.

It shows we remain reliable and ready to deliver high-quality, safe, and compliant services at whatever scale or complexity our clients require.

Looking ahead, our commitment remains unchanged

As we move forward, we remain committed to raising the bar. RISQS accreditation isn’t a one-time achievement, it’s a commitment to ongoing excellence. We will continue to uphold safety, transparency, and quality across every project, ensuring our clients can rely on us with confidence.

Thank you to every member of the Advance TRS team whose hard work and dedication make this possible.

Advance TRS Successfully Completes Surveillance Audits For ISO 27001 & ISO 45001

In a year where risks are evolving faster than ever from cyber threats to workplace safety expectations, Advance TRS has once again raised the bar. We’re proud to announce that we have successfully completed surveillance audits for both ISO 27001 (Information Security) and ISO 45001 (Occupational Health & Safety), following a rigorous three-day audit with zero observations or non-conformances, underscoring our commitment to operational excellence.

These aren’t just certificates on a wall. They reflect our unwavering commitment to protecting our people, our clients, our candidates, and our data every single day.

Why This Certification Matters More Than Ever

ISO 27001

Cyber security is no longer a background concern, it’s a frontline priority.

“43% of UK businesses reported experiencing a cyber security breach or attack.”

The rail, water, highways, energy, defence, aviation and telecoms environment depend on safe handling of sensitive project information, commercial data, and personal records. Being recertified for ISO 27001 proves that our systems don’t just comply, they perform.

Robust data protection
Clear, consistent security controls
Confidence for clients sharing sensitive project information
Reassurance for candidates entrusting us with their personal details

This certification underlines our proactive approach to risk management and our mission to stay one step ahead in an evolving digital landscape.

What is ISO 27001 Accreditation?

ISO 45001 – Because Safety Is Personal

Whether it’s our office teams, our contractors, or visitors, safety is non-negotiable. ISO 45001 certification reinforces that Advance TRS is operating with the highest health & safety standards, from risk assessments to welfare practices and emergency preparedness.

Safe, supportive working environments
Strong leadership and safety culture
Clear, consistent compliance across the business

This isn’t just a standard it’s a promise that the wellbeing of our people always comes first.

What is ISO 45001 Accreditation?

A Team Effort – And A Culture We’re Proud Of

Behind every audit result is a huge amount of ongoing work: policy reviews, process improvements, training refreshers, document control, continuous monitoring and plenty of teamwork.

A massive thank-you to everyone across the business who plays a part in upholding these standards every day. Recertification is the outcome, but the culture of excellence is the reason.

Beyond Compliance – Fuel For Future Growth

These certifications unlock real commercial value:

They strengthen our place on Preferred Supplier Lists and major framework agreements.
They support expansion across rail, water, construction, energy, utilities, aviation, highways, and beyond.
They reinforce trust with clients who expect the highest safety and security standards.

Looking Ahead – Continuous Improvement Never Stops

These audits aren’t a finish line, it’s another checkpoint on our commitment to continual improvement. We’re already preparing for our next RISQS audit, as well as ongoing enhancements across our internal systems.

Our goal? To remain one of the most trusted, accredited, and responsible recruitment businesses in the industry.

Want to Work With A Trained, Trusted And Accredited Recruitment Partner?

From ethical hiring and audit-ready compliance to uncompromising safety and security standards, we’re committed to excellence in every interaction.

Certification isn’t something we do once a year, it’s something we live every day. And this latest achievement is a testament to the people behind Advance TRS who make excellence the standard, not the ambition.

Find out more about our recruitment compliance

Explore our full range of certifications and awards

Learn more about our corporate responsibility commitments:

This month, we are delighted to celebrate five years at Advance TRS for Recruitment Consultant, Sam Blair. Since joining our Guildford team, Sam has developed into a trusted specialist in Planning, Project Controls, and PMO recruitment across the built environment, becoming a recognised name in Sam Blair Project Controls Recruitment. Over the past five years, he has built strong relationships with candidates and clients and played a key role in supporting talent delivery on major UK infrastructure projects.

Sam has demonstrated passion, resilience, and a commitment to delivering the highest standards in recruitment. His journey represents the culture we are proud of at Advance TRS, where people are supported to grow, deepen their expertise, and build meaningful careers in specialist markets.

“Five years has flown by. I’ve learnt so much, worked with great people, and built strong relationships across the industry. I’m looking forward to continuing to develop my expertise and supporting more candidates and clients in the years ahead.” — Sam Blair

View our latest opportunities

A Journey of Growth and Expertise

When Sam joined us, he brought enthusiasm and a desire to learn. Five years later, he has evolved into a respected recruiter with deep market knowledge and a strong network across the planning and project controls community.

Sam now supports delivery across the infrastructure lifecycle in sectors including rail, highways, aviation, defence, and wider construction environments. He works closely with leading consultancies and contractors to source highly skilled talent such as Planners, Project Controllers, PMO Analysts, Project Managers, Cost and Risk specialists, and wider engineering and delivery support roles.

His consultative approach, responsiveness, and ability to understand the complexities of project delivery have made him a go-to recruitment partner for clients and candidates alike.

“It’s been fantastic to see Sam grow over the past five years. He has developed into a trusted specialist in the planning and project controls market and consistently delivers an excellent service to both our clients and candidates. Sam’s work ethic, commitment to quality and genuine passion for supporting people in their careers make him a real asset to our Guildford team. We’re proud of what he has achieved, and excited to see his continued success with Advance TRS.” — Sam Jennings, Rail Director, Advance TRS

Supporting Specialist Talent for Critical UK Projects

Planning and project controls are essential to successful major infrastructure programmes. With continued investment in transport, defence, and infrastructure, this specialist talent pool is more important than ever. Sam plays a key part in helping organisations secure these skills — identifying high-calibre professionals who bring expertise, rigour, and impact to critical programmes.

His work reflects our growing strength in this area, reinforcing Advance TRS’ capability as a trusted partner in technical recruitment for the built environment. Over the last five year Sam has been a valued member of the team celebrating a number of achievements in the business including;

Core Values Award Winner Q1 2025-26
Joining the High Flyers Club Trip incentive
Achieving billing milestones
Completing charity fundraising challenges

Connect With Sam — or Join Our Growing Guildford Team

Whether you’re a planning or project controls professional seeking your next role, or an organisation looking for specialist recruitment support, Sam is here to help.

Connect on LinkedIn: Sam Blair

Find out more about Sam and get in touch: Contact Sam Blair

We are actively growing our Guildford office, offering career opportunities for driven individuals looking to build their future in recruitment. If Sam’s journey inspires you and you’d like to be part of a high-performing, supportive, and ambitious team — we’d love to hear from you.

Congratulations, Sam — and here’s to the next five years!

We’re delighted to welcome Karen Upton to Advance TRS as Lead Delivery Manager for our Rail & Infrastructure team in Guildford.

Karen Upton joins us with over two decades of recruitment expertise, most recently leading professional & technical divisions within the rail sector. Throughout her career, she has partnered with major infrastructure clients to deliver recruitment solutions across rail, construction, nuclear, power, and IT. With a strong reputation for building lasting client and candidate relationships, Karen is known for her consultative approach, industry knowledge, and commitment to delivering the right people for critical projects.

Speaking about her new role, Karen said:

“I’m thrilled to be joining Advance TRS at such an exciting stage of growth. The Rail & Infrastructure team has an outstanding reputation for quality and delivery in the sector, and I look forward to bringing my experience to further strengthen client partnerships and support the team in delivering exceptional results. It’s a fantastic opportunity to work with such a knowledgeable and dedicated group.”

As Lead Delivery Manager, Karen will play a central role in shaping and driving the delivery function within our Rail & Infrastructure team. She will focus on ensuring our clients continue to benefit from a high-quality, consistent, and responsive service, while supporting the development of our delivery consultants and enhancing processes to meet the growing demands of the sector.

Her appointment further strengthens our Rail & Infrastructure division, which continues to expand as we partner with leading organisations to deliver complex and high-profile projects across the UK.

Sam Jennings, Rail & Infrastructure Director, added:

“We’re delighted to welcome Karen to Advance TRS. Her extensive sector knowledge and proven track record in rail and wider infrastructure recruitment make her a strong addition to our leadership team. Karen’s appointment reflects our commitment to investing in the best people to enhance our capability and ensure we continue to deliver a market-leading service to clients across the industry.”

Please join us in giving Karen a very warm welcome to Advance TRS – we’re excited to see the impact she will bring to our clients, candidates, and team.

Karen’s arrival follows the appointment of Sam Mayo earlier this month, further strengthening our Rail & Infrastructure leadership and delivery capability as we continue to scale to meet client demand.

Our Rail & Infrastructure division continues to expand as we partner with leading organisations to deliver complex and high-profile projects across the UK. If you’re hiring or exploring your next move in rail and infrastructure, connect with Sam Jennings or view our latest opportunities to start the conversation.

We’re delighted to announce that Sam Mayo has joined Advance TRS as Head of Telecoms / M&E, bringing over 22 years of specialist recruitment experience in the Rail Telecommunications and Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) sectors.

Throughout his career, Sam has built a strong reputation for connecting leading infrastructure projects with the specialist talent they need to succeed, working across Mainline Rail, Metro, and Underground networks. He has extensive experience supplying highly skilled professionals for Telecoms, SISS, Security Systems, and M&E disciplines, placing both contract and permanent candidates into engineering, project delivery, and senior leadership roles.

Sam’s expertise spans Telecommunications networks, Security and Information Systems, and M&E systems within highly regulated industries. Whilst his core expertise lies within Rail Infrastructure, he also works extensively with clients involved in Power Networks, Airports, Data Centres, and other major infrastructure projects, supporting them in sourcing the niche technical talent required to deliver complex programmes.

At Advance TRS, Sam will lead the growth and strategy of our Telecoms and M&E division, working closely with clients and candidates to deliver bespoke, consultative recruitment solutions. In his role, he will be responsible for driving business development and expanding our presence within the Telecoms and M&E markets, while building and nurturing strong relationships with key infrastructure clients. Sam will also lead a team of specialist recruiters, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, compliant, and timely recruitment solutions, and supporting the successful placement of talent across critical rail and infrastructure projects nationwide.

Speaking about his new role, Sam said:

“I’m excited to be joining Advance TRS to lead the growth of our Telecommunications and M&E infrastructure division. Having worked in this sector for many years, I bring a proven track record, an extensive network, and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within these markets.

What makes this move even more exciting is the opportunity to work alongside familiar faces, including former colleagues and long-standing industry contacts, making this a smooth transition for both myself and those I support. This familiarity ensures continuity of service, while also allowing us to expand our capabilities and continue delivering the high-quality, consultative recruitment solutions that Advance TRS is known for.”

Group Managing Director Andy Ridout added:

“Sam brings a wealth of experience and an outstanding reputation within the Rail and Telecoms recruitment markets. His leadership will play a key role in advancing our offering in these sectors, helping us continue to provide our clients with the highest quality talent and support.”

We’re excited to welcome Sam to the Advance TRS family and look forward to seeing his impact as he drives forward our Telecoms and M&E recruitment strategy.

Get in touch with Sam Mayo.

Connect with Sam Mayo on LinkedIn.

Whether you’re looking for specialist Telecoms and M&E talent or seeking your next career opportunity, Sam and our expert recruitment team are here to help.

We’re proud to announce that Sam Riley, Lead For The Digital Infrastructure at Advance TRS & Head of Corporate Relations for Young Rail Professionals, will be taking on the Mount Kilimanjaro Charity Trek for Railway Children in March 2026 — an epic challenge that aims to raise £7,000 to support some of the world’s most vulnerable children.

Following in Our Managing Director’s Footsteps

This inspiring journey continues a proud tradition at Advance TRS. Our Group Managing Director, Andy Ridout, previously completed the Kilimanjaro trek himself for Railway Children — navigating rainforests, alpine deserts, and icefields before reaching the summit at 5,896m. Andy’s experience didn’t end at the peak. He visited Railway Children’s project in Mwanza, Tanzania, witnessing first-hand how donations transform lives.

Now Sam is stepping up to follow that path, carrying forward the legacy with the same purpose and passion.

“This will be the most physically and mentally demanding thing I’ve ever done,” says Sam. “7 days of trekking at high altitude, through rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert to reach 5,896m. I’d be hugely grateful for your support – please consider donating or sharing my campaign to help me reach my goal and make a real difference.”

Donate to support Sam’s fundraising effort!

Why Railway Children?

Railway Children is a powerful international charity working across the UK, India, and East Africa to reach children who are alone, scared, and living on the streets. Many are found around railway stations where they are vulnerable to abuse, exploitation, and trafficking. The charity intervenes early to provide safety, shelter, education, and long-term support to help these children rebuild their lives.

Sam will visit one of these projects in Mwanza during his trip — seeing first-hand the impact every donation makes.

Our Commitment to Giving Back

At Advance TRS, giving back is part of who we are. Supporting causes like Railway Children aligns with our mission to advance others. Our team is deeply committed to charity fundraising, and over the years, we’ve:

Raised over £100,000 for Railway Children
Completed epic challenges including Ride Vietnam, the Three Peaks, and Everest Base Camp
Hosted our Annual Charity Golf Day, raising more than £77,000
Organised grassroots initiatives for Oakleaf Enterprise, Macmillan, and Cancer Research UK

We believe business success should always go hand-in-hand with social value. Sam’s Mount Kilimanjaro charity trek is just one more way we’re delivering on that belief.

Find out more about Advance TRS’s long history of charity fundraising.

Get Involved – Support Sam’s Trek

The Mount Kilimanjaro Charity Trek for Railway Children spans seven days and 69km of high-altitude trekking through rainforest, moorland, and icy terrain. It’s a true test of endurance — and your support can help Sam every step of the way.

Follow Sam and donate to support him on his journey.

We are pleased to announce that Advance TRS is now officially one of the newest Rail Forum members, joining a national network dedicated to driving excellence, innovation, and collaboration across the UK rail sector.

As specialist recruiters with deep roots in rail, our membership reinforces our long-standing commitment to the industry. By joining Rail Forum, we gain access to a vibrant ecosystem of members spanning infrastructure, rolling stock, operations, consultancy, and technology. This platform allows us to contribute our expertise and stay connected with the latest developments shaping the future of rail.

Established in 1993, the Rail Forum is based in the Midlands—home to one of the largest clusters of rail businesses in the world. Its inclusive membership brings together everything from major international organisations to specialist SMEs. As new Rail Forum members, we look forward to engaging with peers, sharing insights, and forming new partnerships that benefit our clients and candidates alike.

At Advance TRS, we understand the vital role that people play in delivering complex rail projects. Our insight-led, consultative recruitment services are designed to support every stage of the project lifecycle, ensuring access to the right talent at the right time. Being part of the Rail Forum further empowers us to shape and respond to the industry’s evolving skills needs.

Advance TRS, Memberships, Certifications and Awards

We’re excited to attend upcoming events, contribute to industry discussions, and amplify the voices of those working across the rail sector. Becoming Rail Forum members is a proud step forward for Advance TRS, and one that aligns perfectly with our mission to support the UK rail industry through expertise, insight, and trusted recruitment partnerships.

If you’re attending a Rail Forum event soon, keep an eye out for the Advance TRS team — we’d love to connect!

Advance TRS Joins Rail Forum | New Rail Forum Members

This August, the Advance TRS team will lace up their walking boots and head into the Surrey Hills for a one-of-a-kind charity challenge — the Advance TRS Wine Walk. Covering 33km across stunning countryside and stopping at five local vineyards, this unique event aims to raise vital funds for Railway Children, a charity dedicated to protecting vulnerable children around the world.

The Advance TRS Wine Walk combines physical endurance, team spirit, and a few well-earned glasses of wine along the way — all in support of an organisation that continues to do life-changing work.

Why We’re Supporting Railway Children

Railway Children is a long-standing charity partner of Advance TRS. The charity works across the UK, India, and East Africa, helping children who are alone and at risk on the streets. Through early intervention, safety, shelter, and long-term support, they offer vulnerable young people the opportunity for a better future.

Giving back is embedded in the Advance TRS culture. Over the years, our team has raised over £100,000 for charitable causes through major fundraising challenges like the Three Peaks by Rail and Everest Base Camp. The Advance TRS Wine Walk is our latest effort to drive impact through teamwork and shared values.

About the Advance TRS Wine Walk

Here’s what the challenge looks like:

Event: Advance TRS Wine Walk
Date: Friday 22nd August 2025
Distance: 33km / 20.5 miles
Route: Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Start: Greyfriars Vineyard
Finish: Denbies Wine Estate
Vineyards Visited: 5
Estimated Duration: 6–7 hours (including breaks)

This is no easy stroll — the Advance TRS Wine Walk will put our team to the test, navigating rolling hills and long distances while fundraising for a vital cause. Fortunately, the promise of wine tastings and beautiful views along the way will keep spirits high!

How You Can Support the Advance TRS Wine Walk

We’re calling on our network of colleagues, clients, candidates, and friends to help us reach our fundraising target. Every pound donated to the Advance TRS Wine Walk helps Railway Children continue their critical work on the ground.

Donate now and support the Advance TRS Wine Walk:
🔗 https://www.justgiving.com/page/advance-trs-wine-walk

Your support helps provide safety and support to children who are otherwise at serious risk. Whether you’re backing us for the cause, the challenge, or simply the wine, we are incredibly grateful for your contribution.

Discover the Route: Vineyard Stops on the Advance TRS Wine Walk

The Advance TRS Wine Walk takes participants on a scenic journey through the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with five handpicked vineyard stops along the way. Each vineyard offers a chance to pause, refresh, and enjoy a taste of some of the region’s finest wines — all while raising funds for Railway Children.

Explore the incredible locations that make this route so special:

Greyfriars Vineyard – Starting point of the walk, set on the Hog’s Back with stunning views and award-winning English Sparkling Wine.
Chilworth Manor Vineyard – A beautiful, historic estate producing boutique wines in the heart of the Surrey Hills.
Albury Organic Vineyard – A leader in sustainable winemaking, known for its organic sparkling wines and biodiversity.
High Clandon Estate Vineyard – An artisan vineyard with panoramic views and a passion for English cuvée.
Denbies Wine Estate – The final destination and one of the UK’s largest and most well-known vineyards, nestled in the heart of Surrey wine country.

Each of these stops not only provides a memorable experience but helps shape the unique character of the Advance TRS Wine Walk — blending physical challenge, local heritage, and community spirit.

Find out more about working for us Careers at Advance TRS | We’re hiring!

At Advance TRS, we are driven by a leadership team that embodies our core values and vision for success. Our management board is made up of experienced professionals who bring decades of combined expertise across various industries, including rail, infrastructure, water, environment, and engineering. This dedicated team shapes our strategic direction, ensuring that we provide exceptional recruitment solutions and drive the continued success of our brands.

Andy Ridout

Group Managing Director

LinkedIn: Andy Ridout

As the visionary behind Advance TRS, Andy founded the company with the goal of delivering unparalleled recruitment solutions within niche engineering sectors. With nearly 30 years of experience, Andy’s leadership has been pivotal to the company’s success. Under his guidance, Advance TRS has expanded into new ventures like CITILINE and Advance TRS Management Consultancy. Andy’s commitment to quality, integrity, and innovation ensures the continued growth and success of the business.

Find out more.

Paul Metcalfe

Non-Executive Director

LinkedIn: Paul Metcalfe

Paul brings a wealth of experience in driving business growth and strategy as our Non-Executive Director. With a background in senior leadership roles at AndersElite and Fusion People, Paul’s strategic insights are invaluable in shaping the direction of Advance TRS. His experience in scaling recruitment businesses and mentoring senior leaders ensures that our company remains focused on delivering exceptional client service and sustainable growth.

Find out more.

Carolyn Kaye

Group Finance Director

LinkedIn: Carolyn Kaye

Carolyn is the backbone of our financial operations, overseeing the financial management and contractor payroll for all three brands. With over 20 years of experience, Carolyn has played an integral role in steering the company’s growth. Her strategic insights ensure the financial stability of Advance TRS, while her dedication to mentoring and empowering women in business continues to shape our company’s culture and success.

Find out more.

Ella Gardiner

Group Business Operations Director

LinkedIn: Ella Gardiner

As Group Business Operations Director, Ella is responsible for overseeing business operations, marketing, creative campaigns, and event management across the three Advance TRS brands. With over 10 years of experience, Ella’s strategic leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping the company’s vision, enhancing brand awareness, and fostering strong stakeholder relationships. She’s passionate about driving employee engagement, managing key business operations, and ensuring that our services exceed the expectations of both clients and candidates.

Find out more.

Michael Schruyers

Group Sales Operations Director

LinkedIn: Michael Schruyers

Mick has over 20 years of experience in the recruitment sector and has been integral to the growth and success of Advance TRS. His deep understanding of the Rail & Infrastructure markets has enabled him to forge strong partnerships and assist clients in delivering value-added solutions. Mick leads our sales and compliance operations teams, ensuring that we maintain high standards of service delivery while adhering to health and safety regulations. His leadership continues to drive the company’s strategic growth.

Find out more.

Sam Jennings

Rail & Infrastructure Director

LinkedIn: Sam Jennings

Sam is a highly experienced leader in the Rail & Infrastructure sector, with over 15 years of proven expertise. He is responsible for the growth and success of the Guildford office’s Rail & Infrastructure teams. Sam has overseen recruitment efforts for major projects, including the 4 Lines Modernisation on the London Underground. As a key client account manager, he ensures client expectations are met and exceeded while providing leadership and mentoring to recruitment teams.

Find out more.

Rob Kelly

Water & Infrastructure Director

LinkedIn: Rob Kelly

Rob leads our Port Solent office and is the driving force behind our Water, Environment, and Infrastructure teams. With over 18 years of experience, Rob’s expertise is invaluable in delivering recruitment solutions for clients in the Water and Environment sectors. As a practitioner member of IEMA and with a degree in environmental science, Rob’s strategic insights and leadership are crucial in aligning our services with client needs, particularly in the Water & Infrastructure industries.

Find out more.

Stuart Minchin

Director

LinkedIn: Stuart Minchin

With 19 years of experience in the infrastructure and water industries, Stuart is a key member of our management board. His expertise in environmental sustainability and recruitment within the water sector has helped drive Advance TRS’s success. Stuart’s strategic insight allows him to navigate complex recruitment challenges and ensure that the right talent is matched with the right opportunities. His dedication to connecting top talent with organizations that prioritize sustainable development continues to impact the industry.

Find out more.

Why Choose Advance TRS?

At Advance TRS, we take pride in the experience, knowledge, and dedication of our senior team. Whether you’re looking for your next career opportunity or seeking expert recruitment services for your projects, our Advance TRS Guildford Sales Team is here to support you. With extensive experience in the rail and engineering sectors, we offer solutions that are tailored to your specific needs.

At Advance TRS, we are proud to have a team of highly skilled and experienced professionals who specialize in delivering tailored recruitment solutions for both clients and candidates in the rail, engineering, and infrastructure sectors. Our Port Solent senior team brings expertise across multiple industries, ensuring that we connect the best talent with leading organizations.

Let’s introduce you to the senior members of our Port Solent Sales Team who help drive our success and deliver exceptional recruitment outcomes for our clients.

Sean Brown

Principal Consultant

Specialisms: Infrastructure | Civil & Structural Design
LinkedIn: Sean Brown

Sean is a seasoned recruitment professional specializing in the Civil & Structural design market. With extensive experience in connecting top talent with leading companies, Sean has built a reputation as a trusted consultant. His expertise spans a wide range of roles, from Structural Engineers to Geotechnical Engineers, offering tailored recruitment solutions for both permanent and contract placements. With a client base ranging from large international corporations to prestigious SMEs, Sean consistently delivers high-level services with a strong focus on client needs.

Find out more.

Alex Shaw

Lead Principal Consultant

Specialisms: Water | Environment | Infrastructure
LinkedIn: Alex Shaw

With 13 years of experience, Alex is a specialist in the UK Water and Flood Risk sectors. As a CertRP qualified Recruitment Consultant and a member of the Institute of Recruitment Professionals (MIRP), Alex has been instrumental in helping professionals advance their careers across various disciplines, including Civil Engineering, Hydraulic Modelling, and Flood Risk Management. His expertise in sourcing candidates for key UK Water industry projects, including AMP7 frameworks, has earned him industry-wide recognition.

Find out more.

Jake Jessey

Associate

Specialisms: Energy & Renewables
LinkedIn: Jake Jessey

Jake leads our Energy & Renewables Division with over 27 years of experience in the T&D, marine, energy, engineering, and built environment sectors. As a Fellow of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (FIRP), Jake’s deep understanding of the industry’s specifications and roles, combined with his extensive network, has made him a trusted partner for organizations seeking top-tier talent in energy and renewables. His expertise spans power transmission & distribution, offshore/onshore wind, wave and tidal generation, and subsea cables.

Find out more.

Daryll Gibson

Principal Consultant

Specialisms: MEP Building Services
LinkedIn: Darryll Gibson

With over 12 years of recruitment experience, Daryll is an expert in the MEP Building Services sector. He specializes in sourcing top-tier professionals for roles including electrical engineers, HVAC design engineers, and sustainability engineers. His proactive approach to recruitment and deep industry knowledge have made him a trusted partner for clients in the built environment sector.

Find out more.

Why Choose Advance TRS?

Our senior team at Port Solent is dedicated to delivering exceptional recruitment solutions for the rail, engineering, and infrastructure sectors. With decades of combined experience, we provide tailored, efficient recruitment services that match clients with top-tier talent. Whether you’re looking for your next career opportunity or seeking to hire highly skilled professionals for your projects, our team is here to help.

At Advance TRS, we are committed to delivering outstanding recruitment services to both clients and candidates across the rail and engineering sectors. The Advance TRS Guildford Sales Team plays a crucial role in ensuring that we provide tailored, efficient, and professional recruitment solutions. This senior team brings decades of experience to the table, offering deep industry knowledge and a network of top-tier professionals.

Let’s meet the key players in our Guildford Sales Team who drive success and deliver exceptional recruitment outcomes for our clients.

Chris Spurdle

Group Business Development Manager

Specialisms: Rail | Engineering | Civil Engineering
LinkedIn: Chris Spurdle

With over 15 years of experience in the rail recruitment sector, Chris plays a pivotal role in managing key accounts across the Advance TRS, CITILINE, and Advance TRS Management Consultancy brands. He also serves as the key account manager for Network Rail through PSR, giving him an in-depth understanding of the specific requirements within the Network Rail framework. Chris’s extensive experience ensures the delivery of tailored recruitment solutions that meet the unique needs of his clients.

Find out more.

Jake Rodger

Senior Recruitment Consultant

Jake is a Senior Recruitment Consultant with five years of experience specializing in Railway Signalling. His focus includes recruiting across various disciplines such as engineering, design, test, installation, and project management. Jake’s expertise in the rail and digital technology sectors ensures that he connects the best talent with cutting-edge opportunities, keeping ahead of industry trends to match candidates with roles that will push the boundaries of their careers.

Find out more.

Josh Hill

Principal Consultant

Specialisms: Rail | Engineering | Civils | Permanent Way (P-Way)
LinkedIn: Josh Hill

Josh brings vast experience in rail project management to his role as Principal Consultant, specializing in Civils and Permanent Way (P-Way). His journey began with managing blue-collar contract work for major upgrades, including the 4 Lines Modernisation project for the London Underground. With over five years of experience in white-collar recruitment, Josh works closely with senior colleagues to build high-performing teams to deliver critical infrastructure projects across the UK and Ireland.

Find out more.

Louise Oldham

Lead Delivery Manager

Specialisms: Executive & C-Suite | Programme & Project Management | HSQE | Procurement | Engineering
LinkedIn: Louise Oldham

With over 10 years of recruitment experience, Louise leads our delivery team, ensuring that service level agreements (SLAs) for key MSP and RPO clients are met with precision. Louise specializes in executive search, sourcing senior professionals at Director and C-suite levels, particularly in the built environment. Her skills in identifying niche talent have made her a trusted leader in our headhunting efforts, providing executive search services for some of the most prominent clients in the rail and engineering sectors.

Find out more.

Sam Blair

Recruitment Consultant

Specialisms: Infrastructure | Engineering | Planning | Project Controls
LinkedIn: Sam Blair

Sam is a specialist in delivering end-to-end recruitment solutions for infrastructure, energy, and MOD sectors, particularly in planning, project controls, and project management. With a focus on quality and service, Sam is dedicated to ensuring that clients are matched with the best candidates for their critical infrastructure projects. His attention to detail and commitment to understanding client needs make him an asset in supporting the growing demand for skilled professionals in these industries.

Find out more.

Sam Riley

Recruitment Consultant

Sam focuses on delivering recruitment solutions for complex infrastructure, energy, and defence projects, specializing in a wide range of engineering disciplines, including cyber security and safety assurance. His deep understanding of market trends allows him to deliver real value to both clients and candidates by sourcing high-calibre professionals with the skills needed to drive success in these specialized sectors.

Find out more.

Why Choose Advance TRS?

In the rail industry, safety, reliability, and compliance are paramount. One way businesses in the sector demonstrate their commitment to these values is through achieving RISQS accreditation. But what does RISQS accreditation mean, and why is it so important for rail suppliers and contractors? In this blog, we explore the significance of RISQS accreditation and how it benefits both businesses and their customers.

What Is RISQS Accreditation?

RISQS (Railway Industry Supplier Qualification Scheme) is the UK’s dedicated supply chain assurance scheme for the rail industry. It is managed by the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) and is designed to ensure that rail suppliers meet high standards of safety, quality, and compliance.

RISQS accreditation provides an independent, third-party validation of a supplier’s ability to deliver safe and high-quality products and services to the rail sector. The scheme covers a wide range of suppliers, including contractors, consultants, manufacturers, and service providers. By becoming RISQS accredited, a business demonstrates its commitment to the rail industry’s strict requirements and regulations.

Why Is RISQS Accreditation Important?

For businesses operating in the rail sector, achieving RISQS accreditation is crucial for several reasons:

Demonstrating Safety and Compliance – The rail industry is heavily regulated, with safety being a top priority. RISQS accreditation ensures that a supplier is compliant with industry standards, reducing the risk of accidents or incidents on the tracks.
Improved Reputation – Being RISQS accredited signals to potential clients and partners that your business operates to the highest safety and quality standards. This can be particularly important when bidding for contracts, as many clients require RISQS certification as a prerequisite.
Competitive Advantage – In a competitive market, RISQS accreditation can set your business apart from others. It provides evidence that your business meets the strict criteria set by the rail industry, which can be a deciding factor for clients and partners when selecting suppliers.
Access to More Opportunities – Many rail operators and contractors only work with RISQS-accredited suppliers. Having this accreditation opens doors to more business opportunities within the sector and ensures you are considered for contracts with major clients.
Industry Recognition – RISQS accreditation is widely recognised across the rail industry. It shows that a business is committed to maintaining high operational standards, ensuring consistency, reliability, and safety in all its operations.

How Does RISQS Accreditation Work?

To gain RISQS accreditation, a company must go through a detailed assessment process. This includes:

Application – The business submits an application to RISQS, providing key information about its operations, capabilities, and safety record.
Audit – An independent audit is conducted to assess the company’s compliance with the safety and quality standards required by the rail industry. The audit focuses on areas such as safety management, quality control, and operational processes.
Assessment of Risk – The company’s overall risk profile is evaluated, including its approach to safety, risk management, and business continuity. This ensures that the company has the necessary measures in place to mitigate potential risks.
Certification – If the company successfully meets all the necessary criteria, it will be awarded RISQS accreditation. This certification is valid for a certain period and must be renewed through ongoing compliance and reassessment.

Benefits of RISQS Accreditation

Achieving RISQS accreditation comes with numerous benefits for rail suppliers and contractors:

Increased Trust and Credibility – Clients and partners in the rail industry are more likely to trust a RISQS-accredited supplier. The accreditation demonstrates that a company is serious about maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and compliance.
Improved Business Opportunities – Many rail operators, contractors, and manufacturers require suppliers to hold RISQS accreditation before considering them for contracts. This accreditation ensures you can access a wider range of business opportunities and tenders.
Enhanced Safety Standards – The rigorous RISQS assessment process helps businesses improve their safety practices. By focusing on risk management and compliance, accredited companies are better equipped to deliver services that prioritise safety and minimise accidents.
Access to a Wide Network – Being part of RISQS provides access to a vast network of rail industry professionals and stakeholders. This network can help you establish new partnerships, share industry knowledge, and stay updated on the latest trends and regulations.
Continuous Improvement – RISQS accreditation is not a one-time process. To maintain certification, companies must continuously monitor their operations, improve safety practices, and adhere to evolving industry standards. This focus on continuous improvement ensures that accredited businesses stay ahead of the competition.

How to Achieve RISQS Accreditation

The RISQS accreditation process involves several key steps:

Understand the Requirements – Begin by reviewing the RISQS requirements and ensuring that your business meets the necessary standards for safety, quality, and compliance.
Prepare for the Audit – Conduct an internal review of your operations and safety processes to ensure they align with RISQS standards. This may include updating risk assessments, safety policies, and quality control measures.
Submit Your Application – Once your business is prepared, submit an application to RISQS, providing the required documentation and details about your operations.
Undergo the Audit – An independent auditor will assess your business’s compliance with the RISQS criteria. Be prepared to provide evidence of your safety practices, quality management systems, and risk mitigation strategies.
Maintain Accreditation – After receiving RISQS accreditation, maintain your certification by regularly reviewing your processes and ensuring ongoing compliance with industry standards.

Conclusion

In the rail industry, RISQS accreditation is an essential step for businesses seeking to demonstrate their commitment to safety, quality, and compliance. By achieving RISQS certification, companies gain access to new business opportunities, improve their credibility, and ensure they meet the high standards required by the industry. If you’re a supplier or contractor in the rail sector, gaining RISQS accreditation could be the key to unlocking growth and success in a competitive market.

At Advance TRS, we are committed to making a positive impact in the communities we serve. As part of our ongoing dedication to social value, two of our team members recently visited Surrey Care Trust in Woking to support individuals looking to work on their employability skills.

On Thursday, 27^th February, our team volunteered their time to sit down with candidates who need that little bit of extra help in preparing for job interviews. For a few hours, our recruitment professionals hosted one-on-one mock interviews, providing valuable insights and guidance to help build confidence and improve interview techniques.

Supporting Candidates with Practical Interview Training

During the session, participants had the opportunity to choose a job scenario relevant to their career aspirations. Taking on the role of hiring managers, our team conducted realistic interview simulations, offering constructive feedback on their performance to both the ‘candidate’ and their Surrey Care Trust mentors. We covered key interview techniques, including:

The STAR Technique – Teaching candidates how to structure their answers effectively using the Situation, Task, Action, and Result framework.
Common Interview Questions – Helping individuals prepare for frequently asked interview questions and helping them tailor their responses to highlight their skills and strengths.
Confidence and Communication – Providing tips on body language, tone, and articulation to ensure candidates present themselves professionally.

The Impact of Social Value

Engaging with the community in this way allows us to share our industry expertise and make a real difference in people’s lives. By offering professional interview coaching, we aim to bridge the gap between job seekers and employment opportunities, ensuring everyone has the support they need to succeed.

Our Commitment to Social Value at Advance TRS

We are incredibly proud of our team members for taking the time to support this initiative, and we look forward to future collaborations with Surrey Care Trust to continue empowering individuals on their career journeys.

Responsibility at Advance TRS Specialist Recruiters

If you’re looking for new career opportunities, browse our latest job listings, here.

The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is one of the most prestigious and globally recognised credentials for project managers. Offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), PMP certification validates your ability to manage projects effectively, lead teams, and achieve business goals. But what exactly does PMP involve, and why should you consider getting certified?

What is PMP Certification?

PMP certification is a professional qualification that demonstrates your knowledge and competence in project management. It is based on PMI’s Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) and covers essential project management principles, methodologies, and best practices.

Benefits of PMP Certification

Earning a PMP certification offers numerous advantages, including:

Global Recognition: PMP is an internationally respected certification, recognised across industries and countries.
Career Advancement: PMP-certified professionals often qualify for higher salaries and senior-level roles.
Improved Project Success Rates: Gain expertise in project planning, execution, and risk management.
Stronger Professional Network: Join a global community of certified project managers.
Enhanced Credibility: Demonstrate your commitment to project management excellence.

How to Get PMP Certified

To earn PMP certification, you must meet eligibility requirements and pass a rigorous exam. The process includes:

Meeting the Eligibility Requirements:
- A four-year degree with three years of project management experience and 35 hours of project management education/training (or CAPM certification), OR
- A secondary diploma with five years of project management experience and 35 hours of project management education/training (or CAPM certification).
Preparing for the Exam:
- Enroll in a PMP training course to understand key concepts and methodologies.
- Study the PMBOK Guide and other recommended materials.
- Take practice exams to assess your readiness.
Taking the PMP Exam:
- The exam consists of 180 questions covering project leadership, agile methodologies, and business strategy.
- A passing score is required to earn certification.
Maintaining Your Certification:
- PMP certification requires renewal every three years through continuing professional development (60 PDUs required per cycle).

Why Choose PMP for Project Management?

PMP is one of the most sought-after certifications for project managers. It validates your skills, improves job opportunities, and provides a structured approach to managing projects in any industry. PMP-certified professionals are in high demand due to their proven ability to drive successful project outcomes.

How PMP Certification Can Benefit Your Career

Becoming PMP-certified sets you apart in a competitive job market. Whether you’re seeking a leadership role, aiming for a higher salary, or looking to transition into project management, PMP certification equips you with the skills and credentials needed to succeed.

Ready to Start Your PMP Journey?

Achieving PMP certification takes dedication, but the rewards are substantial. If you’re serious about advancing your career in project management, PMP is an excellent investment.

Explore Project Management Opportunities

If you’re looking for your next project management role, take a look at our latest job openings and see how Advance TRS can help you achieve your goals. View our latest project management opportunities here.

The Association for Project Management (APM) is the chartered body for the project profession in the UK. APM accreditation is a mark of excellence, demonstrating a commitment to professional standards, best practices, and career development in project management. But what exactly does APM accreditation involve, and why should you consider it?

What is APM Accreditation?

APM accreditation is awarded by the Association for Project Management, recognising individuals and organisations that meet high standards in project management competency. As a chartered body, APM provides a structured career path for project professionals, ensuring they have the necessary skills and knowledge to manage projects effectively.

Benefits of APM Accreditation

Gaining an APM qualification offers numerous advantages, including:

Professional Recognition: Demonstrate your expertise in project management with a globally respected accreditation.
Career Progression: APM qualifications open doors to senior roles and greater earning potential.
Enhanced Project Success: Learn industry best practices that improve project delivery and reduce risks.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with a community of project professionals and industry leaders.
Continuous Learning: Access resources and events to keep your skills up to date.

How to Get APM Certified

APM offers several certifications tailored to different levels of experience and expertise. These include:

APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) – An entry-level certification providing a basic understanding of project management principles.
APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ) – A more advanced certification covering a broad range of project management knowledge.
Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) – The highest level of accreditation, demonstrating extensive experience and competence in project management.

Steps to Achieve APM Accreditation

Choose the Right Qualification: Assess which APM certification aligns with your career goals and experience level.
Enroll in a Training Course: Take an accredited training course to prepare for the exam.
Take the Exam: Successfully pass the required assessment to achieve certification.
Advance Your Skills: Continue your professional development by pursuing higher-level APM qualifications or chartered status.

Why Choose APM for Accreditation?

As the only chartered body for project management in the UK, APM provides internationally recognised qualifications that enhance your credibility and employability. APM’s rigorous standards ensure that certified professionals are well-equipped to manage complex projects in any industry.

How APM Accreditation Can Benefit Your Career

Becoming APM certified not only enhances your project management skills but also gives you a competitive edge in the job market. Whether you’re an aspiring project manager or an experienced professional looking to advance, APM accreditation is a valuable asset.

Ready to Start Your APM Journey?

Gaining APM certification requires dedication, but the benefits make it a worthwhile investment. If you’re looking to grow your career in project management, achieving an APM qualification is a great way to stand out.

Explore Project Management Opportunities

PRINCE2 (Projects IN Controlled Environments) is one of the world’s most widely used project management methodologies. It provides a structured approach to managing projects, ensuring efficiency, organisation, and risk mitigation. But what exactly does PRINCE2 involve, and why should you consider getting certified?

What is PRINCE2?

PRINCE2 is a process-based project management methodology that offers a clear framework for managing projects of all sizes and industries. Developed by the UK government, it is now used globally by businesses, government bodies, and organisations to improve project success rates. PRINCE2 provides defined roles, responsibilities, and best practices to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to a high standard.

Benefits of PRINCE2 Certification

Gaining a PRINCE2 certification can significantly enhance your project management career by offering:

Globally Recognised Qualification: PRINCE2 is respected across industries worldwide.
Improved Project Success Rates: The structured framework helps teams manage projects effectively, reducing risks and ensuring clear objectives.
Career Advancement: PRINCE2 certification opens doors to higher-level roles and greater earning potential.
Flexible & Scalable Approach: PRINCE2 can be tailored to suit different project sizes and types.
Applicable to Any Industry: PRINCE2 is not industry-specific, making it useful for professionals in IT, construction, finance, healthcare, and more.

How to Get PRINCE2 Certified

There are two primary PRINCE2 certifications:

PRINCE2 Foundation – This entry-level certification introduces the PRINCE2 methodology, principles, and key processes. It is suitable for individuals new to project management or those looking to understand the framework.
PRINCE2 Practitioner – This advanced certification builds on the Foundation level and tests the ability to apply PRINCE2 in real-world projects. It is designed for project managers and professionals responsible for managing or directing projects.

Steps to Achieve PRINCE2 Certification

Choose a Training Provider: Enroll in an accredited PRINCE2 training course, available online or in-person.
Study the PRINCE2 Framework: Learn the seven principles, themes, and processes that form the methodology.
Take the PRINCE2 Foundation Exam: This multiple-choice test assesses your understanding of the framework.
Advance to PRINCE2 Practitioner: After passing the Foundation exam, complete the Practitioner-level exam to apply PRINCE2 to real-world scenarios.
Maintain Your Certification: PRINCE2 Practitioner certification requires renewal every three years to stay valid.

Why Choose PRINCE2 for Project Management?

PRINCE2 is a structured, flexible, and scalable methodology that enhances project efficiency. Whether you’re managing a small internal project or leading a large-scale initiative, PRINCE2 provides the tools needed to deliver successful outcomes.

How PRINCE2 Certification Can Benefit Your Career

Becoming PRINCE2 certified is a smart investment for anyone in project management. It enhances your skills, increases job opportunities, and gives you a competitive edge in a fast-paced job market.

Ready to Start Your PRINCE2 Journey?

Gaining PRINCE2 certification takes dedication, but the benefits are substantial. If you’re looking to develop your project management career, PRINCE2 is a valuable qualification to have.

Explore Project Management Opportunities

For companies managing large-scale, ongoing projects in sectors like rail and construction, recruitment can be a time-consuming challenge. Our Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) service provides a full-scale talent solution, covering the entire hiring process from workforce planning to onboarding.

What Is RPO?

Advance TRS offers a dynamic and customisable RPO service designed to meet the specific needs of our clients. Whether you require end-to-end recruitment management or support in specific areas, we work as an extension of your team to streamline and enhance hiring processes.

More than just recruitment, our RPO service includes employer brand representation in the labour market. We act as ambassadors for your business, presenting your values and culture to attract top-tier talent. By continuously refining recruitment strategies, we help you build a positive candidate experience and a strong employer reputation.

How Our RPO Works

We tailor our RPO solutions to your project requirements. Here’s how we support your recruitment needs:

1. Workforce Planning & Strategy

Assess project pipeline and workforce needs.
Develop a structured hiring strategy aligned with business goals.
Identify skills gaps and create a plan to attract top talent.

2. Talent Sourcing & Attraction

Use data-driven sourcing techniques to find skilled professionals.
Leverage industry networks and databases to access top candidates.
Implement targeted employer branding to enhance candidate engagement.

3. Screening & Selection

Conduct pre-screening and competency-based interviews.
Manage testing, compliance checks, and reference verifications.
Provide shortlists of high-quality candidates ready for hire.

4. Offer Management & Onboarding

Handle salary negotiations and contract management.
Ensure smooth onboarding with pre-employment support.
Track employee retention and performance for continuous improvement.

Why Choose Our RPO?

Our RPO service is built to scale, making it ideal for complex infrastructure projects that require high-volume hiring.

End-to-End Recruitment Support: Covers the full hiring lifecycle, from sourcing to onboarding.
Scalable & Flexible: Adapts to changing project needs and workforce demands.
Industry Expertise: Specialised knowledge in rail, construction, and infrastructure.
Compliance & Risk Management: Ensures all hires meet regulatory and safety requirements.
Brand Representation: Enhances employer brand perception and candidate experience.
Technology-Driven Solutions: Uses industry best practices and recruitment tech to streamline hiring.

Get Started

If you need a full-scale recruitment solution for your next project, our RPO service can help. Contact us to discuss how we can tailor our approach to your hiring needs, here.

Advance TRS is excited to announce the launch of our dedicated MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Public Health) Building Services desk, a strategic step in expanding our expertise across the built environment. This desk enhances our ability to provide high-quality staffing solutions to a variety of specialised roles, supporting both clients and candidates in the building services sector.

We’re delighted to welcome Darryll Gibson, Principal Consultant for MEP Building Services, to drive this market expansion. Darryll brings over 12 years of recruitment experience, with a proven track record of connecting skilled professionals with key opportunities in building services engineering. His deep understanding of technical disciplines, combined with his consultative approach, will ensure the success of this desk.

Meeting the Industry’s Needs

Our MEP Building Services desk focuses on providing recruitment solutions for an extensive range of roles, including:

Electrical Design Engineers
HVAC Design Engineers
Public Health Design Engineers
Revit CAD Coordinators and Microstation Operators
Fire Engineers
Sustainability Engineers
Clerks of Works
Commercial Managers
Commissioning Engineers
Mechanical Engineers
MEP Resident Engineers

By concentrating on these specialised disciplines, we’re committed to helping clients secure the talent they need to deliver successful projects while supporting candidates in advancing their careers.

Enhancing Our Recruitment Expertise

This launch strengthens Advance TRS’s position as a recruitment leader in key infrastructure markets, including rail, water, construction, and now MEP building services. By leveraging Darryll’s expertise and network, we’re well-placed to address the increasing demand for technical professionals in complex, high-value projects.

A Bright Future Ahead

The MEP Building Services desk follows the Advance TRS model, offering tailored recruitment services, including permanent placements, contract recruitment, and executive search. Whether you’re looking to hire for a specific project or seeking your next opportunity in building services, our team is ready to deliver.

Advance TRS Director, Rob Kelly shares:
“Our success is built on the knowledge and expertise of our team. Darryll’s addition strengthens our ability to provide consultative and collaborative recruitment solutions in the building services sector, and we’re excited about what this means for the future.”

With the launch of the MEP Building Services desk, Advance TRS continues to expand its reach, offering unparalleled recruitment solutions across the UK and Ireland’s built environment.

Connect with us today to explore how we can support your recruitment or career goals.

This year has been packed with achievements, new ventures, and memorable moments. From celebrating our team’s successes to expanding into new markets, we’ve strengthened our position in the built environment sector. Here’s a look back at 2024’s highlights.

Staff Achievements

Anniversaries:

We celebrated the dedication and contributions of four of our team members reaching career milestones. Our Rail & Infrastructure Director, Sam Jennings, achieved an impressive 10 years of service, whilst Katie Walker, Sean Brown and Jake Rodger all marked 5 years at Advance TRS!

Promotions:

Many of our team members advanced in their careers, this year. Congratulations to:

Michelle Marsh – Head of Payroll Accounts & Credit Control

Louise Oldham – Lead Delivery Manager

Josh Hill – Lead Principal Consultant

Ella Gilbody – Group Business Operations Director

Michael Schruyers – Group Sales Operations Director

Chris Spurdle – Group Business Development Manager

Maia Devonshire – Senior Recruitment Resourcer

Charlie Knight – Delivery Team Leader

Alex Shaw – Lead Principal Consultant

Calum French – Senior Recruitment Resourcer

Charlotte Tunstall – Compliance Executive

Everyone’s commitment and impact have been invaluable, and we’re proud to recognise their achievements.

New Starters:

We also welcomed fresh talent to our Sales and Business Services Teams: Jade Freer, Jessica McMahon, Callum Meek, Tommy Hurst, Elia Corkery, Billy Mitchell, Darryll Gibson, and Kirsten Lynch. We’re excited to have them on board and look forward to their contributions in the years ahead.

Company Highlights

This year saw two exciting launches for us – being milestones that demonstrate our ongoing commitment to growth, innovation, and delivering tailored solutions across the built environment.

The Launch of CITILINE: In February, we expanded our service portfolio with the introduction of CITILINE, a specialist Telecommunications and M&E recruitment consultancy. Led by Ben Shayegan, who has spent the last decade building his expertise at Advance TRS, CITILINE combines industry insight with an extensive network to deliver top-tier technical professionals. This new brand reflects our commitment to providing quality recruitment solutions across a growing range of industries.

Energy & Renewables Desk: We also launched a dedicated Energy & Renewables desk to meet the needs of this fast-evolving sector. Jake Jessey, with over 27 years of technical recruitment experience, now leads this division, supported by a team of industry experts. From Offshore Wind Engineers to HV Transmission specialists, we’re connecting businesses with the talent needed to power the future.

Advance TRS Group launches new brand, CITILINE – Advance TRS
Introducing Advance TRS’s Energy & Renewables Desk – Advance TRS

Events and Conferences

This year, we came together for many key events and celebrations. In April, we kicked things off with a company-wide conference, followed by a summer gathering at the beautiful Albury Vineyard. To close the year, our October conference took a creative twist as we hired out an Odeon cinema screen to spotlight everyone’s achievements and highlight company successes from the past quarter.

AdvanceTRS-PortSolent(5of124)-A1101978-Enhanced-NR

Incentives and Trips:

We enjoyed some fantastic incentives and trips this year to celebrate our teams hard-work, including a visit to the South of France for our 100% Club and a festive outing to Winter Wonderland for the winners of our Christmas Quiz incentive.

Community and Charity Initiatives

On the charity front, we continued our charity efforts with the 4th annual Advance TRS Golf Day in partnership with Railway Children, raising an impressive £30,000. Other initiatives included the Dragon Boat Race for WaterAid and some of the Guildford team taking part in Movember. Altogether, we’ve raised £108,068 for charity and are excited to continue fundraising for charities close to our hearts in 2025.

Advance TRS Golf Day for Railway Children 2024  – Advance TRS

Advance TRS Take on the WaterAid Dragon Boat Race   – Advance TRS

Advance TRS raising money for Movember – Advance TRS

Alongside our fundraising efforts, Sam Riley’s volunteer work with Young Rail Professionals has been a standout example of community involvement this year. He played a key role in organising events like the Chrome Angel Solutions Digital AI event in London, which brought together rail professionals to promote collaboration and innovation. His ongoing contributions to YRP reflect Advance TRS’s values and commitment to supporting industry growth and professional development.

Sam Riley – Young Rail Professionals  – Advance TRS

Young Rail Professionals Event: Sam Riley & Chrome Angel – Advance TRS

Awards

We ended the year on a high by being named Recruitment Firm of the Year at the Growing Business Awards. This recognition highlights the dedication and expertise of our team. Being acknowledged alongside leading organisations underscores the impact of our work and inspires us to keep delivering exceptional results for our clients, candidates, and contractors.

Growing Business Awards 2024 – Advance TRS Recruitment Firm of the Year

End of Year Thoughts

2024 has been a year of progress and success, driven by the dedication of our team and the support of our clients, candidates, and contractors. As we wrap up the year, we’re excited to build on this momentum for an even better 2025.

We are delighted to announce that Advance TRS and CITILINE have been recommended for full recertification of ISO 45001 (Health & Safety) and ISO 27001 (Information Security) following a rigorous two-day audit. Impressively, no non-conformances or areas for improvement were identified, underscoring our commitment to operational excellence.

Recruitment compliance is key to our level of service at Advance TRS

Why These Certifications Matter

Achieving ISO 45001 demonstrates our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of health and safety across our operations. This is vital for protecting our staff, clients, contractors, and candidates in often challenging industries such as rail, water, environment, highways, energy, and telecoms.

ISO 27001 highlights our dedication to safeguarding information and data security. In a world where data breaches and cyber threats are on the rise, this certification reassures our clients and stakeholders that their information is handled with the utmost care.

These certifications not only solidify our reputation as a trusted recruitment partner but also enable us to maintain our place on key Preferred Supplier Lists (PSLs) and frameworks. This means our clients can have confidence in our systems, processes, and ability to deliver safe, secure, and reliable services.

Advance TRS certifications and awards for the best service possible

A Team Effort

Maintaining these high standards requires hard work and collaboration. A huge thank you to everyone who works hard year-round to uphold these management systems, and to those who supported the audit process by answering questions and demonstrating our commitment to compliance.

A special congratulations goes to our Health & Safety Manager, Lauren, and our Group Business Operations Director, Ella Gardiner, for their exceptional work on our information security systems – the auditor’s positive feedback led to a reduced audit schedule, recognising the efficiency and excellence of the systems in place.

Responsibility at Advance TRS Specialist Recruiters

Looking Ahead

With this achievement secured, our focus now turns to preparing for the upcoming RISQS audit in three weeks. We remain committed to continuous improvement, ensuring we deliver the best possible service for our clients, candidates, and contractors.

If you’d like to learn more about how our certifications support our work across our sectors, head here.

As we observe National Stress Awareness Day on 6th November, it’s important to acknowledge the growing prevalence of stress in our daily lives and learning ways to tackle it.

In today’s fast-paced world where it’s much harder to just ‘switch off’, stress has become a common challenge for both individuals and organisations, highlighting the need for effective stress management strategies to enhance wellbeing and performance.

Understanding Stress and Its Impact

Stress is a natural response to the demands and pressures we encounter on the daily. While a certain level of stress can motivate us to perform at our best, it’s essential to recognise that how we manage stress is crucial for maintaining our mental health. Prolonged exposure to high stress levels eventually takes its toll and can begin to affect physical health, emotional stability, and overall quality of life. Moreover, stress doesn’t just affect individuals; it can work its way through teams, impacting morale and productivity.

At Advance TRS, we believe that by prioritising stress management and supporting one another, we can cultivate a workplace culture that fosters health, wellbeing, and success.

Effective Strategies for Reducing Stress

Embrace a Healthy Lifestyle:
Adopting a balanced lifestyle can enhance resilience to stress and promote overall wellness.
Stay Active:
Regular physical activity is a great antidote to stress. Whether it’s taking a leisurely walk or participating in fitness classes, finding enjoyable activities and incorporating them into your routine can make a significant difference.
Take Breaks Throughout the Day:
Short breaks are vital for recharging your mind and body. Step away from your workspace, stretch, or enjoy a cup of tea to help prevent burnout and boost your focus.
Master Time Management:
Effective time management can mitigate procrastination and enhance productivity, ultimately leading to lower stress levels.
Prioritise Self-Care:
Nurturing your physical and mental health is fundamental to building resilience against stress and improving your overall wellbeing.

Wellness Initiatives at Advance TRS

Our commitment to wellness at Advance TRS is reflected in our comprehensive workplace wellness programme. We offer a variety of initiatives designed to support our staff, including:

Weekly Wellness Hour: We encourage staff to take dedicated time away from their duties each week to engage in activities that enhance their wellbeing.
Perkbox: This wellness hub provides resources, tools, and information to promote both mental and physical health among our team members.
24-Hour Counselling Helpline: Employees have access to confidential support whenever they need it, ensuring they receive guidance in challenging times.

These initiatives collectively create a supportive environment that prioritises the health and happiness of our employees.

Health & Wellbeing at Advance TRS – Advance TRS

Join Us in Promoting Wellbeing

As we observe National Stress Awareness Day, we invite everyone to participate in fostering a culture of wellbeing. By prioritising health and wellbeing, we can not only improve the lives of our employees but also enhance our workplace culture.

If you’re interested in joining a team that values wellbeing, check out our Work for Us page to explore current opportunities at Advance TRS.

We are excited to announce that on 27th November, Sam Riley, Recruitment Consultant at Advance TRS and Executive External Engagement Lead at Young Rail Professionals (YRP), will be hosting a YRP event in London, exploring the transformative power of Virtual Reality (VR) and Digital AI in the rail industry. The event, which is free for YRP members, promises an engaging and informative session, delving into the future of rail technology.

Sam has been a driving force in organising this event, bringing together industry professionals and innovative technology. On the day, he will be joined by Mark Robinson, Managing Director of Chrome Angel – a company at the forefront of digital transformation within rail. Mark’s extensive career and expertise in VR and AI will offer invaluable insights into how these technologies are reshaping rail engineering and operations.

Sam Riley

Sam Riley has made significant strides in both of his roles, specialising in recruiting skilled professionals across digital engineering, cybersecurity, software, and systems engineering, particularly within the rail, defence, aviation, and other public sectors.

He has been instrumental in fostering partnerships between rail organisations and the YRP, promoting collaboration and supporting the development of young talent. Sam’s journey in the rail sector is a testament to his dedication, and hosting this event further highlights his commitment to advancing both recruitment and digital engineering within the rail industry.

Mark Robinson: VR & Digital AI in Rail

Mark Robinson, Managing Director at Chrome Angel, brings over 30 years of expertise in the rail industry. From his early career at London Underground to his role at Chrome Angel, Mark has championed the adoption of cutting-edge technologies in rail. Chrome Angel is known for its work in VR & AR, machine learning, remote monitoring, and data analytics, all designed to improve rail operations and asset management.

Attendees at the event will also have the exciting opportunity to experience Chrome Angel’s Rail Simulator equipment, including VR headsets and iPads, giving a real-world application of how these technologies can enhance the rail industry.

Why Attend?

This event will provide attendees with:

Expert insights into VR and AI applications in rail
Hands-on experience with advanced simulator equipment
Opportunities to network with industry professionals and peers
A look into how digital engineering is shaping the future of rail

This event is a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and explore how technology is transforming rail.

Register Now

Spaces are limited, so be sure to secure your spot for this exciting event, here!

Returning for the 4th year in a row, raising £30,000 – on Thursday 3^rd October – we partnered directly with Railway Children for the annual Advance TRS Golf Day at Celtic Manor in Wales.

With an 11 am shotgun start, the golfers throughout the day, took part in a series of competitions with entry fees that went directly to Railway Children – including Nearest the Pin, Longest Drive and Beat the Pro.

The Course

Roman Road course – a 70-par challenge that overlooks the Severn Estuary with views across to Somerset and Devon. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Senior, this challenging course features some long open fairways but also a number of twists and turns through trees and across streams.

The Evening – Speakers

In the evening, we were delighted to have two guest speakers join us and share their insights and stories on their past successes.

Mark Wild OBE – CEO of HS2

Mark Wild has more than 35 years of experience leading complex and critical infrastructure. He assumed the CEO leadership role at Crossrail in 2018, Europe’s largest construction project and a £20 billion programme delivering one of the world’s most advanced digital passenger railways. Mark joined the team for golf and kindly spoke after dinner, answering questions from business leaders across the rail sector.

Mark Wild | LinkedIn

Ronnie Irani

Ronnie Irani is a retired English cricketer who garnered much praise for his impact in One Day Internationals from the mid-90’s to the early 2000’s. Ronnie joined the team for a couple of days of golf and brought his dynamic energy to the event.

Ronnie Irani | LinkedIn

Launching AMC

This year we took the opportunity to introduce our new brand, Advance TRS Management Consultancy, to the attendees. Advance TRS Management Consultancy is a bespoke service that builds upon our legacy of excellence in recruitment to offer unparalleled expertise in Project/Programme Management, Commercial, and Contract Management within the built environment, with a particular focus on transport and aviation infrastructure.

Advance TRS Management Consultancy

Thank You

We would like to thank our sponsors who have made this feat possible not only this year but for the last 4 years and to AECOM, AtkinsRéalis, Balfour Beatty, Bam Nuttall, Clipfine, GHD, Gleeds, Mace, Dragados, Turner & Townsend and Vinci Construction for the support this year.

Railway Children

Railway Children has been fighting for children alone and at risk on the street for over 25 years. During this time, they have reached more than 275,000 children in India, the UK, and East Africa.

Children run away or are forced to leave home, where they suffer poverty, violence, and neglect. They find themselves living on the streets because there is nowhere else to, and no one left to turn to. The problems they face on the streets are often even worse than those they endured at home. Every day they fight to change their story.

Rail Aid is a major fundraising initiative in support of Railway Children, the Rail industry’s charity. It was launched in direct response to the Covid-19 outbreak, which has made our work with vulnerable young people even more vital.

Advance TRS founder, Andy Ridout and a few other members of our team have completed numerous challenges such as climbing Mt Everest and Kilimanjaro, Ride Vietnam Challenge, Three Peaks By Rail 2023. These are just some of the amazing challenges we have done to raise funds for Railway Children.

Supporting charities is a core element of life at Advance TRS, Since its establishment, our staff has raised over £100,000 for charities including Railway Children and Action for Children. Taking on personal challenges and fundraising activities to advance others has been a core founding principle and staff are encouraged to support charitable causes.

Advance TRS Charity Events Recap 2023

Making a Difference in the Community: Our Local Impact and Initiatives

Railway Children

Join Us

Advance TRS are always looking for more people to join the team, Find out more about our latest vacancies.

At Advance TRS, we believe that success isn’t just about delivering exceptional recruitment services—it’s about making a lasting, positive impact on the communities we serve. As a rapidly growing recruitment consultancy, we are committed to giving back through various charitable and community-focused initiatives. Whether it’s volunteering our time, raising funds for important causes, or sponsoring local events, we’re passionate about making a difference.

Volunteering: Giving Time to Make a Difference

We believe that everyone has the power to contribute to their community, and we actively encourage our team to get involved through volunteering. From participating in charity events to supporting local causes, our employees are dedicated to making a difference beyond the workplace. Volunteering provides our team with an opportunity to give back while building strong connections with their colleagues and the local community.

Charity Fundraising: Raising Funds for Causes That Matter

Our commitment to charity is one of the core values that define Advance TRS. Over the years, we have proudly raised over £100,000 for various charities, including Railway Children, Water Aid, and Macmillan Cancer Support. We’ve taken part in an array of fundraising challenges, from Tough Mudder’s and fire walks to mountain climbs and marathons. These events not only help raise vital funds for important causes but also foster a sense of camaraderie and team spirit within our business.

Whether we’re riding 100 miles for charity or doing a sponsored walk, we are always looking for new and exciting ways to support the charities we care about. And our ambition doesn’t stop here—we’re eager to continue growing our charitable efforts and raise even more in the years to come.

Advance TRS Take on the WaterAid Dragon Boat Race

Local Sponsorships: Supporting Our Community

We’re also passionate about supporting local organisations and events through sponsorships. By partnering with local businesses, schools, and sports teams, we aim to foster long-term relationships that benefit our community. Our sponsorship efforts provide essential funding for local projects and create opportunities for young people and community groups to grow and thrive.

Recap of Advance TRS 2023 Charity Events

Training Opportunities: Building Skills in the Community

At Advance TRS, we’re not only focused on recruitment but also on nurturing talent and offering training opportunities to help individuals in our community develop valuable skills. We offer work experience placements, training programmes, and opportunities for young professionals to gain insight into the recruitment industry. By investing in people, we aim to create a lasting positive impact that helps build stronger, more resilient communities.

Training & Development: Empowering you to grow at Advance TRS

Help Us Make a Difference

At Advance TRS, we’re proud of the impact we’ve made in our local communities, and we’re always looking for new ways to expand our reach. Whether through volunteering, charity fundraising, local sponsorships, or providing training opportunities, we’re dedicated to making a real difference.

Want to be part of a team that makes a difference? Explore careers at Advance TRS.

At Advance TRS, we believe that a successful business thrives when its people are happy, healthy, and motivated. As a rapidly growing recruitment business, we take pride in our “work hard, play hard” culture. We strive to deliver exceptional service to our clients and candidates, but we also know the importance of taking care of ourselves and each other.

That’s why we offer a comprehensive health and wellbeing package that ensures every team member feels supported, valued, and able to thrive both professionally and personally.

Wellness at Work: Time to Recharge

We know how important it is to have time to focus on your mental and physical wellbeing, which is why we introduced our Wellness Hour. This initiative allows every employee to take an hour out of their workweek to do something that promotes positive health and wellbeing. Whether it’s going for a walk, practising yoga, or simply taking a break to clear your mind, the Wellness Hour is designed to help our employees recharge and come back feeling refreshed.

Our journey to wellness

A Culture That Celebrates Success

At Advance TRS, we work hard, but we also know how to celebrate. Whether it’s our quarterly lunches for team members who hit their targets or our overseas incentive trips for top performers, we’re committed to recognising hard work and rewarding success. Previous trips have included unforgettable destinations like Paris, Cannes, and Amsterdam—perfect for bonding with your colleagues and enjoying well-deserved downtime.

Our culture and core values

A Holistic Approach to Wellbeing

Wellbeing isn’t just about health insurance or taking breaks—it’s about creating an environment where people feel valued and appreciated. That’s why we offer a wide range of incentives, from Perkbox discounts on health and beauty products, gym memberships, and even home appliances!

Wellbeing at Advance TRS

A Balanced Work-Life Environment

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s more important than ever to have a balanced work-life environment. At Advance TRS, we actively encourage our teams to take time off and relax, ensuring that we come back to work feeling refreshed and ready to deliver the best for our clients and candidates. Our annual leave policies increase with tenure and after a year with us, you get an extra day to celebrate your birthday without this being deducted from your leave entitlement. Our long service awards at 10 and 15 years also grant additional leave to celebrate.

Like the Sound of Joining Our Team?

At Advance TRS, your health and wellbeing are a priority, and we’re constantly exploring new ways to support our team. From wellness initiatives to recognition of your hard work and achievements, we create an environment where you can feel motivated, supported, and empowered to be your best self.

Ready to join a company that values your wellbeing? Explore our current openings and join Advance TRS today!

At Advance TRS, our dedication to social value and ethical practices is at the heart of our operations. We are committed to making a positive impact in the communities we serve and upholding high standards of integrity and responsibility. Here’s how we lead by example and why this commitment makes us an employer of choice.

Driving Positive Change in Our Community

We are committed to supporting the communities in which we operate – engaging in various community initiatives. For example, our team has raised over £100,000 for charities such as Railway Children and Oakleaf Enterprise, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to social impact and local support and actively contributing to meaningful projects close to our hearts.

Commitment to Ethical Practices

Our recruitment processes are founded on principles of transparency and integrity. We ensure that our practices are fair and unbiased with our environmental commitments including joining the SME Climate Hub, signing the Climate Pledge, setting Science-Based Targets by December 2024, working to achieve ISO14001 Certification by December 2025 and Carbon Neutral Status by December 2027.

This commitment to ethical recruitment helps build trust and strengthens our relationships with all parties, whilst finding the best match for both candidates and clients.

Fostering an Inclusive and Supportive Workplace

We are proud to champion diversity and inclusion within our workplace. At Advance TRS, we value a diverse range of perspectives and backgrounds, which enriches our team and enhances our service delivery, as well as striving to promote a culture of inclusivity where every employee feels respected and empowered to contribute their best.

We support initiatives like Women in Rail and ensure our job advertisements are carefully worded to avoid any bias using smart tools such as the Gender Bias Decoder. Additionally, our comprehensive training programmes and partnerships with local educational centres, such as offering work placements and apprenticeships, help develop the next generation of professionals.

Supporting the wellbeing of our employees is a priority for us. We provide a range of benefits and support mechanisms to ensure a healthy work-life balance, professional development, and career growth. By investing in our people, we create a positive and motivating work environment that attracts and retains top talent.

Why Advance TRS

Our commitment to social value and ethical practices makes us a preferred employer for those who share our values. We attract individuals who are passionate about making a difference and who want to work for a company that leads by example.

Our focus on ethical practices and community engagement enhances our reputation and builds trust with clients, candidates, and the wider community. This trust is integral to our continued success and our ability to attract high-quality talent who are aligned with our values.

Join Us

If you’re looking to join a company that prioritises social responsibility and makes a meaningful impact, explore the opportunities available on our website and become part of a team that is dedicated to making a difference!

After an incredible 13 years of growth and impact at Advance TRS, it’s a time to reflect on our achievements, partnerships, and the positive impact we’ve made within the built environment sector. Our journey has been characterised by growth, driven by our commitment to integrity, quality, and loyalty.

Our Journey of Growth

Over the years, Advance TRS has connected top talent with leading companies across various sectors within the built environment. We have expanded our services to deliver on major recruitment programmes, ensuring that projects are staffed with highly skilled professionals. Our dedication to exceeding expectations has been at the core of our operations, allowing us to push boundaries in the recruitment industry.

Our Timeline:

Building Strong Partnerships

Our success is built on the strength of the relationships we’ve forged with clients and candidates alike. We have worked closely with leading companies, ensuring that they find the right talent to meet their project needs.

At the same time, we have remained committed to supporting our candidates in achieving their career aspirations, and creating a mutually beneficial environment for all parties involved.

Find out more about our exclusive partnership with Alstom

Giving Back to the Community

At Advance TRS, we believe in the importance of giving back. Over the years, we have raised over £100,000 for charities such as Railway Children, Rail Aid, and Macmillan. Our team has embraced challenges like Tough Mudders, demonstrating our commitment to making a difference in the community while pushing ourselves to new limits.

View our latest charity fundraising activities (Dragonboat race)

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to the future with excitement. The built environment sector continues to evolve, and we are ready to adapt and seize new opportunities. Our focus will remain on delivering high-quality recruitment solutions while maintaining the integrity and commitment that has already defined our journey to date.

View our latest opportunities to join the team

Learn more about the Advance TRS Group

Thank You

This success would not have been possible without the dedication of our incredible team and the trust of our clients, contractors and candidates. Together, we have navigated challenges, celebrated successes, and built lasting relationships that will continue to fuel our growth.

As we move forward, we remain committed to making a lasting impact in the built environment and our community. Here’s to more milestones and continued success at Advance TRS!

At Advance TRS, our company charter embodies the core values and principles that guide us in everything we do. These values are not just statements but principles we live by, shaping our interactions and operations. Here’s a closer look at how each value contributes to our success:

Focus on Delivering a Quality Service

We prioritise delivering the best quality service to our clients and candidates, setting us apart from the competition and fostering repeat business and referrals.

Choose Positivity

We believe in the power of positivity, encouraging a positive mindset and outlook in our interactions and approach to work.

Respect One Another

Mutual respect is fundamental to our culture. We value respect in all interactions, fostering appreciation for each other’s talents, opinions, and time.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Collaboration is key to our success. We work together, leveraging our individual expertise to achieve common goals and deliver exceptional service to our customers.

Dress Smart, Work Smart

We believe in presenting ourselves professionally, recognising that how we dress influences our mindset and performance.

Work Hard, Play Hard

We promote a balanced approach to work and life, fostering a fun and enjoyable workplace environment while ensuring dedication and hard work.

Do What We Say We Do

Consistency and integrity are paramount. We prioritise honesty and reliability, delivering on our promises and commitments.

Kindness Costs Nothing

Kindness is at the heart of our interactions. We prioritise kindness and empathy, recognising the power of small gestures to make a difference.

Honesty is the Best Policy

We value honesty and transparency, owning up to mistakes and learning from them to foster growth and trust.

Communication is Key

Effective communication is essential. We prioritise clear, appropriate, and accurate communication, recognising its power to drive success and collaboration.

Join Us

Interested in joining a team that lives by these values? Find out more about working with us and see how you can be part of a company that values quality, respect, and integrity.

The Advance TRS Core Values run at the heart of our approach, governing our actions and services. They were not idly chosen; we believe in them, and we recognise each of them in the way we act, both with each other and with those we support. We believe in upholding these values not only in our interactions with clients but also in the way we operate internally. Here are the key values we hold dear and the competencies we look for in our staff.

QUALITY

High-Quality Deliverables: Consistently delivers work that meets or exceeds established quality standards.
Innovation: Actively seeks out innovative solutions and approaches to enhance service quality.
Sustainability: Demonstrates commitment to sustainable practices and solutions in all aspects of work.
Professionalism: Upholds a high standard of professionalism in all interactions and work output.
Niche Expertise: Possesses specialised knowledge and skills in a specific area, contributing to the company’s niche status.
Ethical Practices: Adheres to ethical standards, ensuring the highest level of integrity in all tasks.

INTEGRITY

Trustworthy Relationships: Builds and maintains trusted relationships with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders.
Transparent Communication: Communicates openly and honestly, fostering an environment of trust and transparency.
Ethical Decision-Making: Demonstrates a commitment to making ethical decisions in all professional interactions.
Respected Authority: Earns respect through consistent adherence to principles and values.
Compliance: Ensures compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, upholding the highest standards of integrity.

LOYALTY

Devotion to Clients: Displays unwavering loyalty to clients, understanding and prioritising their needs.
Team Commitment: Demonstrates loyalty to the team by actively contributing to a collaborative and supportive work environment.
Company Advocacy: Advocates for and supports the mission and values of Advance TRS.
Long-Term Vision: Takes a long-term perspective, fostering loyalty to the company’s goals and objectives.
Commitment to Growth: Invests in personal and professional development to contribute effectively to the company’s growth.

COMMITMENT

Project Commitment: Demonstrates dedication and perseverance in meeting project deadlines and goals.
Customer Satisfaction: Commits to exceeding customer expectations through reliable and consistent service.
Adaptability: Remains committed to adapting to changing circumstances and requirements.
Continuous Improvement: Strives for continuous improvement in processes and methodologies.
Goal Orientation: Sets and pursues challenging goals with a commitment to achieving successful outcomes.

HONESTY

Transparent Communication: Communicates openly and honestly, fostering an environment of trust.
Accountability: Takes responsibility for one’s actions and decisions, ensuring honesty in all dealings.
Feedback Receptivity: Welcomes and provides honest feedback for personal and professional development.
Integrity in Reporting: Maintains accuracy and truthfulness in all reporting and documentation.
Authenticity: Demonstrates genuine and authentic behaviour, aligning actions with stated values.

Join Us

These values guide us in delivering exceptional service to our clients and fostering a positive and supportive work environment for our team. Find out more about life at Advance TRS and what opportunities are open to you.

National Payroll Week is a week of appreciating the dedicated teams behind payroll and the vital role they play in the smooth operations of the business. But what do the payroll team do exactly?

Let’s go behind the scenes and delve into the intricacies of each of the Advance TRS payroll teams’ roles and the services that they offer.

What payroll services do Advance TRS offer?

Our team often refers to themselves as like ‘2 sides of the same coin’ – there is the payroll side and then the billing (invoicing) side, with both functions relying on each other to work.

The Advance TRS payroll team take care of the payroll for both Advance TRS and our sister company CITILINE – from contractor onboarding to looking after client accounts and credit control.

Each team member plays an important role in making this as seamless as possible for candidates, contractors and clients. So, what roles do each of our payroll team members play?

Esta Stollard-Taylor, Payroll Executive

Esta Stollard-Taylor
National Payroll Week

Responsible for processing weekly payroll for contractors, Esta ensures payments are accurately made to their preferred method (limited company, umbrella company, or directly). Esta plays a crucial role in onboarding new contractors, ensuring they have everything they need for timely and efficient payment processing. When it comes to any payment-related queries, Esta is the person to go to! Her main focus is providing the most seamless, positive and best experience to contractors from start to finish of their assignments.

Michelle Marsh, Accounts & Credit Control Manager

Often referred to by the team as PAC MAN (Payroll, Accounts, Credit Control Manager), Michelle acts as a crucial intermediary between payroll, accounts and credit control. With extensive knowledge of the accounting systems used, Michelle provides invaluable support and expertise to the team and is currently responsible for processing payments for CILTILINE’s contractors, whilst training Jade, our new Payroll Supervisor to take over in the coming months. She also processes various reports that are essential for the overall operations of the business.

Jade Freer, Payroll Supervisor

Lastly, our newest member of the Advance TRS payroll team, Jade, who is currently undertaking training with Michelle to take over the payroll processing and invoicing of both CITILINE and Advance TRS. Jade’s focus will be on providing our clients with an excellent experience with our accounts team.

Give your feedback this National Payroll Week!

The positive feedback we receive from our contractors is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our payroll team. One contractor recently expressed gratitude for our team’s ‘little smiley replies’ that brighten their week.

This kind of feedback is what motivates us to continue providing an exceptional service and we’d love to hear from you if you have feedback for our payroll team.

Join us

We’re always searching for new talent to join our team. To learn more about these exciting opportunities, visit our Work for Us page.

The Advance TRS team, including members Jake, Sam, Mike, Sissy, Lauren, Simon, Rob, Charlie, Alex, and Jake J, is preparing for the WaterAid Dragon Boat Race on 11th July. This exciting event aims to raise awareness and funds for WaterAid’s mission to provide clean water and hygiene education to those in need.

“Signing up for dragon boat race seemed like a great way to challenge myself, work in a team and raise money for an important cause”
Mike Buttler Recruitment Consultant

About the event

Dragon boat racing is a traditional Chinese sport that dates back over 2,000 years and is now one of the fastest-growing corporate sports in the UK. The WaterAid Dragon Boat Race is an exciting event that combines the thrill of competition with the mission of improving global access to clean water. Teams from various organizations come together to paddle towards victory while raising funds for WaterAid. These funds are crucial in supporting sustainable water projects and educating communities on hygiene practices.

How you can support

Donate: Contribute to their fundraising efforts. Every donation, big or small, brings WaterAid closer to achieving its goals.

Spread the word: Share their mission on social media to help raise awareness about the global water crisis and the importance of clean water and sanitation.

Cheer them on: Join the event on 11^th July to support the Advance TRS team.

WaterAid

WaterAid is dedicated to addressing the global water crisis. Currently 771 million people lack access to clean water close to home, impacting education, livelihoods, and health. Supporting WaterAid through events like the Dragon Boat Race can transform lives and communities by providing essential water and hygiene solutions. Together, we can ensure that everyone has access to clean water, creating a healthier future for all.. Read more about the charity here

Advance TRS

At Advance TRS, our commitment to personal challenge and community support Is at the heart of our company. Under the leadership of our Founder and Managing Director, Andy, we have embraced fundraising as a core principle, raising over £85.000 for impactful charities like Railway Children and Action for Children.

We are actively seeking new team members! Visit our “Work for Us” page to explore the exciting opportunities we currently have available.

Join us in supporting the Advance TRS team at the WaterAid Dragon Boat Race and contribute to a cause that brings clean water and hope to millions around the world.

We are delighted to announce that our Recruitment Consultant Sam has taken up a new position as External Engagement Lead for the Young Rail Professionals. Sam started his Rail journey with Advance TRS 2 years ago, specialising in areas such as cyber security, Software, systems, and digital Rail. In his two years at Advance TRS, Sam has proven to be a dynamic force, consistently delivering high-quality recruitment solutions with both candidates and clients.

Young Rail Professionals (YRP) was established with the mission to promote the rail industry as a great place to work, inspire the next generation of railway talent and develop young people to reach their potential. YRP serves as a unifying platform bringing together individuals from diverse fields within the industry, including Engineering, Asset management, Train operations, Strategic planning, Maintenance, Franchising Regulation, Marketing, Human relations or otherwise.

Our Employee Engagement Coordinator Emilie asked Sam some questions regarding Young Rail Professionals.

Q: What was your journey to becoming Executive External Engagement Lead?

My journey to becoming the Executive External Engagement Lead with YPO was very rewarding. It began when I attended the YRP awards in 2023, held in Birmingham. There, I had the opportunity to meet Bonnie, the chair of YRP, who encouraged me to participate in events held in London. Following this suggestion, I engaged with the YRP at various events throughout 2023. From this the board committee approached me inquiring if I would be interested in interviewing for the Executive External Engagement Lead position. On April 1^st, my journey came full circle as I officially started my role as the Executive External Engagement Lead. I am excited about the growth and development of YRP and am thrilled to continue making meaningful impacts in this role.

Q: What are your key responsibilities?

My key responsibilities revolve around fostering collaboration between Rail organisations and YRP. I help to develop and strengthen relationships with our current sponsors while also exploring opportunities to engage with potential sponsors, paving the way for sustained support and growth. A significant aspect of my role involves seeking avenues for cost savings for YRP by facilitating integration with other companies. Furthermore, I serve as an interface with new rail organisations to drive the continued growth of YRP.

Q: What advice would you give to young professionals aspiring to take on leadership roles within the rail industry?

My advice would be simple. 100% go for it. Embrace the opportunity as it offers a fantastic platform to develop essential leadership skills that will undoubtedly benefit your career. One of the most valuable aspects is the opportunity to meet and network with senior leaders. As a leader you’ll have the privilege of advising young rail professionals on ideas for the future. So don’t hesitate to seize leadership opportunities within the rail sector.

Q: Can you discuss any projects you have been involved in so far?

One of my most recent projects I’ve been involved in was attending a BCRRE rail event in Goole. This experience provided an excellent opportunity for networking, allowing me to connect with industry leaders and professionals in the rail sector.

Rail at Advance TRS

Advance TRS possesses unparalleled expertise in the rail industry. Collaborating with major engineering organisation we craft tailored recruitment solutions for the UK’s most significant rail projects. Our team of experts are well established in the sector and expertly networked to ensure the best results for clients. We are accredited by the Rail Industry Supplier Qualification Scheme (RISQS) enabling us to supply rail recruitment solutions to clients across the UK.

We’re Hiring

Advance TRS is on the lookout for dynamic individuals to join our Rail & Infrastructure division. Whether you’re an experienced sales professional or someone with the right motivations, drive, and commitment to succeed, we want to hear from you!

We pride ourselves on fostering a culture of excellence, growth, and opportunity. With a track record of success and a commitment to delivering exceptional service to our clients and candidates, we offer a dynamic and supportive environment where you can thrive and achieve your career goals.

If you are ready to embark on a rewarding career path and want to learn more about the exciting opportunities awaiting you at Advance TRS, check out our work for us page.

As May roles in, so does National Clean Air Month, a time to raise importance of clean air and take action to protect our environment. At Advance TRS we are committed to delivering our service sustainably and supporting our client’s environmental initiatives, highlighting the critical role that clean air plays in promoting public health, preserving ecosystems, and mitigating climate change.

What is Clean Air Month?

Clean Air Month serves as a reminder of the importance of taking action to reduce air pollution and safeguard the planet for future generations. As we navigate through our daily lives, the air we breathe plays a crucial role in determining our quality of life. Unfortunately, air pollution remains a pressing global issue, with detrimental effects. By advocating for cleaner air standards, supporting sustainable options, and implementing eco-friendly practices we can all contribute to creating a more sustainable world.

Clean Air Month is also an opportunity to celebrate the improvements that have been made over the last 40 years since the campaign was launched.

Advance TRS commitment to sustainability

As a dedicated member of the Supply Chain Sustainability school, we are continuously enhancing our company’s and staff’s knowledge. We do this by engaging in online learning resources. Through these resources, we strive to stay at the forefront of industry best practices and contribute to a more sustainable future.

In addition, we take great pride in our membership of the SME Climate Hub – a global initiative empowering small to medium-sized companies to take meaningful climate action and build resilient businesses. Through our commitment to the SME Climate Hub, we pledge to reduce our environmental impact through genuine action, with the goal of halving our emissions by 2030. By making this commitment, we have also joined the United Nations Race to Zero campaign – a collective effort to drive systemic change and accelerate the transition to a net-zero economy.

What can you do?

Reduce your Carbon Footprint

Make conscious choices to reduce your carbon emissions by walking, cycling or using public transport whenever possible.

Conserve Energy

Turn off lights, appliances, and electronics when not in use to conserve energy and reduce air pollution from power plants. Switch to energy-efficient LED bulbs and appliances to further decrease your carbon footprint.

Practice Sustainable Living

Reduce, reuse, and recycle to minimise waste and pollution. Opt for eco-friendly products and packaging, and support businesses that prioritise sustainability in their operations.

Educate others

Raise awareness about air pollution and its impact on health and the environment. You can do this by sharing information with friends, family, and colleagues.

By taking these proactive steps, you can make a meaningful difference in improving air quality and reducing pollution during Clean Air Month and beyond.

Join Us!

Join us at Advance TRS as we lead the way toward a brighter, cleaner future. Check out our Work for Us page to discover what current opportunities are open to you.

In today’s fast-paced world, stress has become an inevitable part of our lives, affecting both individuals and organisations alike. Recognising and effectively managing stress is crucial for maintaining well-being and achieving optimal performance.

In April, Stress Awareness Month we share some tips to avoid stress at work and explain how we support staff to promote positive health and wellbeing.

Understanding stress and the impact of it

Stress is the body’s innate reaction to demands or pressures. While certain levels of stress can serve as motivational factors, it’s crucial to acknowledge that our management of stress plays a pivotal role in safeguarding our mental well-being.

The repercussion of maintaining high levels of stress can negatively impact various aspects of an individual’s life, influencing physical health and emotional stability. Additionally, the impact of stress extends beyond the individual, affecting workplace dynamics, team morale, and productivity.

By prioritising stress reduction techniques and supporting one another In managing this, we can create a healthier, more supportive workplace culture where individuals can thrive.

Top tips to reduce stress:

Maintain a healthy lifestyle.

A healthy lifestyle can help build resilience to stress and improve overall well-being.

Exercise regularly.

Engaging in regular physical activity is a powerful stress reliever. Whether it is going for a walk or participating in group fitness classes. Find activities that you enjoy and make them a regular part of your routine.

Take regular breaks at work.

Incorporating short breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge. Whether it is a quick walk around the office, stretching at your desk, or enjoying a cup of tea, taking breaks can help prevent burnout and improve your focus.

Practice time management.

This can help reduce procrastination and increase productivity, reducing stress levels in the process.

Take care of yourself

Taking care of your physical and mental health can help build resilience to stress and improve overall well-being.

Wellness at Advance TRS

Our workplace wellness program provides comprehensive support through several initiatives. Employees have access to confidential assistance through a 24-hour counseling helpline, ensuring they can seek guidance and support whenever needed. Additionally, employees have access to the platform Perkbox, which also serves as a well-being hub, offering resources, tools, and information to promote employees’ mental and physical health. Furthermore, Advance TRS offers staff a weekly wellness hour providing dedicated time away from work to engage in activities aimed at enhancing their overall wellbeing. Together all these components create a supportive environment that prioritises employee health and happiness.

Join Advance TRS

Join us in promoting a culture of well-being for all. By prioritising health and wellbeing, we not only improve the lives of our employees but also foster a more positive and productive work culture. Check out our Work for Us page now to see what current opportunities are open to you.

Powering the Future with Top Talent

Advance TRS are excited to launch our dedicated Energy & Renewables desk, tailored to meet the evolving needs of this dynamic sector. Specialising in white-collar staffing solutions, our team brings a wealth of expertise uniquely suited to the demands of the Energy & Renewables industry.

We’re proud to welcome Jake Jessey to lead this market expansion. At Advance TRS, our growth strategy thrives on collaboration with industry-leading recruitment specialists driving market coverage expansions. With decades of experience and a commitment to excellence, our business leaders form the cornerstone of our operations, leveraging their networks, knowledge, and skills to deliver exceptional service.

“I’m delighted to be part of the Advance TRS team! With a deep-rooted background in the energy and renewables engineering sector, I look forward to being able to contribute my insights and experience working on recruitment projects that drive success in this exciting growth sector”
shares Jake.

Jake Jessey spearheads our Energy & Renewables division, with a degree in Civil Engineering, a Fellow of the REC and 27 years of technical recruitment experience. His profound understanding of industry specifications, roles, and technical intricacies, coupled with a genuine passion for innovation, sets the standard for excellence within our team. Jake’s extensive network and expertise make him the go-to resource for securing top-tier talent and driving organisational success.

Joining Jake are seasoned leaders who shape and drive our business:

Mick Schruyers, Director of Business Development & Operations, brings over 20 years of experience in technical recruitment for the built environment, focusing on civils and permanent way. Mick’s consultative approach helps clients overcome talent challenges with tailored solutions.
Sam Jennings, Director of Rail & Infrastructure, boasts a wealth of experience managing Managed Service Programmes and Recruitment Process Outsourcing partnerships for key rail sector clients. His deep industry connections make him a trusted partner in the railway signalling sector.
Rob Kelly, Director of Water & Infrastructure, is a recruitment leader and Fellow of the REC with over 16 years of experience in the UK water and infrastructure sector. His environmental expertise ensures a deep understanding of the industries he serves.
Stuart Minchin, Director, a Fellow of the REC and a seasoned specialist recruiter, boasting an impressive 19 years of experience within the Infrastructure sector, notably excelling in the Water industry. His expertise spans various domains, including Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Process Design, Construction, and Commissioning, along with adeptness in Project/Site Management and senior-level appointments.

Our Energy & Renewables desk follows the Advance TRS model, offering permanent placements, contract recruitment, RPO, MSP, and Consultancy services. We excel at identifying and sourcing professionals skilled in a diverse array of disciplines, from Project Management to C-Suite/Exec Search functions.

We understand the critical role of top-tier talent in driving project success. Whether it’s Offshore Wind Engineers, Cost Control specialists, or HV Transmission & Distribution professionals, we’re committed to connecting clients with the best-suited professionals.

Advance TRS Founder and Managing Director, Andy Ridout welcomes Jake to the team;

“Our team is characterised by their deep knowledge and extensive experience in the sectors they recruit for. We are well-networked professionals committed to providing a consultative and collaborative approach to recruitment. Jake will be an excellent addition to the team.”

Advance TRS is not merely a recruitment agency; we are your consultative partner, a trusted advisor, and an expert collaborator dedicated to delivering unparalleled solutions. With a focus on key infrastructure markets such as energy, renewables rail, transport, aviation, water, environment, highways, and construction across the UK and Ireland, we take pride in being the go-to specialists for businesses seeking high-quality talent.

At Advance TRS, we’re dedicated to providing premium recruitment services, powering the future of the Energy & Renewables sector through unparalleled human capital solutions. Our meticulous approach ensures seamless recruitment tailored to the unique needs of each project, driving success in the UK renewables and energy sector.

The Energy & Renewables desk complements our wider market coverage, offering technical recruitment solutions for the built environment. Explore our latest opportunities and take the next step towards success.

Following the expansion of the Advance TRS digital rail and rail signalling team, meet Jake Rodger. Our Recruitment Consultant specialising in rail signalling and digital Rail recruitment at Advance TRS.

Having joined Advance TRS in 2019, Jake’s dedication has secured him well-deserved promotions. Now narrowing his focus to Rail Signalling and Digital Rail. Not only Is Jake highly regarded for his professional accomplishments, but Jake was voted Employee of the Year at our internal company awards, a testament to how highly regarded he is amongst his peers.

What sets Jake apart is not just his impressive professional accomplishments but also his exceptional commitment and diligence in identifying top talent. Within the workplace, Jake’s presence is truly invaluable, contributing significantly to the success and growth of the team.

Our Employee Engagement Coordinator Emilie asked Jake some questions regarding his time at Advance TRS

Q: What is your biggest career achievement

I don’t have one stand-out moment, instead, I take pride in the continuous development and improvement throughout my career, whether that is through refining new skills or expanding my industry knowledge.

Q: What do you most enjoy about recruitment

The best thing about recruitment is the dynamic nature of the job. I thoroughly enjoy the process as it allows me to connect and build relationships with candidates and clients alike.

What truly gives me satisfaction is the knowledge that I have played a pivotal role in assisting individuals and companies in achieving their goals.

Q: What is your favourite thing about Advance TRS

What I like most about Advance TRS is the genuine celebration of success within the company. We have a very supportive culture, where everyone wants the best for each other. The opportunity for progression and support to achieve your goals is very good. I also really enjoy the incentives, and get on with the people I work with, as it is always a good laugh when we all get together.

Throughout his time at Advance TRS, Jake has continuously built strong relationships with industry professionals, gaining insights into the ever-evolving landscape of rail and digital technology. Jake has refined his skills in recruiting professionals across various disciplines, including signalling, design, testing, installation, and engineering. Today, he stands at the forefront of Rail Signalling, ensuring that Advance TRS continues to lead the way in connecting industry professionals with their ideal roles.

Rail at Advance TRS

At Advance TRS, we specialise in creating tailored recruitment solutions for some of the UK’s largest rail projects collaborating with leading global engineering organisations. As an accredited member of the Rail Industry Supplier Qualification Scheme (RISQS), we deliver comprehensive rail recruitment services nationwide. With a sharp focus on the digital rail industry and excel in sourcing top talent for roles in rail signalling systems and cyber security. This expertise allows us to understand the unique demands of the sector and connect our clients with the most qualified professionals.

Are you looking for your next career move?

At Advance TRS we understand that talented and motivated staff is the key to any successful business. Our excellent training program ensures that individuals at all levels receive the appropriate amount of support. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a company where dedication is recognised and growth opportunities thrive.

We are always looking for driven and ambitious individuals to join the team. As a rapidly growing recruitment company, we have fantastic opportunities available across the business. Check out our Work for Us page.

The 8^th March 2024 marks International Women’s Day. A significant occasion dedicated to honouring the accomplishment of women worldwide. For over a century, International Women’s Day has been observed, with its roots tracing back to 1911 generating support from millions around the globe. Today it stands as a platform for advocacy.

About International Women’s Day

This year the theme is #inspireinclusion. When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better world. When women themselves are inspired to be included, there is a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, Advance TRS takes immense pride in recognising the incredible contributions and achievements of the remarkable women who play a vital role in shaping our success. We understand the importance of creating an inclusive and diverse workplace where every individual feels valued and empowered.

Women of Advance TRS completing Pretty Muddy in 2023

The Women of Advance TRS

Louise Oldham has been with the business for nearly 8 years. Within her role as Client Services Delivery Manager at Advance TRS, Lousie not only oversees a team of dedicated professionals but also develops the client service decision to deliver service-level agreements for select MSP and PRO clients. Louise has a proven track record in the sector and understands the importance of building strong candidate and client networks. Notably, she stands out as the most successful female sales consultant in the business, underscoring her exceptional dedication and outstanding performance. Additionally, Louise has been a proud representative woman both within our company and the industry at large, through her participation in events like the Women in Rail awards and representing Alstom at Railtex.

Since joining in 2016, Ella Gilbody has demonstrated exceptional growth within the company, now serving as the Marketing & Development Director. As one of two female directors on the business’s Management Board, she plays a crucial role in steering the growth and strategic direction of Advance TRS. Ella’s proactive “can do” attitude consistently delivers innovative and inspiring ideas to enhance our service for both clients and candidates. Her contributions have been pivotal in securing numerous awards for Advance TRS.

We are proud to also spotlight the incredible contributions of our young female employees. These Women are just starting out their professional careers with us. Their enthusiasm, determination, and fresh perspectives drive our company forward and we are committed to nurturing their talents and empowering their growth.

group photo of the Advance TRS girls at the Christmas party

“I encourage and support the growth of women within my work by understanding that we all have different needs to thrive, whether that’s within my team in a sales environment in supporting candidates securing their dream roles. I feel it is so important to enhance and celebrate each other strengths”.
Maia Devonshire – Recruitment Resourcer

“The communication with Hannah was very good and open”
Candidate Feedback

Join Us!

Join us in creating a workplace where every voice is heard, every perspective is respected, and every opportunity is accessible. Check out our Work for Us page now.

Are you ready to take your recruiting career to the next level? Look no further. Advance TRS is currently seeking talented individuals like you to join our dynamic team of established recruiters. If you’re passionate about technical recruitment and thrive in a collaborative environment, we want to hear from you!

Advance TRS is a niche recruitment consultancy specialising in the provision of highly skilled technical professionals. We provide permanent, contract, and temporary recruitment solutions to both candidates and clients across several key technical sectors: Rail, Water, Environment, Construction, Infrastructure, Energy, Renewables, and Highways.

We are currently based over three offices:

Guildford

Our head office is located just outside the busy market town of Guildford, Surrey. We recently celebrated our first anniversary of our new office Wonersh House – a milestone that marks a year of growth, collaboration, and innovation. Our office provides the perfect setting for our team to come together and share ideas.

London

Our newest addition to the family is our state-of-the-art London office, located right in the heart of the city. Situated in a prime location with panoramic views of the themes and the bustling cityscape, our modern office is more than just a workplace. With modern conveniences, flexible workspaces, and a vibrant atmosphere, we provide the ideal environment for you to thrive and excel in your career.

Portsmouth

Nestled in the Marina of Port Solent, our office offers a stunning double-fronted view of the harbor, providing a picturesque backdrop for our south coast team. It is more than just a place to work it offers nearby shopping, entertainment, and recreational activities for all to enjoy.

About Advance TRS

Joining Advance TRS is not just a career move; it’s a strategic decision to align yourself with a powerhouse in the recruitment industry. With an unparalleled reputation and extensive Preferred Supplier List coverage, we stand at the forefront of talent acquisition, particularly in the dynamic and vital infrastructure market.

As a consultant, you’ll have the opportunity to leverage our strong industry standing, unlocking doors to an expansive network of top-tier clients and projects. We take pride in being the go-to recruitment partner for major players in infrastructure, ensuring that you’ll be at the heart of ground-breaking developments and transformative projects.

Moreover, our commitment to excellence is reflected in the calibre of our leadership team – seasoned and well-respected individuals in infrastructure recruitment. Working alongside these industry luminaries provides not just mentorship but a unique chance to shape and lead a desk, contributing to the continued success and growth of Advance TRS.

At Advance TRS, we understand the value of empowering consultants to chart their course and shape their legacy. You’ll find an environment that fosters innovation, autonomy, and the support needed to excel. Joining our team means not only tapping into a wealth of industry knowledge but also being part of a culture that recognises and rewards leadership.

Benefits

If you are seeking a fresh opportunity to elevate your career, lead a desk, and make a significant impact, Advance TRS is the place to be. Come be a key player in our success story, where your expertise is not just valued but instrumental in shaping the future of infrastructure recruitment.

We are passionate about creating a vibrant and supportive community both inside and outside the office walls. Whether it’s team building activities or charity events there is plenty of opportunities to connect and thrive as part of our team. Joining Advance TRS not only comes with a competitive salary but also includes access to a fantastic benefit package

Quarterly conferences – where our team gathers to celebrate success, share updates, team build and socialise.
Bonus structure, vouchers, lunch clubs, and seasonal incentives
Heightened employee match pension scheme
Premium health insurance

Heightened maternity & paternity leave
Long service awards
Perk box – access to 4,000 perks and discounts worldwide, employees can access a wide range of deals and discounts from the biggest brands

Join us

To learn more about these exciting opportunities and how you can become part of our team, visit our Work for Us page.

Advance TRS is a proud member of the SME Climate Hub, a global initiative that empowers small to medium sized companies to take climate action and build more resilient businesses. Through the SME Climate Hub, we commit to lowering our impact on the environment through authentic action, halving our emissions by 2030. In making the commitment, we have joined the United Nations Race to Zero campaign.

At Advance TRS Ltd., we are dedicated to making a positive impact on the environment and are committed to taking meaningful actions to address climate change. Our commitment is grounded in a set of specific goals and milestones that reflect our dedication to sustainability. By adhering to the following targets, we strive to contribute to a more sustainable future:

SME Climate Hub Membership: We have joined the SME Climate Hub, a global initiative that aligns small and medium-sized enterprises with the goals of the Paris Agreement. By doing so, we commit to actively participate in collaborative efforts to mitigate climate change and foster sustainable practices within our operations.

Signed the Climate Pledge by December 2024: By December 2024, Advance TRS Ltd. commits to signing the Climate Pledge, signaling our commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions and actively working towards a sustainable and resilient future. This pledge reinforces our dedication to environmental stewardship and aligns us with global efforts to combat climate change.

Set Science-Based Targets by December 2024: We recognize the importance of sciencebased targets in driving meaningful change. By December 2024, Advance TRS Ltd. will establish and communicate science-based targets, ensuring that our emissions reduction goals are in line with what is necessary to limit global temperature rise and contribute to a low-carbon economy.

Archived ISO14001 Certification by December 2025: Environmental management is a cornerstone of our sustainability efforts. By December 2025, we commit to achieving and maintaining ISO14001 certification, demonstrating our commitment to systematically managing our environmental impact and continuously improving our environmental performance.

Achieved Carbon Neutral Status by December 2027: We understand the urgency of addressing climate change, and by December 2027, we aspire to achieve Carbon Neutral Status. Through a combination of emissions reduction measures and offsetting initiatives, we aim to balance our carbon footprint, contributing to the global effort to stabilize and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

As members of the Supply Chain Sustainability School, we are working through online learning resources surrounding various sustainability, offsite, BIM, lean and management topics relevant to the built environment to further our company and staff knowledge. Our team are able to gain CPD points by attending training workshops, networking events or completing e-learning modules.

Find out more about our memberships, professional accreditations and certifications or our commitment to delivering our service responsibly.

Embarking on a job search is often an unnerving experience, but choosing to collaborate with a specialist recruitment company can play a pivotal role in shaping your career trajectory, particularly for those in technical fields.

From industry insights to personalised support, Advance TRS is committed to elevating your job search experience. In this blog, we’ll explore how a tailored approach can make all the difference when it comes to unlocking new opportunities and realising your professional aspirations.

Industry expertise and market intelligence

Our team of expert consultants draw on decades of sector experience and market insight to help people find the right roles for them. From project awards and company culture to planned works and emerging trends, our comprehensive understanding of the built environment ensures we administer personalised advice to support your long-term professional development. Our goal is not only to help you find your next role, but to empower you.

Personalised career guidance

We recognise that no two people are the same. Each has their own unique set of values, goals and aspirations. This could be advancing within their current role, transitioning to a new specialism, exploring opportunities for career growth or finding an employer whose culture aligns with their personal ethos.

Over the years, we have developed a personalised approach to career guidance. We’ll take the time to understand your needs. Then we will place you in environments where you are destined to thrive.

Non-transactional relationships

At our core, we believe in building meaningful and enduring relationships. Beyond simply matching candidates with job opportunities, we are committed to ensuring long-term career success.

Your dedicated recruitment specialist will serve as a trusted advisor, offering ongoing support, mentorship and professional development opportunities to help you succeed in your chosen field. In turn, you will gain access to valuable networks and resources to expedite your career progression.

Time-efficient solutions

Searching for a new job can be a time-consuming and overwhelming process. By partnering with Advance TRS, you can streamline your job search and save valuable time and effort. Our comprehensive recruitment solutions will support you at every step. From sourcing opportunities and tailoring your CV to coordinating the interview process and navigating negotiations and counteroffers, we’re here to alleviate you of any stress.

Better negotiation process

When it comes to negotiating job offers, having a skilled advocate on your side can make all the difference. Our team of recruitment specialists offer expert negotiation support. We’ll act in your best interests and ensure that you secure competitive compensation packages aligned with your skills, experience and market value. From salary negotiations to additional benefits and perks, we’ll work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

Specialist support from Advance TRS

At Advance TRS, our complementary candidate care package supports technical professionals at every stage of the hiring journey and beyond. Drawing on our unrivalled industry expertise and experience, we have successfully placed thousands of individuals with national and global leaders.

To find out how we can help you to attain your career goals, contact us today. Submit your CV on our website and one of our consultants will be in touch.

In the heartbeat of any successful organisation lies its company’s culture and values. Our company values form at the core of our approach. We wholeheartedly believe in these principles and embody them in our interactions with both colleagues and those we support. Leveraging our specialised industry knowledge, we excel in building relationships founded on the principles of quality, integrity, loyalty, honesty, and commitment.

Quality

Our team is dedicated to delivering excellence every time. Our customers’ success is the goal – it’s the ultimate reward. We are proud to adhere to ethical standards, ensuring the highest level of integrity in all tasks.

“Perfect experience with a professional consultant”
Candidate feedback

Integrity

We deliver what we promise and only promise what we know we can deliver, without fail. This helps us to build and maintain trusted relationships with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders.

Loyalty

We nurture long-lasting relationships founded on trust and collaboration. We’re ambassadors for all our candidates, clients, and colleagues. We demonstrate loyalty to the team by actively contributing to a collaborative and supportive work environment. We invest in personal and professional development to contribute effectively to the company’s growth.

Honesty

We’re upfront and realistic about what we can do. If there is something, we don’t know it is an opportunity to get better and expand knowledge. This demonstrated authentic behavior, aligning with stated values.

Commitment

We are committed to being the best we can be. In order to achieve this, we put the customer at the centre of everything that we do. We strive to go beyond expectations and go the extra mile to get the job done.

“Stuart always goes the extra mile and I have never had a better agent.”
Candidate feedback

Delivering premium recruitment solutions is not easy, however, as a successful consultant, the rewards can be huge. Driven, Hard Working, Focused, Ambitious, Optimistic, Self-motivated, Persistent, Caring, Fun, and Committed are some of the qualities we look for when expanding our team. Whether it is roles for business services or sales, these attributes remain constant. These personal qualities together with our core values lay the foundations of the distinctive Advance DNA we look for in every recruit.

Join Us

If you are driven, ambitious, and passionate about making a difference we want you! Explore exciting opportunities with us and become part of the Advance TRS family.

Today, the Advance TRS Group celebrates a pivotal milestone. In a move that expands our service portfolio, we proudly announce the launch of CITILINE Limited, specialist Telecommunications and M&E recruitment consultancy.

Under the visionary leadership of Ben Shayegan, former Head of Telecoms and M&E at Advance TRS, CITILINE is set to revolutionise the ever-evolving industry landscape with unrivalled expertise, insight, and a network of highly skilled technical professionals. It is the product of ten years’ experience, passion, and a dedication to delivering the very highest quality service for the UK’s built environment.

A decade of dedication

Ben joined Advance TRS as a Trainee Recruitment Consultant in 2014. With an impressive understanding of the UK’s technical sectors and incredible ability to build strong, trustworthy relationships, he quickly ascended through the ranks. His decorated career showcases an unwavering commitment to go beyond. It is this which has driven the establishment of CITILINE.

Of the launch, Advance TRS’ Managing Director, Andy Ridout said:

‘I have worked with Ben for the last decade, serving as his mentor during the very early days of his career and then a friend. I feel an immense sense of pride surrounding this achievement. CITILINE is an invaluable addition to the Advance TRS Group. It will have such a positive impact on the industry. I have every faith in Ben’s leadership, and I am thrilled to see what the future holds.’

Part of the Advance TRS Group

CITILINE and its customers will benefit from the Group’s established processes with the added energy and agility of a newly emerging SME. This means guaranteed assurance for new and existing clients, candidates, and contractors from day one.

‘I am incredibly excited to move on to this next chapter and introduce CITILINE to my extensive network. This venture would not be possible without them,’ said Ben. ‘Thank you to all who I have had the opportunity to work with over the last ten years. I very much look forward to continuing our relationship and the many more successful years ahead.’

Follow Ben and CITILINE on LinkedIn to keep abreast of services, news and industry insight.

Katie embarked on her journey at Advance TRS half a decade ago, over the course of these five years, she has ascended the professional ladder with remarkable achievements. Demonstrating exceptional dedication Katie is now Head of Compliance and Administration.

Katie is a highly valued and key team member of our Business Services team, based at our head office in Guildford. Her exceptional skills and unwavering commitment underpin the success of her team. In her role, Katie is responsible for all contractor onboarding, registration packs, starters/finishers, contracts, contract extensions, umbrella companies, and supply chains.

“Katie’s support and encouragement helps us achieve our goals and targets. Her compassion and drive create a warm and welcoming environment in the team”
Charlotte Tunstall – Compliance Coordinator

Our Employee Engagement Coordinator, Emilie asked Katie about some of her favorite moments from the last 5 years.

What do you enjoy about Advance TRS?

“One thing I really like about Advance TRS is the ability to make your career what you want, you get out of it what you put in. There are multiple opportunities for progression with support from the Directors to help you achieve your goals. Being part of a team with such supportive individuals has not only helped my career development but also contributed to my personal growth”.

What is your favorite memory/time at Advance TRS?

I don’t have one specific memory, but I would say that a lot of the social incentives and summer parties holds such good memories for me. Participating in celebrations for the company’s achievements such as reaching the Millionaires Club, the Advance 10-year anniversary, hitting team targets, incentives, and the lively summer party are always the best. It is always fun getting to spend time with the team and letting your hair down. Being part of a company where my colleagues aren’t just coworkers but also friends make these moments truly special.

What is the best thing about being a manager?

The best thing about being a manager is being able to help my team with their successes. Having a team that is dedicated and committed to their roles and being able to help them realise and achieve their goals is so rewarding.

Join us

Over the years we have consistently achieved year-on-year growth. At the core of our success is the creation of a business culture that wholeheartedly embraces and reflects the unique characters and personalities within our team. Central to this is our exceptional training program that ensures individuals at all levels receive the appropriate amount of support.

We are constantly looking to grow. View our Work for Us page to dive deeper into who we are and what we are about.

As 2023 comes to an end, it is a great chance to reflect on some of the amazing achievements that took place this year.

New Office

We started the year off big by bidding farewell to our old Guildford office and embracing the exciting change of moving to Wonersh House. This new space has been tailored to meet our specifications providing an ideal setting for our expanding head office team. The new office serves as a base for our company conferences and plays a key role in cultivating a family feel atmosphere within our workplace.

As we close the chapter on our first year in the new offices, the excitement for what lies ahead is evident. Our office is not just a destination it’s a launchpad for innovation, growth, and continued success in the dynamic world of recruitment.

Conferences

To foster a close company culture, we have quarterly conferences that unite our three offices.

This year our Kick Off Conference in April was held in the Guildford office, featuring a dynamic team event “The Airship Challenge”, employees were grouped into small teams encouraging collaboration among colleagues who don’t typically cross paths. This event showed great teamwork, setting a vibrant tone for the year ahead.

In the summer, we visited our London office, where we took the opportunity to recognize the outstanding achievements of our team members, acknowledging their valuable contributions to the company’s growth and success.

In October, we celebrated our halfway conference, and our London and South Coast teams joined remotely via Teams. This was a great opportunity to celebrate the successes of Quarter 2, share updates, and get an insight into what was in store for Quarter 3.

New Starters 2023

In alignment with our ongoing commitment to strategic expansion. We are pleased to announce the addition of 11 new members of staff this year. We saw new team members joining various departments across the company.

In our business services team, we are pleased to introduce: Emilie Bass – Employee Engagement Coordinator, Olivia Close – Marketing Executive, Emilia Perrin – Compliance Coordinator, Charlotte Tunstall – Compliance Coordinator and Esta Stollard-Taylor – Payroll Supervisor.

To Our Guildford-based team Rail team, we welcomed Lily Kaye – Recruitment Resourcer, George More – Recruitment Resourcer, and Jo Tancrel – Sales Support Administrator.

In London, we saw Sissy and Shontal join the rail and infrastructure team. In South Coast, Ariadna joined the water and infrastructure team.

Charity Fundraising

After an extraordinary year of charity events, it gives us great joy to reveal that we have raised a staggering £18,855 for charitable causes.

Three Peaks by Rail

To start our year of amazing fundraising events, Louise, Jake, Sam, and Tom overcame a challenging 48 hours, demonstrating incredible determination and teamwork to complete the 3 mountain hikes.

“It was by far the hardest challenge, nothing but steep steps up and in 30 degrees heat, it was hard work”.
Jake about Scafell Pike

They raised an amazing £4,000 for Railway Children, who support vulnerable children who live on the streets.

Advance TRS Golf Day for Rail Aid 2023

In September we hosted our annual golf day at Celtic Manor in support of Rail Aid. The day was a great success, with an outstanding £14,000 raised. When combined with previous totals from the two previous events. We are thrilled to announce a total of £57,395 raised by this trilogy of Golf Day events.

The day kicked off with a briefing, followed by 18 holes of golf In the sunny weather. After all the golf excitement, attendees gathered for a three-course dinner, and a talk from our guest speaker, Billy Foster. The celebrations continued with the golf awards, prize giving, and a charity auction.

SME Surrey Business Awards

This November we are delighted to announce we were awarded silver in the category of Business of the Year (less than 50 employees). This award is a testament to the hard work of each team member here at Advance TRS.

Join us.

As we continue to grow, we’re on the lookout for passionate individuals to join our dynamic team. Ready to embark on a rewarding journey with us? Explore our current job openings and discover how you can be a part of our success story.

In a night filled with anticipation and excitement. Advance TRS proudly accepted the silver award for Business of the Year (Less than 50 Employees). This achievement is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and innovation that defines our company. It was an exceptional evening celebrating the achievements alongside fellow nominees.

In 12 years, Advance TRS has grown from a vision to a successful story of continued growth and commitment to excellence. Our path is defined by fostering a workplace culture centered on values such as quality, integrity, loyalty, honesty, and commitment. We have achieved our growth and success by having a consultative approach with our clients and building relationships based on trust and respect.

At Advance TRS, we are always on the lookout for individuals who align with our values to join our dynamic team. Our consultants undergo comprehensive training, and bring extensive expertise to the table, excelling in the management of both contract workers and permanent recruitment solutions.

We offer enticing companywide incentives to attract and retain top-tier talent. Our staff benefits and rewards package includes uncapped commission, pension scheme, and life assurance. Our sales team enjoys numerous opportunities to earn additional bonuses. Whereas our Business Services department offers various avenues for rewarding the consistent hard work of its members.

Additionally, we provide access to perks and discounts through Perk Box, offering an array of advantages such as free coffee and discounts at both high street and online shops and restaurants. Celebrating success is the foundation of our culture. We host company-wide activities and celebratory drinks to mark the achievements of targets and milestones. Check out our Work For Us page.

The Results

Congratulations to everyone involved, you can view the full list of winners here

Join Us

Do you aspire to be part of a team that highly values its employees, placing them at the core of everything we do? Check out what job opportunities are open to you here.

Check out our 2023 Charity Recap blog here

As 2023 draws a close, it provides us with an invaluable opportunity to reflect on the outstanding charitable events undertaken by our employees, aimed at raising funds for noble causes for organizations like Railway Children, Cancer Research, and MacMillan

At Advance TRS, our Founder and Managing Director, Andy Ridout has consistently provided support and motivation to the team, urging them to embrace personal challenges, step out of their comfort zones, and contribute to charitable causes by raising funds. This year saw our team participate in 6 charity events.

Three Peaks by Rail

In 2023 the first charity event our employees participated in was the Three Peaks by Rail. On the 15^th June, the Advance team of Louise, Tom, Jake, and Sam embarked on an enduring 3-day mountain challenge. This tested various physical and mental; attributes including endurance, mental resilience, and physical fitness.

Our commitment to supporting Railway Children has been longstanding. This organization is dedicated to aiding vulnerable children living on the streets. Through our efforts, we were able to raise an impressive £4,000 for this cause.

Pretty Muddy Challenge

In June, the women of the Guildford office participated in the “Pretty Muddy Challenge” to demonstrate their unwavering support for Cancer Research.

This event served as a significant platform to showcase their dedication and determination to effect positive change in the lives of cancer patients and their families. Upon the finish line, they not only commemorated their individual achievements but also acknowledged the collective impact of their efforts. Our collective fundraising efforts resulted in an impressive donation of £600 to support Cancer Research.

Advance TRS Golf Day for Rail Aid

In September we had the return of our annual Golf Day for Rail Aid. This year’s golf day was at Celtic Manor. The event boosted participation from a total of 18 fourballs.

With outstanding prizes to win, complemented by a wide selection of amazing experiences in our auction. We raised a magnificent £14,000 for a great cause. Added to the previous year’s totals, we are immensely proud to announce that Advance TRS Golf Day for Rail Aid has now raised a total of £57,395 benefiting underprivileged children in the UK, Africa, and India.

Macmillan Coffee Morning

In October we held a coffee morning in support of Macmillan Cancer Support. This event saw a bake-off competition come to the Guildford office, with Lily taking home star baker for her exceptional blondies. This was a great opportunity to have some run and raise some money for Macmillan.

Business Fives

This November the Advance TRS team represented by the boys, has joined the 5-a-side football competition organized by Business Fives. The participation is not just about scoring goals, it is about making a meaningful impact.

They are proud to be supporting the Little Roo Neonatal Fund, a charity that holds a special place in our managing director Andy’s heart and is dedicated to providing crucial support to the Neonatal care unit at St Peter’s Hospital in Chertsey, Surrey.

Their dedication has been shown through having raised an incredible £220 for this noble cause.

Still to come this year…

Christmas Jumper Day

To conclude an extraordinary year of charity events, we are wrapping it up with a festive touch. Christmas Jumper Day. On December 14^th, our entire team across all offices will be wearing their most cheerful Christmas jumpers, all in support of the wonderful cause of Save the Children.

This year we take immense pride in our remarkable contribution to numerous charitable causes, making a significant impact by raising a staggering sum of £18,855 Our dedication has left an indelible mark on the lives of those in need.

Join the team

Are you eager to be part of a business that not only thrives on success but also believes in giving back it its community? Then check out our Work for Us page now.

We are delighted to announce 3 new members to our team this month. As our business continues to expand, we recognize the crucial importance of parallel workforce development to uphold the highest standard of service delivery.

Please Welcome:

Olivia Close – Marketing Executive

Shontal Cohen – Senior Recruitment Consultant

Emilia Perrin – Compliance Coordinator

Olivia joined our Guildford team at the start of the month as our Marketing Executive. Olivia will be focused on the candidate journey, driving marketing strategy to attract, convert, and retain candidate leads. Part of Olivia’s remit will include job board management, quality control best practices, and content creation aimed at the candidate audience. Olivia has 5 years of experience working in a variety of marketing roles.

When asked what excites her about joining Advance TRS,

“From when I came in for my interview, I immediately noticed the amazing work culture they have here, from being someone that worked from home in my previous job this really excited me”.

The wonderful Shontal has joined our London office as a Senior Recruitment Consultant. Shontal mostly recruits in the Admin, Document control, office secretary/office manager type roles specifically in the Rail Infrastructure market to start. With over 10 years of experience in the recruitment industry, Shontal is a great addition to the team.

When asking her what excites her about the job

“The variety in the work that I do, this means that not one day is the same”.

Lastly, Emilia is the latest member to join our Guildford team as a Compliance Coordinator. Emilia is responsible for booking training, D&A, and medicals, sending out PPE, and chasing compliant documents for all our rail workers. Emilia has just completed her A-levels in Economics, Business, and Geography.

When asked what made her choose Advance TRS,

“As someone who has just finished my A-levels, I saw the development of growth this company offers, and the job allows me to explore different potential career paths and gain new knowledge on an area I am unsure about”.

“Straight away meeting Millie I knew she would be a great fit for Advance, she is such an engaging person and is keen to get involved. I am excited to have Millie on the team”.
Katie Walker – Compliance & Administration Manager

Join Advance TRS

Are you seeking a new opportunity to advance your career with an established growing business? We provide quality recruitment solutions in the built environment and engineering markets; we are always looking for new talent to join our team.

We’re pleased to share that Advance TRS’s very own Mick Schruyers and Josh Hill have been nominated at the RailStaff Awards 2023.

A relentless pursuit of success for our clients and candidates over the last twelve months has earnt them a total of six nominations (and counting) in this year’s Recruitment and Talent Acquisition Person of the Year category. With commendations from Babcock and VolkerRail representatives among many others, it’s an extraordinary recognition of their commitment to the industry.

The RailStaff Awards celebrate the achievements of the very best rail veterans, from drivers to cleaners, engineers to station attendants. Bringing together some of the largest and most renowned suppliers, providers and organisations, it’s a night of recognition and of paying thanks to those who deliver the UK’s railway.

Unlike others of its kind, the RailStaff Awards let the public have their say. The finalists for each category are whittled down by a vote. So, if you want your opinion to count, this is your chance. Vote here!

One thing’s for sure: it’s going to be a nail-biting finale for Team Advance TRS.

Mick Schruyers, Rail Business Development and Infrastructure Director

Mick has recently celebrated his sixth anniversary with Advance TRS. During his time with the business, he has served as Rail Infrastructure Director and Business Development Director. Renowned for his collaborative approach, Mick has nurtured close relationships with clients including Babcock.

“Mick is the consummate professional within the rail recruitment industry, helpful, knowledgeable, quick to react and always has time for you.”
Ashley Gierth

“I am exceptionally proud of the time, work and dedication that has been invested into our client relationships. I am even more grateful that so many of our clients have gone out of their way to nominate me for this award. It’s a real privilege.” – Mick Schruyers

Vote for Mick!

Josh Hill, Principal Consultant

Josh joined Advance TRS as a Recruitment Consultant in January 2016. Now a Principal Consultant, he leads our Civils and PWays team, drawing on years of practical experience managing country-wide recruitment.

“Josh listens to the requirements of the business. Takes time to build relationships with the clients to ensure that not only do the personnel who they forward to the business have the correct skill set, but they also are a good fit for the team.”
Peter Blakeley

Of his nomination, Josh said “I’m very flattered to have been recognised at the RailStaff Awards alongside Mick and some other brilliant recruiters. For the last four years, my focus has been on developing Advance TRS’ strengths in Pways and Civils so that we can deliver even better results for the sector. I’m incredibly proud of everything we have achieved.”

Vote for Josh!

Who will come out on top?

The RailStaff Awards are adjudicated by a panel of industry-leading figures. Judges include the Chair of IOSH Railway Group, Chairwoman of Young Rail Professionals and the Chief People Officer of Transport for London.

With a proven track record in delivering outstanding results for our customers, we are confident that Mick and Josh both stand a good chance of bringing home gold. If you’d like to help them on their way, you can vote for Mick here, and Josh here.

The RailStaff Awards will take place on Thursday 30^th November at the NEC, Birmingham. We wish all the nominees the very best of luck.

If you would like support in elevating your recruitment strategy, contact us today. Our award-winning team are here to help.

Awards season continues to tilt in our favour as Advance TRS is announced as finalist in two categories at the British Recruitment Awards.

We’re delighted to have been shortlisted in two awards in the Agency Recruitment Team of the Year (<50 Employees) and Engineering Recruitment Agency of the Year categories.

This spectacular news comes after a series of nominations at the SME Surrey Business Awards.

Agency Recruitment Team of the Year (<50 Employees)

Our first-class team is made up of highly skilled, driven people. From our industry-expert recruiters to our exceptional business services colleagues, we are united by a dedication to helping people and organisations thrive. We’ve spent the last 12 years cultivating a culture which celebrates success and promotes wellbeing. It’s this approach which ensures our colleagues continue to deliver the very best results for our customers – and this nomination is testament to just that.

Engineering Recruitment Agency of the Year

Our team is strengthened by a number of industry veterans, whose first-hand experience and sector knowledge propels our customers’ individual goals. As supplier to the UK’s leading engineering organisations, we have access to the most up-to-date trends – and our clients trust that we know what’s best for them.

Good luck to all involved

The British Recruitment Awards are adjudicated by some of the most prestigious figures in the UK market. This year saw a 40% increase in the number of organisations nominated, making our nomination news even more of a privilege.

Congratulations to our brilliant team, whose unparalleled commitment, expertise and passion are to thank for this incredible achievement.

The awards ceremony will take place on 8^th November. Until then, we’re keeping everything crossed.

Are you looking to elevate your recruitment strategy? Contact us today to see how we can support your business.

Awards season is off to a good start for Advance TRS after receiving two nominations at the Surrey SME Business Awards.

We’re back and (we would argue) better than ever, thanks to the hard work of our first-class team. Last time Advance TRS attended the SME Surrey Business Awards, we took home gold for High Growth and as Overall Winner. This year, our achievements are being recognised in the Business of the Year (Less than 50 Employees) and Employer of the Year categories.

The awards celebrate the very best businesses in the county and are a veritable endorsement of success. The judges look for organisations who “show outstanding initiative, boldness and imagination” – and we think we that summarises Advance TRS quite nicely.

Investing in our people, for your people

As specialists in the provision of top talent, we recognise that diverse, motivated and empowered staff are the key to success. As such, we value and invest in our people — after all, without them, we wouldn’t be where we are today.

Our employee package strives to set the standard for workplace health and well-being, not just within the county but on a national scale. In the last year, we’ve gone above and beyond our statutory obligations to deliver uplifted benefits for our team. This approach ensures we form the strongest relationships, perform the best we possibly can, and deliver high quality results for our candidates and clients time and time again.

An outstanding achievement

Of the nomination, Founder and Managing Director, Andy Ridout said:

“These awards nominations are testament to the incredible work that the Advance TRS team are doing — for our customers and to making the UK’s built environment more diverse and inclusive than ever before. I am exceptionally proud of them and the milestones that we’ve reached in the last twelve months and can’t wait to celebrate alongside Surrey’s finest in November!”

May the best business win

Congratulations to our brilliant team, whose unwavering dedication has delivered the greatest possible results for our customers and the business.

The SME Surrey Business Awards will take place on 22nd November at Epsom Downs Racecourse.

The very best of luck to all involved. You can view a list of finalist here.

If you think you’d benefit from our expertise, why not get in touch? We’d love to hear from you.

The annual Advance TRS Golf Day for Rail Aid returned to Celtic Manor in Wales on Tuesday 5^th September.

Unlike the weather we have experienced all summer, the golfers enjoyed a delightful 30-degree sunny weather while competing for the charity. There were 18 fourballs in total, all sent out in buggies for a shotgun start at 11:00 Prizes to be won involved competitions such as Longest Drive, Beat the Pro, nearest to the pin, Driving range competition individual Stableford, and the winning Four-Ball.

The course

The Montgomerie course – A dramatic par 69 challenge designed by Ryder Cup legend Colin Montgomerie. Offering a spectacular par 69 challenge, the legendary Colin Montgomerie has called on all his Ryder Cup experience to create a course with many exciting tests of strategy.

The Evening – Speakers & Rewards

After a fantastic day of golf, everyone enjoyed a 3-course dinner, a talk from Jack from Railway Children. Jack enlightened the room with a talk about how the money helps the charity, whilst sharing some emotional stories, emphasising the need to donate and support this cause. Finally joined by guest speaker Billy Foster. Billy is one of the most recognised caddies in the world, having been on the bag for the likes of Westwood, Steve Ballesteros, Sergio Garcia, Thomas Bjorn, Darren Clarke, and even Tiger Woods. The Yorkshireman has seen many of the players he’s caddied win titles but, up until this point, he has never experienced major glory.

Results

Longest Drive – Martin Headly

Nearest to the pin – Frank Cardona

Driving Range – Martin Headly

Individual Stableford – William Gates (41 points)

Winning Four-Ball – Atkins (Adrian Charlton, Nick Ansell, Steve Owens and Trian Bootle)

With outstanding prizes to win, complemented by a wide selection of amazing experiences in our auction. We raised a magnificent £14,000 for a great cause in Rail Aid. Added to the previous year’s totals, we are delighted that the Advance TRS Golf Day for Rail Aid has now raised a total of £57,395 for Children In need across the UK, Africa, and India.

Thank you

We would like to thank our sponsors who have made this feat possible not only this year but for the last 3 years. Thank you to MACE Dragados for joining us as a partner sponsor for all three years and to our competition sponsors, Gleeds, Atkins, and Turner & Townsend.

Thank you to our hole sponsors; Clipfine, Clemtech, Amey, Protech, BAM Nuttall, and to our prize and merchandise sponsors; Mick Schruyers, Neil Webber, Liquid Friday, Willie Mitchell, Kingsbridge, Brookson, Warren Jones, Coombes, Global Rail, Sam & Ella Gilbody, Chris Spurdle, Sean Clarke, Rob Love and Chix Shah.

Finally, thank you to Mark Thurston and Dave Ellis, without your support and energy to get this event up and running, we could never have achieved what we have.

Railway Children

Railway Children has been fighting for children alone and at risk on the street for over 25 years. During this time, they have reached more than 275,000 children in India, the UK, and East Africa.

Rail Aid is a major fundraising initiative in support of Railway Children, the Rail industry’s charity. It was launched in direct response to the Covid-19 outbreak, which has made our work with vulnerable young people even more vital.

Advance TRS founder, Andy Ridout and a few other members of our team have completed numerous challenges such as climbing Mt Everest and Kilimanjaro, Ride Vietnam Challenge, Three Peaks By Rail 2023. These are just some of the amazing challenges we have done to raise funds for Railway Children.

Supporting charities is a core element of life at Advance TRS, Since its establishment, our staff has raised over £85,000 for charities including Railway Children and Action for Children. Taking on personal challenges and fundraising activities to advance others has been a core founding principle and staff are encouraged to support charitable causes.

Advance TRS are always looking for more people to join the team, Find out more about our latest vacancies.

On Sunday 22^nd June, the women of the Guildford office participated in the pretty muddy challenge to show their support for Cancer Research.

The Pretty Muddy Challenge is an exhilarating fundraising event that takes participants through a fun and muddy obstacle course. The funds raised from this event go towards crucial treatment and support services for cancer patients and their families.

As the girls navigated through the muddy course, they encountered many obstacles that demanded teamwork, courage, and perseverance. Crawling through mud pits, and splashing through water obstacles was all part of the exciting adventure. Their determination was evident in every muddy stride they took. Throughout the challenges, the girls supported each other, motivated one another, and demonstrate the power of unity. As they crossed the finish line together, they not only celebrated their personal accomplishments but also the collective impact of their efforts.

collage of the Advace TRS girls taking on the Pretty Muddy challenge

Support

The pretty muddy challenge provided a platform for these exceptional girls to showcase their spirit and commitment to making a positive change in the lives of cancer patients and their families. Their determination, teamwork, and resilience are shining examples of how small acts can lead to significant transformations. Please help the girls reach their final fundraising goal of £600, to remember the importance of supporting initiatives like this that bring hope to those affected by cancer.

About us

Advance TRS has a strong history of taking on challenges and hosting events to raise money for Cancer Research and support. In June last year, Advance TRS complete the longest day golf challenge in support of Macmillan, and upcoming this September we are hosting a Macmillan coffee morning. Find out more about how we support other charities here.

Advance TRS is always looking for more people to join the team, find out more about our latest vacancies.

In July, we hosted our yearly summer conference at the Northern and Shell building where our London office is situated.

The event was a resounding success, bringing together our talented team members from various offices including Guildford and Port Solent for a day of celebration. During the conference, we took the opportunity to recognize the outstanding achievements of our team members. Acknowledging their valuable contributions to the company’s growth and success.

The event served as a platform for fostering connections among colleagues from different departments locations and teams, reinforcing our commitment to building a strong, cohesive team that leverages the strengths of everyone.

We currently have three offices in London, Guildford, and Port Solent. As a company, we constantly seek opportunities to grow and enhance our teams by bringing in fresh and talented individuals. If you want to be part of a thriving and forward-thinking company, join our team now and explore your current option.

A huge congratulations to Louise, Tom, Jake, and Sam, who have successfully completed the Three Peaks by Rail challenge, and what a journey it has been!

The Three Peaks by Rail challenge is an exhilarating adventure that combines the physical feat of climbing three mountains: Snowdon (1085 meters), Scarfell Pike (978 meters), and Ben Nevis (1345 meters). Their goal was not only to conquer the peaks but also to raise funds and awareness for a deserving charity. Railway Children, dedicated to supporting vulnerable children.

Louise, Tom, Jake, and Sam overcame a challenging 48 hours, demonstrating incredible determination and teamwork. The team dedicated several weeks to preparing themselves from walking up Pen y Fan, to making sure they had all the equipment needed (however last minute, Tom) and of course, getting the extra steps in on the golf course! All this preparation helped them get ready to take on their challenge.

The Challenge

On the 15^{th of} June, the team arrived at Crewe, joining the train to travel to the first mountain, the highest peak in Wales, Snowdon. The team successfully completed the challenging task of climbing the 1,085 meters in complete darkness, with adrenaline flowing.

“This was the most enjoyable mountain,” said Louise, “as you could see a trail of head torches when you looked down the mountain as well as the enjoyment of scrambling their way back in the dark!”

Once Snowdon was completed the team re-joined the train to travel back into England to face Scarfell Pike.

On the journey, the team took the opportunity to attempt to sleep with little success. Scarfell Pike posed a unique additional challenge of a 4-mile walk from the station to the mountain before the 8-hour window to climb and descend the 978-meter mountain began.

“It was by far the hardest challenge, nothing but steep steps all the way up and, in 30 degrees heat it was hard graft – especially as they make us walk 2 hours to the bottom of the mountain from the train!”

Once the first 2 mountains were successfully completed. The team then moved on to their final challenge of Ben Nevis. The last mountain presented them with their ultimate test of climbing 1,345 meters.

Once completed they were greeted with the sound of the bagpipes as they reached the bottom of the mountain which proved an overall overwhelming experience for the whole team! Even with tired and aching bodies the team pulled through and completed the challenge, well done everyone!

We would like to thank anyone who donated to reach our end goal of £4,000. However, the challenge continues with another remaining £467 to raise for Railway Children. The team has already raised an incredible £3,553 for the children’s charity.

Show your support for their incredible effort and help them complete their final hurdle of reaching their ultimate fundraising goal.

The Team’s Final Statistics

Snowdon

Total time: 4hrs 15 mins

Scafell Pike

Total Time: 4hrs 38 mins

Ben Nevis

Total Time: 7hrs 10 mins

Railway Children

Advance TRS has been a long supporter and partner of Railway Children and the Rail Aid campaign. Railway children work to support vulnerable children who live on the streets. The organisation aims to provide protection, support, and opportunities for these children. Our staff has taken part in multiple challenges to support this charity already such as a Vietnam ride, A trek up Kilimanjaro, an Everest base camp as well as a previous Three Peaks by Rail challenge.

Find out more about how Railway Children help children in need.

The girls of Advance TRS are taking on this latest challenge, in support of cancer research and race for life, where they will push their limits and conquer a 5K obstacle course in the mud, showing that even though cancer plays dirty, so do we!

On the 23^{rd of} July, catch our team as they embark on the challenge of completing the muddy obstacle course at Stoke Park in Guildford. The course presents them with various obstacles, starting with the A frame, the primary goal is to manoeuvre across the A frame without falling into the mud pit below them. However, this is just the beginning as the girl’s progress further into the course, they are challenged to scramble on their belly in the “Go commando” task.

The next obstacle the girls will encounter is the spiders’ web, putting to test their flexibility. Following the spiders’ web they face the tunnel crawl, a narrow passage where they must crawl on their hands and knees, displaying their physical strengths. After emerging from the tunnel, the girls are greeted with a series of exhilarating obstacles. After all this endurance the end is in sight and the girls will finally head down the mudslide into the final pool of mud.

Our team of runners will climb, crawl, and slide their way to help beat cancer. Fundraising can make a huge difference, we are aiming to raise £600 for taking part in this challenge, please do support our team in reaching their fundraising goal. Taking on this challenge will help support cancer research programmes and provide support for patients as well as their families.

Meet the Race for Life Team:

The team taking on the Race for Life challenge is: Katie Walker, Carolyn Kaye, Eira Burnett, Lauren Hawkins, Chloe Moore, Farina Dahiya, Leanne Soul, Louise Oldham, Michelle Shepherd, and Lily Kaye.

Our employee engagement coordinator, Emilie sat down with some of the team to understand their perspective and expectations of the event.

“What do you most look forward to with this event?”

“I love an obstacle course it is a good laugh! It means a lot to help raise money for this charity as it will help so many new people, who get a diagnosis every day” Lauren Hawkins – Health and safety manager.

“Why was Cancer research chosen?”

“Being able to raise money for Cancer Research is a privilege. To help fund vital research so that hopefully fewer lives are lost and loved ones stay safe is what it is all about” Katie Walker – Compliance and admin manager.

“Why do you want to participate in this Race for Life event?”

“I have been running for many years and done numerous events but haven’t done much in the last year and a half due to injury’s so when asked to participate in this challenge, there certainly was an element of doubt but I haven’t done a muddy event and didn’t want to let the Advance girls down, so I was in ! it’s all for a great cause and will be fun on the day” Chloe Moore – Accounts manager

We wish our incredible girls the best of luck in their upcoming race and thank the rest of the business for their fundraising efforts to help raise as much money as we can.

Advance TRS has a strong history of taking on challenges and hosting events to raise money for Cancer research and support. In June last year, Advance TRS complete longest day golf challenge in support of Macmillan and upcoming this September we are hosting a Macmillan coffee morning.

Advance TRS are always looking for more people to join the team, find out more about us latest vacancies.

Advance TRS and Alstom are delighted to announce a huge milestone achieved in our recruitment partnership as our 300th permanent starter joins the business this week, following 3 years of tremendous growth across the business!

Advance TRS are the recruitment partner for Alstom UK & Ireland’s rail recruitment programme, sourcing rail signalling management, engineering, and installation professionals. The Advance TRS and Alstom UK & Ireland partnership has placed over 300 new professionals in permanent roles across the business.

Working in a truly collaborative manner has been a vital factor in the success to date which has seen both businesses work tirelessly to attract and engage with some of the brightest and most committed individuals across the country. Whilst in the company, the opportunities have not stopped with new starters building development career paths, taking on additional responsibilities, and achieving promotions as the benefits of working for a leading global engineering firm become a reality.

Having taken a proactive approach to appoint a diverse workforce, we have seen numerous key roles being filled by candidates outside of the sector, with management driving a recruitment focus on individual skills & behaviours rather than time spent in the railways. This has led to fresh ideas, new approaches, and opportunities for people to join and excel in the industry.

But the hard work doesn’t stop here! Thanks to an enviable work bank and constantly expanding product offering, Alstom is growing further and can offer outstanding opportunities across engineering, operations, and management as we gear up for the years ahead.

Find out more about the Advance TRS recruitment partnership with Alstom.

ALSTOM IN IRELAND

Advance TRS & Alstom are recruiting Commercial, Planning, Engineering, Management, Health & Safety professionals for the Cork Area Commuter Rail (CACR) upgrade, a transformative rail improvement programme for the Cork Rail Network.

The Cork Area Commuter Rail programme is the heavy rail element of CMATS and is a transformative rail improvement programme for the Cork Rail Network. Delivering increased train capacity and frequency, providing for more connected communities and a more sustainable transport network, the project represents the largest-ever investment in the Cork Rail Network.

The programme involves developments and enhancements to the rail network from Mallow through Cork to Cobh and Midleton and will include the delivery of new rail infrastructure and electrification and re-signalling across the 3 main lines of Mallow, Cobh and Glounthaune to Midleton.

The Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme is being progressed through a number of separate but interrelated projects which will be delivered in specific work packages.

This is a fantastic opportunity to work on the Signalling and Communications Upgrade to facilitate the proposed capacity and service frequency increases across the Cork Area Commuter Rail network. The preliminary design of the project is well-advanced, and the implementation stage is starting now.

View the latest Alstom jobs in Ireland.

BUILDING A DIVERSE WORKFORCE WITH ALSTOM

A key focus for Alstom is to build a diverse and entrepreneurial workforce with inclusivity at its core. Alstom knows that employee empowerment is crucial to its success and continues to strengthen its culture by promoting diversity and entrepreneurial spirit with a fundamental commitment to integrity and high ethical business standards and practices.

This key commitment has been embraced and mirrored by Advance TRS, working together to establish a non-discriminative recruitment process to ensure a diverse candidate pool is available, and promoting opportunities for under-represented communities. At Advance TRS, we believe everyone deserves the same opportunities, and that the diversity of the workforce is an essential part of success. We are committed to supporting clients to build work environments that are free from discrimination and promote equal opportunities for all.

View the latest Alstom Jobs.

QUALITY CANDIDATE CARE

At Advance TRS providing a premium quality service to candidates and clients alike is a core founding principle and forms the backbone of how we approach our work.

We pride ourselves on our exceptional level of customer service and seek to create long-lasting and dependable relationships. Advance TRS support candidates throughout the entire process from initial contact and interview, through to remuneration negotiations and onboarding.

ALSTOM PRIORITIZING CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Professional development is part of Alstom’s recruitment strategy, with the organisation firmly believing that employee motivation and performance are intrinsically linked and that the nurturing of employee potential and competencies are key to ensuring the ongoing success of the international brand.

All employees are offered development opportunities via the ‘People Management Cycle’, which helps line managers and HR to design a bespoke training plan for each employee. This offers high-quality learning and development opportunities and supports employees through professional mentoring or coaching.

For those hesitant to take the next step in their career and explore opportunities, such a solid investment into personal development has proven to temper nerves and ease the transition when joining the business.

“My favourite part of my role is enhancing and developing new skills and expertise in the development of people. I have fully embraced Alstom’s People Management Cycle and encourage the development of my team members.”
Lead Commercial Manager, Alstom.

“Alstom has committed to training the right candidates to be the perfect fit for the business. They understand that not everyone will be the finished article straight away, but their development opportunities are really encouraging and quick to materialise.”
Principal Project Engineer, Alstom.

Find out more about life at Alstom.

FIND YOUR IDEAL ROLE

Across the UK, Alstom is winning new projects and securing exciting packages of work, opening up huge opportunities for professionals across the UK.

Are you looking for your next role and does Alstom sound like the right fit for you? View our live jobs or speak to one of our Alstom delivery teams today.

Over Christmas 2022 we were delighted to relocate our Guildford office to a newly refurbished office in Artington, just outside of the center of town. These new offices have been customised to our exact specifications and are designed to accommodate our growing Head Office team in a modern and vibrant environment.

Office New

Our new offices include new meeting rooms, a board room, interview rooms, ‘pods’ for individual video meetings or quiet work in addition to one large open plan sales floor and a bright social break out space and kitchen.

The team welcomed all Advance TRS staff to the new office on 13^th January for our January KickOff Conference, where we celebrated success from Q3 and looked forward to what is to come this spring.

We are delighted to celebrate this huge milestone for the business after such a fantastic year for the company. By relocating our Head Office, we hope this new space will continue to support our growth plans, offering an exciting space for people to join us and work in. By collaborating in a friendly open office, we work together to deliver the best possible service for our customers and have fun whilst we do it.

Join the Team

If you are local to the Guildford area and looking for an opportunity to further a career in sales or learn new skills, we are looking for talented people at all levels to join our business.

Are you driven, hardworking, ambitious, self-motivated, and caring? If so, we may be just the fit for you! These personal qualities together with our core values and company charter form the basis of the Advance TRS DNA we look for in every new recruit.

For a confidential chat, the opportunity to discuss your potential and the possibility of making a career move, or simply exploring the countless options available to you, get in touch with Jess our Talent Acquisition Manager today.

2022 was an action-packed year for Advance TRS Ltd, marked by new office openings, new recruits to the business, and mammoth charity fundraising efforts.

New London Office

Advance TRS announced a new office location in central London, based in the Northern & Shell Building, near Monument was launched in September 2022. This new base is the third office for the recruitment business and marks an exciting chapter in the business’s growth.

The new London office will be a permanent office for some of our Rail and Infrastructure recruitment business and provide a base for other members of the team who have meetings in London.

The new office is led by Specialist Consultant in the Rail & Civil Engineering Industry, Craig Outhwaite. Craig focuses on the recruitment of freelance Quantity Surveyors and Commercial professionals across the UK.

“I’m really proud and excited to open and grow a London branch for the company. London excites me, you can’t help but feel invigorated heading into the city each morning. The market is really busy and we are now expertly positioned to meet all our clients and candidates as needed”

Shares Craig.

New Guildford Office

Over the Christmas period, we were delighted to relocate our Guildford office to a newly refurbished offices in Artington, just outside of the center of town. These new offices have been customised to our exact specifications.

This new office creates an energising atmosphere for our team to work and thrive in a new space, enabling people to work collaboratively in an open space.

NEW STARTERS 2022

Throughout the year the business has welcomed 11 new starters. In our business services team we have welcomed Harry Payne, Marketing Executive and Farina Dahiya, Payroll Supervisor.

To our Guildford-based sales teams, we have welcomed Emily Peek, Chris Spurdle, Sam Riley, Mike Butler and Eira Burnett to our rail and client services teams. Adding to our London office, Victoria Bartram joined in September and Sissy Todd joined in January 2023.

Our Port Solent office also welcomed Calum French, Charlie Knight and Hannah Coton into their buildings, infrastructure and water teams.

“We are so pleased to have attracted such diverse talent this year, expanding our teams throughout the business. This will really support our business growth plans for the next few years and give lots of opportunities for personal and team development.”

Andy Ridout, Group Managing Director, Advance TRS

Charity Fundraising

Longest Day Golf Challenge

Charity fundraising and golf really shaped the summer of 2022, firstly seven of our avid golfers took on the Longest Day Golf Challenge to raise vital funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. They raised a total of £1,175! The team made up of our Rail consultants included Jake Rodger, Andy Ridout, Craig Outhwaite, Josh Hill, Sam Blair, Mick Schruyers and Chris Spurdle.

They completed 4 rounds of golf, 72 holes, in 31-degree heat, taking a total of 16 hours and walking over21 miles!

Business Development Director Mick shared some thoughts from the day:

“The day was great, it was a real team effort. It was certainly a hard day but hearing a number of people at the club cheering us on during the day helped get us through. We even had a lady who thought we were crazy and was leaving the course after 9 holes as it was too hot. We told her what we were doing, and she waited for us to return and donated £20 towards the day. It was a real good, spirited team event and still managed to recognise good shots even on the last 18 holes.”

Advance TRS Rail Aid Golf Day

The annual Advance TRS Golf Day for Rail Aid returned to The Belfry in Birmingham for the second year running on Thursday the 29th of September.

After a great day of golf, we enjoyed a 3-course dinner, a presentation from Dave Ellis at Railway Children, and then were joined by guest speaker Kriss Akabusi. Kriss rose to fame on the athletics track. His greatest individual triumph was winning the gold medal in the 1990 European Championships, and he is now a motivational speaker and TV personality.

We then completed the evening with a much-anticipated finale involving Golf Awards, Prize Giving, and a Charity Auction.

Last year, Advance TRS raised a staggering £20,000 for Rail Aid, which they were very keen to beat and overcome for their return in 2022. With outstanding prizes to win, complimented by a wide selection of amazing experiences in a charity auction, we overcame expectations and raised a magnificent £23,395 for a great cause in Rail Aid.

Railway Children Ride to Vietnam Challenge

Capping off the years fundraising, our Director of Client Services & Rail Signalling, Sam Jennings joined the Railway Children team to complete the Ride Vietnam Challenge.

Since returning, Sam and his teammates concluded their journey as “Truly an unforgettable experience and an amazing opportunity to see a new country and keep fit! It was a fantastic way to achieve a once-in-a-lifetime achievement whilst raising awareness for a great cause. It was also truly admiring to hear about the amazing work that Railway Children do.”

We would like to thank anyone who donated to reach our end goal of raising £3,500 for charity! Sam couldn’t have done it without you!

Subsequently our Rail & Client Director Sam Jennings has been nominated for the RailStaff charity award! Due to his brilliant work throughout the year, he went that extra mile to raise awareness and has been a vital part of raising over an amazing £85,000 for Charity at Advance TRS.

Join the Team

If you are looking for an opportunity to further a career in sales or learn new skills, we are looking for talented people at all levels to join our business.

Are you driven, hardworking, ambitious, self-motivated and caring? If so, we may be just the fit for you! These personal qualities together with our core values and company charter form the basis of the Advance TRS DNA we look for in every new recruit.

Our team are taking on this latest challenge in support of Railway Children to complete the special 20th Anniversary Porterbrook 3 Peaks by Rail!

On 15^th June, the team will arrive in Crewe to start their journey climbing Mount Snowdon throughout the night. Then they will be getting the train to the next mountain, Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England at an elevation of 978 metres (3,209 ft) above sea level. Once they’ve climbed this, they will be getting the train again to the third and final peak, Ben Nevis. This is the highest peak in the British Isles which is in Scotland.

The three mountains total over 30km of walking and over 3,000m of ascent. This challenge isn’t being taken lightly! The team have been training for weeks and is now gearing up for this two-day event.

We are aiming to raise £4,000 for taking part in this challenge! Please do support our team to reach their fundraising goal!

Our team of intrepid mountaineers includes;

Louise Oldham is our Client Services Delivery Manager and has been with Advance TRS since April 2016. Louise is responsible for the continued growth, success and effective service delivery of the Client Services team and supporting the Client Services Director. Outside of work she is a keen netball player for a local team and enjoys travelling whenever she can, last year Louise went on a boot camp holiday to Marbella with a rigorous programme of yoga and hiking. Louise is excited to take on this physical and mental challenge to test her strength as part of a team for such a great cause and has started to break in her new hiking boots and pushing her incline training in the gym.

Jake Rodger is a Recruitment Consultant specialising in Rail signalling. Jake has risen through the ranks in his time with Advance TRS to be a knowledgeable consultant with a wide-reaching network in the sector. Jake was one of the key drivers to bring together a team to complete the 3 Peaks Challenge and is using this as a great focus to his workout schedule and training. As a new member of David Lloyd gyms, Jake loves a relaxing spa session and is enduring beastings from his personal trainer in his weekly sessions. No pain no gain! As a keen golfer, Jake is also planning to clock up a chunk of practice miles on the golf course!

Sam Riley is one of our Delivery Specialists working with our Client Services team. Since joining the business Sam has settled in well as part of the team and has shown his hard work and dedicated mentality to providing the best service possible and learning his craft. Sam enjoys working out and keeping fit as a semi-professional Goalkeeper and was previously a member of the Fulham academy. On top of his physical fitness, as the only Duke of Edinburgh Award participant in the group, he is an excellent addition to the team.

Tom Gibson is our Recruitment Consultant specialising in the delivery process for the recruitment of Engineering, Design, M&E, Process, Commissioning, Site Agent/Managers and Project managers for the Construction sector. Tom is looking forward to the challenge and is excited to work towards such a big challenge as part of a strong team. Tom is an avid Chelsea FC fan and is planning a practice walk by completing the Surrey Three Peaks (Box Hill, Holmbury Hill and Leith Hill) a challenging 33.5km walk across the local countryside will prove great training!

Advance TRS’s founder, Andy Ridout, and a few other members of our team have completed numerous challenges like climbing some of the world’s highest mountains including Mt Everest and Kilimanjaro, completed Iron Man triathlons, marathons and cycling challenges to raise money and awareness for the charity. Most recently our Director of Client Services & Rail Signalling, Sam Jennings joined the Railway Children team to complete the Ride Vietnam Challenge, raising over £3,500 for Railway Children. Some staff have even been out to Africa and Vietnam to visit the projects and witness what money raised can do to help vulnerable children in person.

We wish our Three Peaks team the best of luck and thank the rest of the business for their fundraising efforts to help raise as much money as we can for this great charity.

If you are looking to join a dynamic business with exciting growth projections and career progression opportunities in London, Guildford or Port Solent, find out more about our live opportunities.

This October, our Director of Client Services & Rail Signalling, Sam Jennings joined the Railway Children team to complete the Ride Vietnam Challenge.

The challenge involved a 450km cycle across 6 days in 30-degree heat… and after 1100 miles of hard training through the year, multiple vaccinations, and a long 13-hour flight, Sam finally arrived with other team members at Da Nang Airport.

“Our friendly local tour guides greeted us just outside the airport, and the first thing we noticed was the instant rush of scorching heat and humidity! It felt like the 40-degree heatwave we had in the UK back in August.”

As the team bonded and had their first taste of Vietnamese food and lifestyle, they managed an early night and were well-rested for the days ahead.

The team began the trip cycling through the beautiful terrain and local villages, which was an incredible insight into the cultural heritage and history of Vietnam. During water and coffee breaks, they were welcomed by many friendly locals, who showed an abundance of high energy and happiness to see foreign faces from around the world!

As days went by, the group started to encounter an extreme shift in tropical weather conditions. From dry and bumpy paths to high humidity and torrential rain. Arguably, this proved more favourable for the team as the rain helped keep them cool! The extreme weather was still preferable to the stormy and wintry conditions of training back in the UK…

Despite starting to feel a bit heavy-footed throughout the challenge, they still took the time to learn more about the intriguing and fascinating lifestyle of the Vietnamese. The team loved the distractions from cycling, which involved coconut harvesting, floating markets, overtaking Bison’s on the main roads, and even helping the locals push a stuck truck out of the mud!

We would like to thank anyone who donated to reach our end goal of raising £3,500 for charity! Sam couldn’t have done it without you!

Please be sure to show support to Sam and the team’s efforts in Vietnam by donating to Railway Children.

GIVING BACK

Advance TRS continues to dedicate time to raising money and bringing awareness to great causes. Since Advance TRS was established in 2011, advancing less fortunate people has always been a central motivator for founder Andy Ridout and the Advance TRS team. To date, our staff has raised over £88,000 for charities completing an incredible array of personal challenges to raise money and awareness for those less fortunate. Find out more.

RAILWAY CHILDREN

Advance TRS has been a long-term supporter and partner of Railway Children and the Rail Aid campaign. Railway Children is an international children’s charity that funds rescue workers and street teams that seek out vulnerable children living on the streets before potential abusers get to them first. Our staff has completed a number of challenges to raise money and awareness for the charity including Three Peaks By Rail, Three Ironman’s, a trek up Kilimanjaro, and to Everest Base Camp. Find out more about how Railway Children support children in need.

Our Rail & Client Director Sam Jennings has been nominated for the RailStaff charity award! Due to his brilliant work throughout the year, he went that extra mile to raise awareness and has been a vital part of raising over an amazing £85,000 for Charity at Advance TRS.

Please show your support for Sam and his continuing efforts by voting for him on the RailStaff Award website.

RailStaff awards will be shutting their voting panel on the 16^th of October, so we ask you kindly to cast your votes in as soon as you can!

Ella Gardiner, Marketing Director shares Sam’s dedication to charity work and impact on the Company:

“Sam has been an active member of the Advance TRS team promoting our values and taking on personal challenges to raise money and awareness for charities. Previously Sam completed the London Marathon raising over £2,500 for Action for Children. He has also taken part in Movember, Macmillian Coffee Mornings, our Advance TRS Golf Day for Rail Aid, and the numerous walking and triathlon challenges we have completed as a business. Since joining the business 8 years ago Sam has played a key role in raising over £65,000 in total for various charities”

This October, Sam will be taking part in Railway Children’s Ride Vietnam Challenge. As a novice cyclist, Sam will be confronting a challenging 450km cycle across 7 days in 30 degrees, on a (barely used) bike!

Sam Jennings progresses in his training for Railway Children’s Ride Vietnam Challenge

So far Sam has completed over 500 miles of training in the saddle, with 340 miles traveled through a very hot July! There is a lot of water, sun cream, and only the one puncture to date to report as Sam hits the halfway mark on his donations target and only 2 months to go! In the next few weeks, Sam faces a step up in training with 100 miles a week to complete.

The trip itself will see Sam spend between six and eight hours in the saddle each day, traveling across waterways and plantations on unpaved and dusty roads, slightly different surfaces to the hills he will be training on but all part of the challenge for a true bike novice!

“Having never previously ridden a bike without balancing a child on the back, it seemed like a great opportunity to take on a huge personal challenge and raise money that will go to support some of the most vulnerable children in the world”

Shares Sam Jennings

Sam is fundraising for his Railway Children’s Ride Vietnam Challenge . We are just 7% away from reaching our target of £3500! We are extremely grateful for any donations towards reaching our goals for such an excellent cause, for this occurrence, and for all previous fundraising events throughout the year!

More About Railway Children:

Children run away or are forced to leave homes where they suffer poverty, violence, abuse, and neglect. They find themselves living on the streets because there is nowhere else to go and nobody to turn to. Railway Children work to reach children as soon as they arrive on the streets and intervene before an abuser can.

We at Advance TRS are delighted to welcome 5 new, lovely faces to the team this month! As we continue to grow the size of the business, we value the importance of developing the workforce simultaneously to sustain our service delivery at the highest standard.

Please Welcome:

Emily Peek – Delivery Consultant

Farina Dahiya – Payroll Supervisor

Harry Payne – Senior Marketing Executive

Victoria Bartram – Recruitment Consultant

Emily was the first to join our team as our new Delivery Consultant. She will be focused on managing key accounts in rail and improving relationships more so within the consultant team. With her 4 years of experience in this role, liaising with her friendly and bubbly personality, we did not doubt that it was the perfect fit for both her and the company.

When asked what excites her about joining, she stated this: “I am ecstatic to start my journey with Advance TRS, I am particularly very keen to explore and learn a lot in a new and growing industry. There’s no better time to be joining the consultant team considering their exciting upcoming projects and growth of accounts.”

The wonderful Farina will be focusing on managing payroll as our newest member within the Finance department. With years of knowledge in PAYE and SAGE, “I am looking forward to being involved with such a fun team, I’m also extremely excited about the growth of this specialist company and learning the way that they operate payroll”.

“We are excited to welcome Farina to Advance TRS, and more personally, I am delighted to have her in our department. Farina’s payroll experience and knowledge are of great value to the company, making her a truly great addition to an already brilliant team.” 

Finance Director at Advance TRS, Carolyn Kaye

Harry is our latest member within the marketing department as a Senior Marketing Executive. He is a young and competitive marketer who shows great value in his experience and knowledge within, who isn’t shy in providing new ideas of ways to drive Advance TRS forward as we look to grow and expand the company.

Harry will be looking at innovative ways to connect to our water, construction, and rail audiences to improve the customer journey experience by improving relationships and ways to connect with candidates and clients.

“I am delighted to welcome Harry to the Marketing team, we have a packed programme of activity planned for the next few months, and his energy and drive will be a huge asset to deliver our plans and set out the strategy for the future.”

Marketing & Development Director, Ella Gardiner

Lastly, Victoria is our latest addition as a recruitment consultant in our new London Office. With valuable years of experience as a consultant, complimented by her great working relationship with Craig Outhwaite (London Lead Operator) in her previous role, Victoria looks to settle in tremendously as she starts her journey with Advance TRS.

When asked what excites her most in joining the company, she stated “I am very excited about joining Advance TRS at such a busy time! I am thrilled over the prospect of working in a new office environment, whilst continuing the development of my working relationship with Craig in the commercial team. I just can’t wait to get started!”

JOIN ADVANCE TRS

If you are looking for a new opportunity to further your career with an established and growing business providing quality recruitment solutions in the built environment and engineering markets, we are always looking for new talented staff to join our team. Find out what it is like to work for us and see our live opportunities.

The annual Advance TRS Golf Day for Rail Aid returned to The Belf ry in Birmingham for the second year running on Thursday the 29^th of September.

Unlike the torrential weather and storms from the year previous, we had lovely 18-degree sun for our golfers to enjoy as they compete for charity. There were 19 fourballs in total, all sent out in buggies for a shotgun start at midday. Prizes to be won involved competitions like Beat the Pro, Furthest Drive, individual Stableford, and Team Stablefords.

The Evening – Speakers & Rewards

We then completed the evening with a much-anticipated finale involving Golf Awards, Prize Giving, and a Charity Auction.

Rail Aid money celebrations and golf day rewards

Advance TRS Founder & Managing Director Andy Ridout shared;

“We are ecstatic about achieving their milestone and are extremely excited to have raised so much for such an incredible cause. Thank you to our partner sponsors for their continued support and all who joined us on the day, especially those who bid on the auction prizes and helped push up our fundraising total.”

A very special thank you to our partner sponsors, MACE Dragados and Turner and Townsend for their continued support of the event and also to our generous hole sponsors; Aecom, Atkins, BAM Nuttall, Clipfine, Coombes, Gleeds, Kilnbridge, Telent and Volker Rail.

Dave Ellis – Corporate Partnerships Manager at Railway Children:

“Wow, where do you start after a day like that… and there were times during the Advance TRS Golf Day for Rail Aid, where I genuinely took a moment to look around and really did feel incredibly humbled.

When you put into context that the £23,395 raised from the day could fund one of Railway Children’s Open Shelters in India for almost an entire year, that is true impact and where the value of the day really becomes evident.”

Railway Children

Rail Aid, is a major fundraising initiative in support of Railway Children, the Rail industry’s charity. Dubbed ‘the railway’s answer to Children In Need’, Rail Aid was conceived and realised in direct response to the Covid-19 outbreak and will raise critical funds for Railway Children’s work with vulnerable young people at a time when many of the charity’s biggest fundraisers have been cancelled.

Rail Aid 2022

This October our Director of Client Services & Rail Signalling, Sam Jennings will be taking part in Railway Children’s Ride Vietnam Challenge. As a novice cyclist, Sam will be confronting a challenging 450km cycle across 7 days in 30 degrees, on a (barely used) bike!

Sam Jennings progresses in his training for Railway Children’s Ride Vietnam Challenge

Advance TRS are delighted to welcome experienced rail industry recruiter, Chris Spurdle to join the business as Business Development Manager – Rail. Chris has over 14 years experience in the rail industry predominantly working in the rail civils and permanent way specialism and joins Advance TRS to focus on white collar recruitment in rail civils and permanent way.

Chris is looking forward to progressing his industry knowledge and network from the blue-collar and labour side of the rail sector into white-collar recruitment.

“This is an exciting new opportunity to build on the established reputation I have built in the blue collar and labour market, and a natural continuation of my work in the sector.”
Explains Chris.

Chris will be focused on business development, supporting the current team building on established relationships and also bid development. Chris Spurdle will also be the main point of contact for a new client partnership Advance TRS have recently secured providing construction managers, project managers, civils, permanent way, signalling, planning and commercial engineering professionals into key rail projects across the UK rail network. These projects range across the UK & Ireland from a couple of million budgets to major infrastructure projects with budgets up to 200 million.

“We are delighted to welcome Chris into the Advance TRS team, and more personally, I am so pleased to work with him in the business development team. His experience and industry knowledge will prove to be a great asset to our business.”
Shares Business Development Director, Michael Schruyers.

When asked why Chris chose to join Advance TRS, Chris explained:

“I wanted to work for a specialist company, a niche recruiter. It was important for me to join a flexible and agile business where the team are skilled, well networked and have the ability to support clients throughout the process rather than a large corporate business. Advance TRS offer all this and have a really good team, both in sales and business services, and provide a positive work environment.”

Chris Spurdle will be supporting the business development team across the full spectrum of permanent and contract supply, both in rail and also reaching across the wider infrastructure piece.

Chris goes on to say:

“I love the ambition and trajectory Advance TRS offer as a growing SME. It gives me an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the business growth trajectory and adding value. Everyone has been so helpful and welcoming – particularly Jake and Josh who I have been working with a lot, and have helped me settle in. The business services support and payroll teams are brilliant too – shout out to everybody!”

Join Advance TRS

If you are looking for a new opportunity to further your career with an established and growing business providing quality recruitment solutions in the built environment and engineering markets, we are always looking for new talented staff to join our team. Find out what it is like to work for us and see our live opportunities.

Expert Rail Recruiters

Advance TRS know the rail industry like no one else. We work with some of the world’s biggest engineering organisations, creating bespoke recruitment solutions for some of the UK’s biggest rail projects.

Our team of experts are well established in the sector and expertly networked to ensure the best results for clients every time with specialisms focused on signalling, telecoms, E&P, OLE, Civils, M&E, Pway and Project Services. With over 400 contractors working across the UK rail network we are proud to be committed to high safety standards.

Advance TRS is accredited by the Rail Industry Supplier Qualification Scheme (RISQS), enabling us to supply rail recruitment solutions to clients across the UK. Find out how we can support your business hire the best talent in the market. Or get in touch to speak to a member of our team, call 01483 361061.

Advance TRS are proud to announce the new office opening in central London. The new office, based in the Northern & Shell Building, near Monument was launched in September 2022. This new base is the third office for the recruitment business and marks an exciting chapter in the business’s growth.

The new London office will be a permanent office for some of our Rail recruitment business and provide a base for other members of the team who have meetings in London.

The new office is led by Specialist Consultant in the Rail & Civil Engineering Industry, Craig Outhwaite. Craig joined Advance TRS in autumn 2021 and after one year is stepping up into this new role. Craig focuses on the recruitment of freelance Quantity Surveyors and Commercial professionals across the UK.

“I’m really proud and excited to open and grow a London Branch for the company. London excites me, you can’t help but feel invigorated heading into the city each morning. The market is really busy and we are now expertly positioned to meet all our clients and candidates as needed”
Shares Craig.

Craig is joined by Victoria Bartram (nee. Satterley), who joined Advance TRS earlier this month after a few years out to grow her family, Victoria is a brilliant addition to the team and back with a bang!

“I’m very excited to of joined Advance TRS and to be involved in the opening of our new London office with Craig Outhwaite. Extremely busy and exciting times ahead!”
Explains Victoria.

If you are a QS, at any level, with Civil Engineering experience, and you are feeling unhappy, unfulfilled, and just a bit meh about your role, then please get in contact with the team who has various roles with contractors, subcontractors and consultancies that may be your perfect job. Even if you are not ready to make the move just yet, they would love to meet you for a coffee and chat about the market, and what your perfect role would look like, so can contact you in the future about suitable opportunities.

Check out our latest roles and opportunities.

The new London office will specialise in the recruitment of Commercial (Quantity Surveyors’) Rail and Civil staff for “blue chip” clients across the UK. The team are currently recruiting Commercial Managers/Directors, Estimating Managers, Managing Quantity Surveyors and all other levels of Quantity Surveyors, Estimators as well as Risk Managers and procurement staff for major rail projects and frameworks including HS2.

Join the Team

Are you working in London and looking for a new opportunity in engineering recruitment? We are looking to expand our team from our London office. Find out more about working life at Advance TRS or contact our Head of Talent Acquisition, Jessica Wells, to find out about our opportunities across all three offices and all built environment teams.

Please support Sam to raise money for this excellent cause and donate via his JustGiving page.

“Having never previously ridden a bike without balancing a child on the back, it seemed like a great opportunity to take on a huge personal challenge and raise money that will go to support some of the most vulnerable children in the world”
shares Sam Jennings.

So far Sam has completed over 500 miles training in the saddle, with 340 miles travelled through a very hot July! Lots of water, sun cream and only the one puncture so far to date to report as Sam hits the halfway mark on his donations target and only 2 months to go! In the next few weeks, Sam faces a step up in training with 100 miles a week to complete.

The trip itself will see Sam spend between six and eight hours in the saddle each day, travelling across waterways and plantations on unpaved and dusty roads, slightly different surfaces to the hills he will be training on but all part of the challenge for a true bike novice!

Sam Challenge Charity — Sam Jennings continues training for the Ride Cambodia Challenge this October

Sam has previously completed the London Marathon raising over £2,500 for Action for Children but is a complete newbie to the world of cycling and hoping to make the challenge worth whilst by beating his previous total.

Giving Back

Since Advance TRS was established in 2011, advancing less fortunate people has always been a central motivator for founder Andy Ridout and the Advance TRS team. To date, our staff have raised over £65,000 for charities completing an incredible array of personal challenges to raise money and awareness for those less fortunate. Find out more.

Railway Children

Advance TRS has been a long term supporter and partner of Railway Children and the Rail Aid campaign. Railway Children is an international children’s charity that funds rescue workers and street teams that seek out vulnerable children living on the streets before potential abusers get to them first. Our staff have completed a number of challenges to raise money and awareness for the charity including Three Peaks By Rail, Three Ironman’s, a trek up Kilimanjaro and to Everest Base Camp. Find out more about how Railway Children support children in need.

Last week, seven of our avid golfers took on the Longest Day Golf Challenge to raise vital funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. They raised a total of £1,175!

The team made up of our Rail consultants included Jake Rodger, Andy Ridout, Craig Outhwaite, Josh Hill, Sam Blair, Mick Schruyers and Chris Spurdle.

They completed 4 rounds of golf, 72 holes, in 31-degree heat, taking a total of 16 hours and walking over21 miles!

Rail Business Development Manager Chris shared:

“It was a really good day. As someone who has recently joined the business, taking on the Longest Day Golf Challenge was a great way for me to get to know some of my team.”

The team teed off at 5:30am, long before some of us were even out of bed and finished the last round at approximately 8:30pm! Each round of golf took roughly 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete, but the team admit they lost track after the first couple of rounds.

Speaking to them about the distance they said:

“The last we checked it was about 46,000 steps, however, the watch we were using ran out of charge, so we don’t know the exact count. This happened on the second hole of the last round so you can guess the next 16 holes…”

We would like to again extend our thanks to Blacknest Golf and Country Club who supported us on the day and allowed us to use their course.

“We started very strong and played some good golf, but with the heat and exhaustion, it did go a bit downhill each round we played. Despite struggling to walk the next day, it was very good fun and something I would do again.”
Explained our consultant, Sam.

Fundraising can make a huge difference, so we are pleased to have contributed to an important cause. Taking on this challenge will help Macmillan make a real difference to people living with cancer. They will be able to give people going through a cancer experience practical, emotional and personal support.

Business Development Director Mick shared some final thoughts from the day:

The funniest part of the day was watching Jake try and save Andy’s ball going in the pond, however, while doing so he fell down the bank…luckily, he only got his feet wet but was so close to going all the way in…”

Advance TRS have a strong history of taking on personal challenges to raise money for causes important to the team. This is the latest challenge in a line of activities that has seen the team raise over £65,000 for charities in 10 years.

It has been an exciting six months for the Advance TRS team! Although it’s hard to believe we are over halfway through 2022 already, we have been reflecting on the company’s achievements and highlights from what has been a successful start to the year so far.

Getting back out and meeting face to face

At the end of 2021, we spoke to Managing Director Andy about where he wanted the company to be in the immediate future. He spoke about wanting to re-engage with clients face to face, rather than remotely via zoom or teams. Whilst these tools were an important part of business over the past two years, nothing beats working together face to face.

In addition to getting out and about visiting clients on-site, our team have been delighted to attend a number of industry events including:

The Recruitment Agency Expo,
TransCity Rail Midlands,
British Water Reception,
Kingsbridge Annual Industry Insight Event,
Constructionline – Meet The Buyer,
Women In Rail Awards,
Railtex,
IRSE Dinner in Glasgow and London,
and one of our consultants rode the new Elizbaeth Line on the day it opened.

Celebrating staff achievements

We understand that talented and motivated staff is the key to any successful business. Therefore, we support staff to grow and succeed as the company does the same.

Already this year we have celebrated as 15 staff members mark an anniversary with Advance TRS. Plus, three of our team have earned hard-won promotions. These team members have demonstrated their hard work, skill and fully embody the core values that the business was founded on. Our company values run at the heart of our approach, we believe in them and recognise each of them in the way we act, both with each other and those we support.

Notably, our Operations Director Paul Merton marked 10 years at Advance TRS in April. As our resident expert of legislation, Paul oversees the continual development of Advance TRS’s compliance and operational systems.

Coming together as a team

At Advance TRS, we work hard to deliver the best possible service for our clients and candidates, so enjoy taking the time to celebrate together as one united team. This unified approach is a core part of our success and ongoing practices towards those we work with.

With COVID-19 restrictions finally lifted we’ve taken the time to come together as a team and celebrate our achievements. At the start of our financial year, we brought the team together for our annual Kick-Off Conference. We shared our upcoming business plans for the year and celebrated achievements from 2021-22. Since then, our teams have enjoyed trips to Brighton, clay pigeon shooting, go-karting, driving experience days, and lunches out. More recently our whole team enjoyed a day out at Sandown races for our Summer Social.

Growing our team

Due to a period of rapid growth, we have welcomed nine new starters across our Guildford and Port Solent offices. The new additions are proving to be great assets to the sectors they have joined and excelling in their roles. We’re excited to witness the positive impact this has on the services we deliver to our clients and candidates. A warm welcome to Advance TRS’ new team members of 2022.

Managing Director Andy said:

“These new appointments have come at an exciting phase of our development and growth strategy. These new starters join us to build out teams across the business. Whilst some bring years of industry experience, and others are showing incredible promise at the start of their recruitment career, they are all showing to be brilliant additions to the team and share our core values and commitment to being the best.”

For a confidential chat about our current vacancies, the opportunity to discuss your potential and the possibility of making a career move, contact our Talent Acquisition Manager Jess.

Launching our new website

Our marketing team and developers worked behind the scenes to launch our new website, with a key focus on improving user experience and creating a seamless job search.

Not only have we given it a brand-new look, but we have made extensive adjustments to our job boards and candidate zone. By registering an account with us, you can:

Set up detailed job alerts relevant to your skills and disciplines
Upload and manage multiple CVs
Shortlist your favourite jobs and easily apply at a time suitable to you
Access additional resources and advice to support your job search

With new vacancies added regularly, you can search our job boards and quickly apply to various opportunities across our sectors, with some roles exclusively available to us.

Company video production

This year we are delighted to have partnered with a video production company for the first time. Arranging a number of filming days with our team helps support our internal recruitment drive and provides a fresh, dynamic insight into life at Advance TRS. Look out for these new videos coming soon.

Giving back to charities

Advance TRS have a strong history of taking on personal challenges to raise money for causes important to the team. This year has seen us continue to raise money for good causes, with preparations for more activities later in the year.

Most recently we assembled 7 of our rail consultants to take on the Longest Golf Day Challenge. The challenge saw the team complete 72 holes and 4 rounds of golf, in 16 hours. This is the latest challenge in a line of activities that has seen the team raise over £65,000 for charities in 10 years.

Looking forward

The next 6 months look to be as exciting as the first!

Following the success of last year’s event, Railway Children and Advance TRS have again teamed up for the annual Advance TRS Golf Day for Rail Aid, at the prestigious Belfry Hotel & Resort. The day brings together industry leaders for some healthy competition, networking and most importantly to raise money for the Rail Aid campaign.

This October our Director of Client Services & Rail Signalling, Sam Jennings will be taking part in Railway Children’s Ride Vietnam Challenge. The trip will see Sam spend between six and eight hours in the saddle each day, travelling across waterways and plantations on unpaved and dusty roads, slightly different surfaces to the hills he will be training on but all part of the challenge for a true bike novice! Sam is well on his way with his training journey. You can keep up to date with his progress or donate to his fundraising total on his JustGiving page. https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sam-jennings4

As well as continued growth and driving our internal recruitment, we are also looking forward to opening new offices later in 2022/2023.

Advance TRS

Advance TRS offers a supportive environment to help you to be the best you can be and reach your career goals as part of our team, whether you are an established recruiter or just starting out on your journey. View our latest vacancies here.

On Tuesday 12th July, Advance TRS are taking on the Longest Day Golf Challenge to raise important funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. We have assembled 8 of our best golf players to take part in what will be a hard but fun day. Our team will be walking 24 miles (the equivalent of a marathon!).

A team of our Rail consultants are taking on the challenge including; Jake Rodger, Andy Ridout, Joe Moss, Craig Outhwaite, Josh Hill, Sam Blair, Mick Schruyers and Chris Spurdle.

72 holes. Four rounds. One fantastic cause.

Thank you to Blacknest Golf and Country Club for supporting us on the day and letting us use their course.

Fundraising can make a huge difference so we would appreciate any donations. Taking on this challenge will help Macmillan make a real difference to people living with cancer. Please support our team by donating here.

Fundraising can make a huge difference so please donate what you can. Taking on this challenge will help Macmillan make a real difference to people living with cancer. They’ll be able to give people going through a cancer experience practical, emotional and personal support

We are delighted to celebrate Sam Jennings, Director of Client Services and Rail Signalling for his eight years of service at Advance TRS. In his time at Advance TRS, Sam has managed the delivery of a series of Managed Service Programmes and Recruitment Process Outsourcing partnerships with key client accounts for the rail sector and was promoted to Client Services and Rail Signalling last year.

“Sam is a key member of the Senior Leadership Team and an influential figure within the business. He is always the first to get involved in company activities and is an active fundraiser, often putting his body (and facial hair!) on the line to raise money for a good cause.”

Explains Group Managing Director, Andy Ridout.

Sam has previously completed the London Marathon raising over £2,500 for Action for Children, Movember, Surrey Half Marathon and #WalkAllOverCancer challenge for Cancer Research UK.

Ride Vietnam Challenge

This year he is taking on a new challenge, Railway Children’s Ride Vietnam Challenge. As a novice cyclist, Sam will be confronting a challenging 450km cycle across 7 days in 30 degrees. He is now well into his training before the October trip. Please support his efforts and donate via his JustGiving page.

Client Services

As Director of Client Services, Sam is responsible for delivering service level agreements and key performance indicators for our key client partnerships, recruitment process outsourcing and managed service contracts. He works closely with clients to create and deliver custom recruitment solutions to support business needs. From contingent recruitment to managed services and recruitment process outsourcing. For key clients Sam acts as a delivery director, offering a single point of contact for line managers. He works closely with the Advance TRS recruitment delivery team to fulfil technical recruitment SLAs and KPIs.

Alstom Partnership

Notably, Sam is the Key Account Director for our recruitment partnership with Alstom. Sam leads our client services team to deliver a planned programme of recruitment to an exciting portfolio of projects across the UK. Advance TRS was appointed as RPO partners for Alstom’s permanent staff recruitment drive. We supply rail signalling management, engineering and installation professionals in York, Derby, Birmingham, London and Bristol, as part of CP6 in early 2020.

Railway Signalling

Outside of his work with key clients in Client Services, Sam is incredibly well networked within the Railway Signalling sector. He has led the Advance TRS rail signalling department, following in company founder, Andy Ridout’s footsteps.

Join the team

Sam is expanding his team! Check out our live vacancies to find out how you can join the Advance TRS client services team, delivering an internal recruitment function for our key clients.

23rd June 2022 marks International Women in Engineering Day, giving women engineers around the world a profile in an under-represented profession. As of June 2021, figures show that 16.5% of engineers are women. It’s an important day to recognise those paving the way and encourage young women to take up engineering careers.

Why do we need more women in engineering?

There are many answers to this question, but ultimately studies have shown that diverse teams tend to perform better. With different approaches to tasks, various skillsets and ways of thinking, diverse teams can strike a great balance. Men and women often have different strengths, which can create a powerful result when combined.

With quickly developing technology and the 21st century advancing quicker than ever before, we need engineers with a wide range of skills and abilities. There are countless options, fields, and industries available to an engineer. From the built environment which encompasses roads, waterworks, railways and much more, to tackling climate change.

What can be done?

There are a number of organisations promoting the education and development of women or young girls to fulfil their potential and pursue engineering careers.

It’s important to shake the bias that girls can’t be or are not good in science and mathematics. From a young age, we can encourage girls to develop these skills. Such as learning code, carrying out science experiments (safely!) and taking these subjects through to further education.

STEM Women run graduate careers events and promote jobs aimed at university students and recent graduates who identify as women or non-binary, and study a STEM-related subject; science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.

At the start of the year, they published a Whitepaper exploring students’ and graduates’ attitudes towards gender issues prevalent within STEM.

As a society, we should be shining the light on the contributions of women in engineering and encourage female innovators. Films such as Hidden Figures, Engima, Gravity and even Big Hero 6 are a great representation of women in STEM. We should also improve the images used when talking about science and engineering. A quick search online will often show images of men on a construction site and very few women. Imagine getting to a point where you don’t have to specifically search for “women engineer”.

The Women’s Engineering Society is a charitable company founded to support women in engineering. They were the ones who founded International Women in Engineering Day. Their vision is to see an engineering industry that employs the diversity of the society it serves, solving the biggest societal issues of our time. It is their mission to support women in engineering careers to fulfil their potential and support the industry to be inclusive.

We’re Hiring

At Advance TRS, we believe everyone deserves the same opportunities, regardless of age, race, gender, religion or sexual orientation. The diversity of our workforce is an essential part of our success. As such, we are committed to supporting contractors and staff to work in an environment that is free from discrimination and promotes equal opportunities for all.

We are currently recruiting for a number of positions across our Guildford and Port Solent offices. Check out our latest opportunities.

Brand new website, same quality recruitment solution!

We are pleased to announce the launch of our new website. Our marketing team and developers have been tirelessly working behind the scenes to improve user experience and make your job search seamless.

Not only have we given it a brand-new look, but we have also made extensive adjustments to our job boards and candidate zone.

By registering an account with us, you can:

Set up detailed job alerts relevant to your skills and disciplines
Upload and manage multiple CVs
Shortlist your favourite jobs and easily apply at a time suitable to you
Access additional resources and advice to support your job search

Having your CVs uploaded to your account speeds up the application process by up to 5 minutes!

With new vacancies added regularly, you can search our job board and quickly apply to various opportunities across our sectors. Some roles are exclusively available to us. We have also added additional filters so you can find the jobs most suitable for you.

We could go on and on about the features and information available on the site, but don’t just take our word for it, look for yourself.

So what’s next?

We will continue developing and improving our website, providing you with information about the industry and our business.

Stay up to date with our regular blog posts and news updates!

We’re hiring

Due to a period of rapid growth, Advance TRS are seeking Recruitment Consultants of all levels.

We are always looking for talented and ambitious people to join our team. We have opportunities available across our offices and in sales, management, or business services.

Advance TRS are excited to celebrate the six-year anniversary and promotion of Ella Gardiner. Having joined back in May 2016, she demonstrated a drive and passion for marketing and quickly increased her responsibilities. To recognise all her hard work and achievements over the years, Ella has now been promoted to our Marketing and Development Director.

Speaking to Group Managing Director Andy, he says:

“Ella offers a “can do” approach and isn’t afraid to think outside the box, offering Advance TRS innovative and inspiring ideas to promote our services to clients and candidates alike. Professional, passionate, hardworking, and committed are all words that I and many will associate with Ella. She truly embodies our company values.”

Always looking to learn, develop and increase her skills, with an open mind to new ways of working, she has been part of an incredible journey with the company. In 2021, Ella was recognised for her exceptional performance in organising Advance TRS’ first executive Golf Day. The event saw C-suites of the rail industry come together for a day of healthy competition, networking and raise money for the charity Railway Children. It was a huge success and raised an incredible £18,000, as well as becoming a key event for the Rail Industry.

Ella now joins the Advance TRS Senior Leadership Team as Marketing and Development Director at a very exciting period for the company. She will not only increase her responsibility for directing the marketing of the business but will be instrumental in helping to lead the next exciting growth period for Advance TRS. With the opening of our London office, expansion of our South Coast and Guildford HQ and role out of our latest Managed Service framework, she will be a welcome addition to the Senior Leadership Team.

Please join us in congratulating her on a fantastic promotion and anniversary!

We’re Hiring!

Due to unprecedented demand, Advance TRS have job vacancies across all levels. From entry-level resources to senior recruitment consultants, we’re looking for new talent to further strengthen and expand our teams.

Contact our Talent Acquisition Manager for a confidential conversation, or find out about our current opportunities.

This year for the first time, Advance TRS are delighted to launch a summer internship for someone looking to develop their skills in social media representing a brand. As a Social Media Intern, you’ll work alongside our Marketing Executive and Marketing & Development Director on all social media content & creative strategy; making sure our business’s content is on-brand, reaching the right people, and converting them into candidates or new recruits for our growing team.

View the full job description or apply.

You’ll be working on core channels across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and supporting our LinkedIn strategy. So if you’re passionate about social media and content creation – then this is the role for you!

Ella Gardiner, our Marketing and Development Director began her career in marketing by completing a summer internship that lead to a permanent role and has never looked back.

“After graduating from university I was unsure as to what steps to take to start my career in the professional world. I was fortunate enough to land an opportunity as a summer intern for a non-profit group and got stuck right in. It was a great way to get my first taste of office life after full-time education without too much pressure. After a number of weeks in the position, a permanent role became available and I was over the moon when my application was accepted.”

Ella explains.

“Although I had had part-time jobs in retail, child care and hospitality throughout my teens and university career, working in an office environment was a big adjustment and the internship was a great way for me to get adjusted, meet people and learn how I could best apply my skill set and experience to supporting a brands marketing strategy”.

Ella has progressed her career since beginning in marketing and was recently promoted to Marketing and Development Director at the award-winning £30 million turnover company based in central Guildford. Since joining the business 6 years ago as Events and PR Coordinator, Ella has grown with the business and developed skills across the marketing, training, and development fields.

“As our business continues to grow and the opportunity for our brand to be represented in new ways on new channels increases, this is a great time to extend this opportunity to someone looking to apply their skills to an established brand and have some creative fun too”.

This year signifies a high growth period for the business, with a new office planned for central London and large intakes of new staff at both existing offices in Guildford and Port Solent, this is a great time to join the business with a number of significant marketing campaigns and events planned for the new Intern to get stuck into.

The Opportunity

The successful candidate will be;

Building & developing your own, and the company’s, approach to social media content.
Applying original thought to create beautiful content for our channels.
Working on social media strategy and constantly optimising campaigns to achieve the absolute best results for the team, taking into account performance across different channels.
Assisting in the growth of our Influencer Marketing service.
Planning & booking influencers to drive revenue for our clients.
Supporting the Marketing Executive to report on and analyse performance and engagement.

The ideal candidate will:

want to build a career in Social Media Marketing, and see yourself growing within a fast-growth agency.
be an enthusiastic & passionate person, who genuinely cares about your work and wants to do the absolute best you can.
be creative and have experience with creating content, and have the desire to continue growing those skills.
have strong organisational skills.
need to be curious and adaptable: it’s a fast-moving company and social advertising even more so, products change and adapt weekly and you must be happy with keeping up to date with changes and learning about how they may impact our output.

View the full job description or apply for our Summer Social Media Internship.

If this sounds like the perfect opportunity for you or someone you know, please have a look at what it’s like to work for Advance TRS, check out our company Instagram or contact Ella for more information.

Our Group Operations Director Paul Merton has been with Advance TRS since its humble beginnings, joining just 6 months after it was founded. He is now celebrating 10 years with the company, and what a decade it has been.

Group MD and Founder Andy Ridout explains:

“Paul was such a welcome addition to the team. Aside from being a good friend, he brought a wealth of experience and industry knowledge. In his time with the company, he has worked tirelessly to ensure we have solid systems, policies and procedures that provide the foundations to support the success and growth of Advance TRS.”

As our resident expert of legislation, Paul oversees the continual development of Advance TRS’s compliance and operational systems.

Our compliance procedures, regulations, accreditations, and client processes are essential. This gives clients and candidates the confidence that our systems are robust enough to support any service they require.

Today, our Marketing Consultant sits down with Paul to understand more about his time with Advance TRS and the last 10 years of working with a growing company.

How did you secure your role with Advance TRS?

I’ve actually known Andy for over 30 years and worked closely with him in rail recruitment for 12 years prior to Advance TRS. During my career I built up extensive knowledge within the Rail Telecommunications and Mechanical & Electrical sectors. I developed strong relationships and grew an excellent network of respected clients and candidates.

Once Andy started the business, he approached me and asked if I’d come on board. We share the same beliefs and values and had the same visions for what makes a successful business. We used our experiences to learn from what we had done previously, and implement this in what we would do going forward.

What made you pursue this career?

Well, I decided to join the business to support its growth. With my experience in rail, I knew what we needed to do to offer the best service, especially when it came to being compliant and legal. The role offered a great balance of my skills. Andy and I also had complementary skills that worked well together.

How has the business changed in the past decade?

It’s been fantastic. The business has seen incredible growth and continues to provide honest, reliable, and top-quality recruitment solutions. I think that’s part of the success of the business, that the values we implemented at the start, have been bought into by staff and maintained. They really believe in the service that we’ve always wanted to provide. Genuinely, the key part of the business is the people.

To be honest the job has also become more of a passion. I want to make sure that whatever we’re doing, we are doing to the best of our ability. I’m always looking for ways in which I can improve what we do.

Have you seen changes in the sector in the past 10 years?

Whilst there have been a lot of changes in legislation, compliance, policies etc, the service we provide and the sector we work in have all stayed fairly constant. Legislation, equality & diversity, environment & sustainability, modern slavery etc – none of that was as prolific 10-15 years ago when I was a recruiter as it is now. It is fantastic that we are now so focused on these factors in both our own employment activities as well as our service provision, however change takes time and have to be administered carefully to ensure everyone understands the need and buys into it.

The business continues to evolve, as do our sectors. We’re providing services to more and more sectors, headed up by fantastic sector experts like Rob Kelly and Matt Bray. However, at the heart of it all are the same beliefs and values Andy and I have from 10 years ago.

What would you say is your greatest professional achievement so far?

I’d have to say it doesn’t necessarily come down to one project or one moment, but where the business is today is such an achievement. The fact we have a team of people that are so dedicated and committed to the business and their role within their team as a whole, is very rewarding. I feel so fortunate to be part of it. All that dedication plays a huge part in our qualifications, certifications etc, I can’t take responsibility for that on a personal level. The whole team contributes to our successes. 10 years ago, I could never have imagined we’d be where we are today!

What challenges have you faced in the last 10 years?

The challenges have changed over the years. A decade ago, it was the challenge of being a new company, trying to go out into the market and present yourself as a new brand. We had to get clients to buy into the company, not just myself or Andy and our experience. Luckily, we made sure a lot of our systems, IT infrastructure etc was scalable so that helped us a lot as we grew. COVID-19 was one of the biggest challenges we’ve faced, but our IT systems all being online meant we could switch from office to home working within 24 hours.

As the years go by everything becomes easier, but the challenges of growth then develop in other ways.

The other challenge is always staying one step ahead. As Group Operations Director, it’s my job to make sure the company runs smoothly and try to anticipate anything that might throw that.

What has been the key to a successful career with Advance?

I think it comes down to my belief in the business and the service we provide. I’ve always worked in a customer-facing role, so I know that if the business is stable from a legal/compliance/systems aspect, it can support our teams to deliver the best service to clients and candidates.

It always comes down to offering the best services, so I know I need to do whatever I can to make sure that happens.

Do you have any advice/words of wisdom for new starters or people entering the recruitment industry?

There is no part of this business that can operate as a sole entity, we’re all part of the chain and each person, department etc plays a vital role in that. We want each person to come on board and be part of the journey. I would advise new starters to take responsibility for their job role. As the company continues to grow, everybody has an opportunity to grow in their role, to flourish and be the best version of themselves. If you take pride in your own role, it helps you to develop. We reward success so we’re really looking for people who are determined, driven, and wanting to succeed.

Any final words?

It’s a never-ending job! It doesn’t matter what I do, there will always be something new, something different or something we can do better. Even now I’m constantly learning new things, it’s a very varied role. I feel so privileged to be where I am today, bring on the next 10 years!

Why Advance TRS?

As a rapidly growing recruitment business, 2022 is an exciting time to kick-start your career with Advance TRS. We have fantastic opportunities available across all levels, from entry-level resourcers to senior recruitment consultants. As recruiters we understand that talented and motivated staff is the key to a successful business.

For a confidential chat, contact our Talent Acquisition Manager Jessica Wells on 07432 356 750, email or connect on LinkedIn. Alternatively, head to our job search page to view all our latest vacancies.

This October our Director of Client Services & Rail Signalling, Sam Jennings will be taking part in Railway Children’s Ride Vietnam Challenge.

Please support Sam to raise money for this excellent cause and donate via his JustGiving page.

As a novice cyclist, Sam will be confronting a challenging 450km cycle across 7 days in 30 degrees, on a (barely used) bike!

Throughout the summer Sam will be up early and home late, trying to fit the training in and around family and working life, with 1,250 miles of training to be done before he even flies out.

Sam will be keeping us up to date with regular updates from his training and welcomes offers for anyone to join him on a training ride! Get in touch if you would like to join Sam on a ride.

Giving Back

Railway Children

Looking for a new challenge?

We are always looking for talented new staff to join the Advance TRS team. Advance TRS offers a supportive environment to help you to be the best you can be and reach your career goals as part of our team, whether you are an established recruiter or just starting out on your journey. With access to the biggest clients in each market sector, a strongly networked and experienced Senior Leadership Team and great compensation, at Advance TRS we can help people grow and succeed as the company does the same. Find out about our current opportunities or contact Jess Wells, our Talent Acquisition Manager for a more detailed and confidential conversation.

Follow Sam’s journey on our Instagram.

Celebrating the achievements of women in recruitment

International Women’s Day celebrates the achievements of women and marks a call to action to accelerate women’s equality. Today, it is fighting to #BreakTheBias, advocating a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equal, and inclusive. So what is life like for women in recruitment?

We sit down with our Client Services Delivery Manager Louise to discuss her experiences and achievements as a woman in the recruitment industry. Her role involves headhunting experienced candidates and developing a good understanding of client companies and their industry, to best understand their assignments. She builds and nurtures strong relationships with our clients to swiftly source the best candidates.

With over 9 years’ recruitment experience, she has a proven track record in the sector. She understands the importance and impact of building strong relationships with client account representatives for the company.

When did you first consider pursuing this career?

Quite early on in my career, my employer suggested I transfer my original role into a more sales-based one. I found I really enjoyed the work, and it came quite naturally to me. This made me consider what I can achieve if I take this full-time.

I didn’t initially intend to go into the built environment sector, but after securing my first recruitment role in the industry I found it really interesting and enjoyed working with engineers. I’ve spent a long time working in a sales environment, I enjoy working with people and very target driven. This became something that I wanted to pursue further. So I then found a position at Advance TRS and the rest is history as they say!

What was your experience of entering the industry?

I was aware that I was entering quite a male-dominated role and sector, but I’ve never had any issues. I enjoy the competitive nature of recruitment and like the challenge of proving what I can do. I’ve never felt out of my depth, in fact, it’s helped pushed me to achieve more than I could think possible.

How important was diversity and inclusivity when you were job searching?

To be honest, I didn’t really consider it or find myself thinking about it, but in a way, I think this is a positive thing? I never felt like being a woman made things challenging or caused a barrier in creating a career for myself. I also feel like I make more of an impact. Yes, I am sometimes competing with men in the sector, but I’m able to prove that I am competent, provide value, ambitious and just as capable.

WomenInRecruitment, an initiative by APSCO, produced a report in Spring 2020 which found over two thirds of recruitment firms have more than 50% female representation and support staff level. Two-fifths have more than 50% female representation at recruitment/resourcer level.

The report also found that a third of recruitment firms have less than 5% female representation at board level. Whilst another third has between 21-50%.

What would you say is your greatest professional achievement so far?

I think there are a few accomplishments that I’m proud of. Firstly, when I achieved entry to the Millionaire’s Club, £1 million in billings in my time for Advance TRS. I was the first female to achieve this for the business so feel proud to be paving the way.

I also brought on board a new client to Advance TRS who have since become one of our top grossing clients. So this is quite an achievement. Finally, hiring during the pandemic and securing over 100 permanent hires for one client. Considering we were in lockdown and recruiting under very challenging circumstances, it was very rewarding to accomplish that.

How would you describe your experience of being a woman in your industry?

In general, I don’t feel there is much disparity. I have on occasion witnessed gender bias, with certain words and phrases used that wouldn’t have been said to a man. However, the industry overall is very understanding of equality and diversity. I don’t feel that being a woman has created any barriers or hindrances in my career. You just need to find your voice and have confidence in your abilities, back yourself!

Have you been given any advice that has helped shape your career?

One piece of advice I received regarding recruitment specifically is “ride the wave.” With the nature of recruitment there are highs and lows, but I was taught to just persevere and keep going. When things are going well it’s incredibly rewarding, so you’ve got to remind yourself of that when going through a low point.

Do you have any female role models that have encouraged you in your career?

A lot of the candidates I work with are very inspiring. I’ve supported a lot of women in getting a new opportunity, some in quite senior positions. When you’ve heard their story, their background and helped them through the process, it’s so rewarding to see them succeed. The dedication that some of these women have to their career and sector is amazing, and I feel so proud when they secure their next job.

Based on your experience, what advice would you give to women considering a career in your sector?

For a woman considering a career in the recruitment industry, be confident and don’t be afraid to speak up! Be your biggest supporter. In recruitment, you do have to be quite driven and versatile but have courage in your work. As the saying goes “She believed she could so she did.”

Why Advance TRS?

We are a niche recruitment consultancy specialising in the provision of highly skilled technical professionals for the built environment. We provide permanent, contract and temporary recruitment solutions to both candidates and clients across several key technical sectors including rail, construction and water & environment services.

Since establishing in 2011, the company has shown remarkable growth, delivering MSPs and RPOs for some of the biggest businesses in the built environment. The team continue to work closely together to deliver honest, reliable solutions to clients and candidates.

Celebrating the achievements of women across the built environment industry

Tuesday 8th March 2022 marks International Women’s Day, a day that celebrates the achievements of women and marks a call to action to accelerate women’s equality. International Women’s Day has been marked for over a century, with the first gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. Today, it belongs to all groups everywhere, not country, group, or organisation specific.

This year’s theme is #BreakTheBias, advocating a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equal, and inclusive.

Today we sit down with two of our successfully placed female candidates. Both have found placements within the rail sector as Specialist Consultants and Safety Assurance Engineers. They’ve spoken to us about their experiences and achievements in their chosen fields.

When did you first consider pursuing this career?

Nicky – Well I didn’t really plan on doing this career. A friend sent through a short-term opportunity which was so interesting. I found I met most of the criteria they were looking for, apart from sector knowledge/experience. Using an agency like Advance TRS helped me see that I had transferrable skills that I could use across sectors. Their knowledge gave me the confidence in my capabilities when I couldn’t see them myself, which was really encouraging.

Ria – I’ve actually been in the rail sector for 12+ years now. Originally, I was working in the aviation and maritime industry, but then offered a new opportunity when my company moved offices. I felt this was quite a good move to make, I had skills that could be transferred across, just had to learn more about the rail industry and technical aspects.

What was your experience of entering the industry?

Nicky – It was good. I found the industry and people very welcoming and didn’t feel like there were any barriers holding me back.

Ria – Generally very smooth sailing. Early on in my career as a junior it could get a bit intimidating being the only woman and have your voice heard, but on the whole, there were never any hindrances.

What made you want to pursue/continue with this career choice?

Nicky – I enjoyed the prospect of being challenged by something new, it was a good opportunity. The scale of projects is interesting; you’re involved in something that is there for years to come. I feel rewarded knowing that I’m making a difference to people’s lives, or making their journeys easier. I also get to work with world class engineers, highly specialised in their roles and incredibly knowledgeable, it’s very fulfilling work.

How important is diversity and inclusivity when you are job searching?

Nicky – This is always at the top of my list. We all have different circumstances, situations, backgrounds etc and the industry needs to be, and generally is, very understanding of that. It’s so important to feel part of a diverse workplace, where you can be heard, no matter what your experiences, or where you are with your life or career.

Ria – At the start of my career it wasn’t something I really thought about, however I was aware that I was one of very few women, and the only woman of colour. In recent job searches I am more aware of it and have noticed a lot of progress, lots more inclusion/diversity. However, I have still seen instances where for example a job description is written in the male pronoun, using “he”.

STEM Women have compiled an in-depth Whitepaper that explored students’ and graduates’ attitudes towards gender issues that are prevalent within STEM.

The report found that from 2019 to 2021, the percentage of respondents that see diversity initiatives as extremely or very important when accepting job offers rose from 74% in 2019, to 83% in 2020 and 89% in 2021.

From 2019 to 2021, the number of respondents who said that the gender balance of a company would influence whether they would accept a job offer rose from 54% to 67%, that’s an increase of 13%.

What would you say is your greatest professional achievement so far?

Nicky – I’ve been very fortunate to work on several ground-breaking campaigns, introducing new technologies, working with amazing teams and clients. Even though I might have played a small part in the project, it’s so rewarding to see the result and know you’ve been a part of that. Balancing work and family life is also something I feel proud of.

Ria – Completing my master’s degree in Railway Systems Engineering & Integration. I completed this whilst working full time, studying part-time and expecting my first child. It was a lot to take on but brought a lot of value and additional knowledge that I didn’t have before.

How would you describe your experience of being a woman in your industry?

Nicky – While diversity and gender balance are improving, engineering is still a male dominated sector and you’re sometimes aware that you are working in an environment where you are the minority. However, I’ve never had any negative experiences or felt like being a woman is an issue. I’ve seen a big improvement in equality and more women are coming into the industry. There are many opportunities for women to enter and it’s good to see a greater variety of roles beyond engineering. This includes senior roles, management roles and apprenticeships.

Ria – It’s never felt like a barrier. You have to find your voice and fight for what you believe in, not afraid to say how you feel. I do feel like my degree has helped empower me and prove to people that I do know what I’m talking about.

STEM’s report also found that in 2021, 57% of respondents said they had suffered from or experienced imposter syndrome. Many highlighted that this arose from feeling like the ‘odd one out.’ To read the full article click here.

Have you been given any advice that has helped shape your career?

Nicky – As early as possible, find your niche. If you can find something you enjoy doing, get really good at doing it. It took me a while to understand what that means/what that is but try anything! Don’t be afraid to try different things to narrow down what it is that you’re looking for. Also, take opportunities when they present themselves, until you try – you don’t know.

Ria – I don’t think there has been any specific advice, but I did have a mentor that really supported me. She helped me navigate and overcome challenges that I was having and encouraged me in recognising my achievements. Sometimes it’s hard to recognise these in yourself but she really saw the best in me. It’s hard to explain the value and impact this had on my career.

Do you have any female role models that have encouraged you in your career?

Nicky – Yes, I have a strong network of men and women and I’ve received some great advice from them throughout my life and career. I always listen carefully and learn from them – to take on board their suggestions and advice and carry it forward in what I do. It’s important to welcome and consider any feedback you receive – from everyone.

Ria – I’ve got a good friend who’s a chartered engineer in a senior role. She’s also a mum of 2 so it’s really inspiring to see someone else managing both career and motherhood. It helps me recognise what I can achieve myself. I also think having a female support network around you is so important. Having people looking out for you and wanting the best for you is really encouraging.

Based on your experience, what advice would you give to women considering a career in your sector?

Nicky – You must find your voice, find confidence in what you do and how you do it. In this sector you’ve got to be quite versatile and be able to think on your feet. Do what you can to get as much experience behind you as possible, so you’ll feel more confident and able to succeed. Create a support network. Build your own personal brand! There are many opportunities, go for it!

Ria – It’s a globally growing industry, with many projects starting up. This sector needs female intelligence, the way we think and being able to provide a different perspective. Believe in yourself and challenge yourself, don’t be afraid to go for it – take a chance!

Why Advance TRS?

Since its establishment in 2011, the company has shown remarkable growth, delivering MSPs and RPOs for some of the biggest businesses in the built environment. The team continue to work closely together to deliver honest, reliable solutions to clients and candidates.

Take a look at our job board for our latest vacancies.

Delivering premium quality solutions for the technical engineer sector

Tam Shahid is a Delivery Project Manager, Water Environment & Infrastructure Team. He joined Advance TRS in November 2020, specialising in the delivery process for Senior Consultants. Tam generates suitable candidates to match client requirements/expectations.

Group MD and Founder Andy Ridout explains:

“Tam is an absolute asset to the company. In his time with us, he has mastered the complexity and skill required to deliver exemplary service to both clients and candidates. Tam project manages the assignments from our clients and supports our consultants throughout the process. Having the knowledge, expertise, and skillset to source and deliver niche engineering specialists. He provides our clients with an efficient and top quality service, something Advance TRS is recognised for.”

Tam provides bespoke support to our Port Solent based Water and Environment team. The team offer an expert focus and quality recruitment service to both clients and candidates in the sector. They consistently meet and exceed expectations. As a well-respected and effective recruitment partner, the team deliver results time and time again. They offer services for a range of public and private sector clients across the UK. These include consultancies, contractors, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). They place exceptional talent in permanent, contract and interim roles.

In his time in the role, Tam has assisted in the development of a dynamic and efficient delivery function within the team. He is capable of supporting the sales function across market verticals. Tam truly understands the calibre of staff required for our business to thrive.

Today our Marketing Consultants sit down with Tam and his Director to understand more about the role Tam plays in driving the Port Solent office’s success and growth.

So, Tam, what led you to this career?

I started working from the age of 16 part-time within retail, whilst studying full-time. Once I graduated from the University of Portsmouth, I was looking for a change in direction from Retail and came across Recruitment. I saw this as an opportunity to expand on my skills in areas such as communication, time management, persuasion, multi-tasking etc. It also meant I could learn new skills, and learn about the specified markets.

What made you take the job at Advance TRS?

Advance TRS are a growing company and has a clear vision for the future. The company and colleagues I work with have specialist knowledge that enables you to progress in this role. Having previously worked with Rob Kelly at another company, I was managed and trained by him to a high level, so this also drew me to the role. I was excited to be contributing and be part of it all!

How has your role developed since you joined the company?

Initially, I was asked to carry out a Senior Delivery role where I would generate candidates, working on live jobs, advertising roles, writing adverts etc. My role has since developed, and my responsibilities now include supporting internal recruitment. I also project manage the growth of the delivery team, train and develop new staff and provide regular reports on the delivery output. The managing director has approved training to gain my APMP qualification, to become a qualified project manager and progress my role even further.

In what way does your role assist your colleagues and the company?

My role helps support the Senior Sales team workload, allowing them to focus on other key areas and ease some of their work pressures. The process involved contributes to increasing our company’s reputation. We provide a more thorough and polished search, ensuring we are covering all markets and sourcing that ideal candidate for our clients. My experience within the role means I’ve developed a good understanding of the candidates I’ve spoken to, their skills, qualifications, responsibilities etc.

When a client presents us with a role, I’m able to deliver someone suitable and who meets the requirements. Unlike other consultants, I don’t specialise in one area, or one job role. I’ve worked on a broad range of different roles and built a knowledge and understanding based on the job specification and the candidates. Each time we successfully fill a role, it increases our reputation and generates a flow of further work from the clients.

What complexities do you find with this role?

As with the nature of recruitment, it’s always tough when you lose out on a candidate. There may be a number of reasons why they may have rejected a job offer but through experience, you learn when to be persuasive with someone, when you need to be persistent and when you need to be patient. It can sometimes be challenging trying to juggle multiple job roles, so the ability to multitask and be organised is key. You have to learn to prioritise the most important task.

What have been some of your biggest successes?

Since joining the team in November 2020 I have helped contribute to 31 placements for the business. I continually support the business with the growth of the delivery team.

If you are interested in learning from Tam and finding out how you can pursue a career in Delivery, we are always hiring. Find out more about our current opportunities here (https://www.advance-trs.com/about/careers-at-advance/)

Rob Kelly, our Water & Infrastructure Director works closely with Tam throughout the recruitment process. He explains the vital role Tam plays in supporting the candidates and meeting our clients’ requirements.

How would you describe the benefits of having Tam in his role?

Tam co-ordinates between our sales function and candidate delivery function. His role ensures an excellent experience for the candidates, developing a rapport with them throughout the entire hiring process. He has likely pre-interviewed and pre-referenced a volume of candidates and assessed their suitability prior to jobs being advertised by our clients. This provides clients with a more efficient, pro-active service and means we are able to quickly source appropriate candidates. This gives us and our clients an edge over competitors and puts us at the forefront of recruitment.

If you’re interested in joining our team, or viewing our latest sector vacancies, please visit our website https://www.advance-trs.com/jobs. Alternatively, you can speak to one of our dedicated team on 01483 361 061.

Why Advance TRS?

Advance TRS is a niche recruitment consultancy specialising in the provision of highly skilled technical professionals for the built environment. We provide permanent, contract and temporary recruitment solutions to both candidates and clients across several key technical sectors including rail, construction and water & environment services.

Since its establishment in 2011, the company has shown remarkable growth, delivering MSPs and RPOs for some of the biggest businesses in the built environment. The team continue to work closely together to deliver honest, reliable solutions to clients and candidates.

As recruiters, we really understand that talented and motivated staff is the key to any successful business. To help us develop our team into the best they can be, all staff receive invaluable mentorship from our experienced senior leaders and map out potential routes of progression within the company.

As 2021 draws to a close, the Advance TRS team have been reflecting on what has been another memorable year. Whilst Covid-19 has still created challenges, the markets have continued to flourish, and the team remained motivated in providing an excellent service to clients and candidates.

Celebrating our 10 year anniversary has allowed the team to look back on our incredible growth and look forward to exciting times ahead. In the final part of our 3-part blog series, we discuss this with Founder and Managing Director Andy Ridout.

Where do you want the company to be in the next few months/years?

Andy: In the immediate future we just want to re-engage with clients face to face, rather than via zoom or teams. Whilst these tools have been a saving grace in the last 2 years, there’s nothing better than sitting down together and sharing thoughts, ambitions etc. Personal interaction has always been a key driver for the business, so we can’t wait to get back out there.

In the next 12-18 months we’re hoping to see things improve even further with the pandemic. We’ll remain understanding of our clients wants and needs to help them stabilise in a post-pandemic world. Understandably our clients are catching up on project that had been delayed during Covid. However, we’re on hand to help deliver suitable candidates and provide support.

Longer term, we want to expand on what we’re already doing. We’ve got a great team, with expertise and knowledge in their sectors, and an established client base. We plan on improving the communication we have with our clients and keeping them up to date with what we’re doing, the services we’re providing etc. It would also be nice to see us expanding into other markets such as renewables, power and nuclear.

What are the plans for South Coast (& other locations)?

Andy: The south coast have been smashing their targets, outperforming in every area. They are doing such a fantastic job, that we can speed up our plans of growth for the office. We hope to enter the new year with additional staff there, and in the rest of the business. Bringing with them a host of knowledge and experience to expand and strengthen the teams.

We’re also looking to open a new office in London and aiming for a greater presence in the area. The opportunity to attract a different portfolio of recruitment consultants and clients will help take the company to new heights!

So, why join Advance TRS?

Since establishing, our team have managed to deliver year-on-year growth and organic expansion of services, sectors, staff and offices. This is a track record we are very proud of and are keen to continue.

Looking forward to 2022 it’s looking to be an exciting and challenging year. Our team are motivated and driven to support the growth of the business. All whilst maintaining our values and delivering exceptional service to our clients and candidates.

To join our team, just click the link below and apply today!

https://www.advance-trs.com/about/careers-at-advance/

Despite the challenges of 2021, the Advance TRS team have had some big celebrations as the company reached an incredible 10-year milestone. From its humble beginnings in 2011, Advance TRS has shown remarkable growth. It has gone from a £0 to a £25m turnover business, delivering MSPs and RPOs for some of the biggest businesses in the built environment. To this day the team work closely with clients and candidates to provide honest, reliable, and top-quality recruitment solutions.

In the second part of our blog series, we sit down with Andy, Founder and Group Managing Director, to discuss the company today and what makes Advance TRS different.

Where is the business currently?

Andy: Right now, we are very established. Each sector has developed a strong client base and recognised recruiters that have a deep understanding of their sectors, from both the client and candidates. They have learnt what the clients expectations and requirements are, plus what a candidate wants, and needs. We offer a professional service and expert advice to our clients. With this critical client base, we can operate fantastic recruitment solutions.

The pandemic, the general election and Brexit have all had a knock-on effect to the recruitment market. This has been challenging at times, however, we have not let this slow us down. We stayed motivated and worked hard, no matter what the circumstances. The markets are recovering well and now picking up pace on projects or programmes that had been delayed during the challenging period. This creates a greater need for us to deliver suitable candidates and help catch up on any delays.

The future is looking very exciting for Advance TRS! We’re expanding geographically and aiming for a greater presence in London. This would give us the opportunity to attract a different portfolio of recruitment consultants. We can offer a greater service, with even more experience and knowledgeable people.

What makes Advance TRS different?

Andy: Despite being a SME business we are running two successful offices and looking to open a third. We are committed to delivering our service in a responsible, safe, and sustainable way. From our environmental footprint to site-based health and safety, and from legal compliance to giving back to local communities, our attention to detail and dedication to delivering a quality service rings true throughout everything we do.

From the beginning, staff wellbeing and company values have been highly important to me. I’ve tried to nurture a close office culture, where colleagues work together and look out for each other. It is a culture we work hard to protect and continue, so finding the right people for the company is just as important as finding the right people for the job. By collaborating in a friendly, open office, we work together to deliver the best possible service for our customers.

Advancing those less fortunate has also been a central motivator for me and the Advance TRS team. To date, our staff have raised over £65,000 for charities, completing an incredible array of personal challenges to raise money and awareness for those less fortunate.

So, why join Advance?

As a rapidly growing recruitment business, we have fantastic opportunities for career development. We pride ourselves on rewarding success and promoting from within. However, we are always looking for new talent to further strengthen and expand our teams.

Working with our experienced training and development team, you’ll develop your skills and abilities even further to ensure you reach your maximum potential in your role. We also have a company intranet, with online training courses available for your own progress.

As recruiters, we really understand that talented and motivated staff is the key to any successful business. Check out our website to find out more and contact us today!

https://www.advance-trs.com/about/careers-at-advance/

This September the Advance TRS team celebrates the recruitment agency’s remarkable 10-year milestone, as they gear up for some well-deserved anniversary celebrations in London at the end of the month.

In the past decade, the business has shown incredible growth, starting as a one-man band and turning into a £25m business. Founder and Group Managing Director Andy Ridout employs some of the industry’s most knowledgeable recruitment experts who provide a 5-star service to both clients and candidates.

In this 3-part blog series, Andy tells us what sparked the idea of setting up the business, where he sees the company going in the coming months and years and reveals some exciting plans.

Andy, what motivated you to start your own recruitment business 10 years ago and what was your vision?

Andy: I come from a recruitment background. Prior to setting up Advance TRS, I had already spent 25 years being a leading recruitment expert in the built environment. I saw a lot of poor quality service that barely scratched the surface, so I wanted to offer a service that really focused on quality over quantity, building close relationships with clients, getting a deep technical understanding of their needs to be able to find the top-quality talent they’re looking for.

I also knew I wanted it to be a multi-sector business within the built environment to enable us to cross-sell skill sets and opportunities that would complement each other.

How has the business changed in the past decade?

Andy: In the beginning, I knew we needed to build a good reputation, establish our presence on the market and deliver what we said we would, to the high-quality standards we had set ourselves. Being such a small team at the beginning, it wasn’t always easy but we worked hard and it paid off.

In no time at all Advance TRS started attracting top sector experts into the business, seasoned recruiters who know their industries and who live by the same values we had set for ourselves. And there’s no end in sight! We continue to grow and recruit new team members who bring the right ethos and drive.

These fantastic individuals have been integral in driving the business forward. Our grown Guildford and South Coast teams are stronger than ever and we’re ready to take the business to the next level.

Why Advance TRS?

As recruiters, we really understand that talented and motivated staff is the key to any successful business. To help us develop our team into the best they can be, all staff receive invaluable mentorship from our experienced senior leaders and are able to shape a clear career path bespoke to them, mapping out potential routes of progression within the company.

Our dedication to creating a fantastic working environment was recognised at the 2018 Toast of Surrey Business Awards when we were announced as Employer of the Year and Leadership Team of the Year.

As well as a competitive salary, you’ll also be able to take advantage of our fantastic benefits package including; Discounts and Perks, Private Pension Plan, Team Building & Incentives (Climb the O2, powerboat down the Thames or enjoy a night out on the company. We ensure hard work and dedication is rightly rewarded), Break Out Room, Private Health Insurance, Uncapped Commission, Life Assurance, and Workplace Wellbeing program.

Check out our website to find out more and contact us today!

Railtex is returning this year and will be held at the Birmingham NEC from 7th to 9th September. It is joining forces with Infrarail to form the ultimate show for the rail industry.

From 7th until 9th September, our specialist consultants will be on hand to discuss upcoming projects, career progression opportunities or resourcing frustrations. If you have something you would like to discuss, look out for the Advance TRS lanyards and say hello to our recruitment experts.

Make sure not to miss out by registering for your free ticket now.

Stuck in the wrong role, coming to the end of a contract or simply looking for a change?

Our expert consultants will be available to discuss current and future career opportunities in signalling, electrification, telecoms, civils and much more. With huge infrastructure investments spurring thousands of new job vacancies across the rail industry, there has never been a better time to consider your career options.

Looking for highly-skilled rail staff to help take your project to the next level? Talk to the experts.

We appreciate the challenges in identifying and attracting suitable candidates with the required expertise, technical skills and leadership capabilities to help drive your projects forward.

With over 60% of our contractors working in a safety-critical environment, we specialise in the provision of highly-skilled technical professionals providing a premier recruitment service that is unrivalled throughout the industry.

Find out more about the first annual Advance TRS Golf Day for Rail Aid

This year Railway Children and Advance TRS have teamed up to create the first annual Advance TRS Golf Day for Rail Aid, held at the prestigious Belfry Hotel & Resort. This day brings together industry leaders for some healthy competition, networking and most importantly to raise money for the Rail Aid campaign.

We still have some exciting sponsorship packages available, so if you would like to get involved and support this event in aid of vulnerable children, speak to our colleagues or contact us by emailing marketing@advance-trs.com.

We look forward to seeing you at Railtex!

During the Covid pandemic, a large proportion of the UK public lost their jobs due to businesses having to cut costs and save wherever they could. In addition to that, many young people graduate from university each year and it can be challenging to find a job.

We are a rapidly growing recruitment business always looking for motivated individuals to join our team! In this two-part blog series, we have spoken to some of our colleagues about how they got into recruitment and whether they felt that their experience of having gone to university helped them in their job.

In this week’s post, we find out more from Water & Infrastructure Director Rob and his colleague Alex, Principal Consultant on the Advance TRS water team.

If you haven’t read part 1, you can find it here.

What is your degree?

Rob: I studied Environmental Science at the University of Southampton.

Alex: I went to the University of Portsmouth and have got a BA (Hons) in Architecture.

How did you get into recruitment?

Rob: At the time, I went to a careers fair where I met a graduate recruiter. He was working at the business I later joined, so it all went from there.

Alex: My first child was born the day before I started my third year at University. Whilst this focused my mind to complete the third year I decided that I needed to start earning good money to provide for my family. Staying in architecture would have meant a further one to two years in a work placement, followed by another year to complete a Masters Degree which would have meant struggling financially. My best friend’s mum was the HR Director at a big recruitment firm at the time and I had heard that there was good money to be made in recruitment. Whilst having a fairly quiet disposition and not being a typical ‘salesperson’, I did have bucket loads of drive and determination so I thought I’d give it a shot.

How has your degree and going to uni helped you in your career?

Rob: My degree included units on key water and environmental management and engineering sectors so I have a good understanding of lots of the key components which I recruit for. Having a broad understanding of the technical aspects allowed me to focus on learning the nuts and bolts of recruitment and was definitely an advantage.

Alex: The experience of university helped in my overall maturity and built my confidence in communicating with a variety of people. It also helped to instil and build various characteristics including drive, commitment, persistence, determination, work ethic, listening skills, initiative and innovation. Having good knowledge of architecture and the built environment helped me to adapt to recruiting within the civil engineering design sector as I already had an understanding of various aspects of the design & build process.

Why Advance TRS?

Our dedication to creating a fantastic working environment was recognised at the 2018 Toast of Surrey Business Awards when we were announced as Employer of the Year and Leadership Team of the Year.

Check out our website to find out more and contact us today!

In this week’s article, we spoke to Client Services and Rail Signalling Director Sam and his colleague Josh, Principal Consultant on the Advance TRS rail team.

What did you study?

Sam: I went to the University of Winchester where I studied Sports Management combined with Business Administration.

Josh: I studied BA in Law and Business Management at Keele University.

How did you get into recruitment?

Sam: A friend of a friend knew of some recruitment vacancies at a business in Twyford, the same company Advance TRS Founder and Group MD Andy Ridout and Operations Director Paul Merton worked for at the time. I didn’t hesitate and applied; there was high earnings potential and great opportunities for career progression. I also enjoy working with people which, as a recruiter, you do on a daily basis.

Josh: A friend of mine ran a recruitment company and I did some work for him while I was at uni. I liked the work and the fast-paced, competitive environment that comes with recruitment and it all went from there.

How has the experience of going to uni helped you in your career?

Sam: It has certainly taught me discipline and what it means to work hard, which have been really valuable traits working in recruitment.

Josh: Yes, to the extent it helps with being thorough in what you do and not take things at face value, which in recruitment can lead to issues down the line. It helps with discipline in terms of covering things off and not letting issues stay live.

Why Advance TRS?

Our dedication to creating a fantastic working environment was recognised at the 2018 Toast of Surrey Business Awards when we were announced as Employer of the Year and Leadership Team of the Year.

Check out our website to find out more or contact us!

Created by The Women’s Engineering Society (WES), 23rd June 2021 marks International Women in Engineering Day (INWED), the only day in the calendar that celebrates women in engineering and similar professions.

According to WES, latest figures show that just under 13% of the engineering workforce is female. INWED gives women engineers around the world a profile when they are still hugely under-represented in their professions. It plays a vital role in encouraging more girls and young women to take up engineering careers.

In 2020 the International Women in Engineering Day Twitter campaign recorded a potential impact of 103 million, with the official #INWED hashtag trending at number one in the UK on the day. The website was viewed 56,000 times during the month of June, with hundreds of events registered and taking place in countries all across the world.

In a blog we published recently, we spoke about a BBC article on the topic of youth unemployment and women between 15 to 24 being most affected in the UK. After reading the article, Advance TRS Group Managing Director Andy Ridout decided to offer three fast-track positions to young women wanting to start a career in recruitment.

We’re hiring

We are currently recruiting for a number of positions across our Guildford and South Coast teams in recruitment, payroll and sales administration. Check out our latest opportunities.

Why Advance TRS?

As recruiters we really understand that talented and motivated staff is the key to any successful business. To help us develop our team into the best they can be, all staff receive invaluable mentorship from our experienced senior leaders and are able to shape a clear career path bespoke to them, mapping out potential routes of progression within the company.

Our dedication to creating a fantastic working environment was recognised at the 2018 Toast of Surrey Business Awards when we were announced as Employer of the Year and Leadership Team of the Year.

As well as a competitive salary, you’ll also be able to take advantage of our fantastic benefits package including; Discounts and Perks, Private Pension Plan, Team Building & Incentives

(Climb the O2, powerboat down the Thames or enjoy a night out on the company. We ensure hard work and dedication is rightly rewarded), Break Out Room, Private Health Insurance, Uncapped Commission, Life Assurance, and Workplace Wellbeing program.

Check out our website to find out more!

Read our blog on what support different organisations in the built environment offer women already working in or looking to pursue a career in engineering.

The BBC recently reported that during the Covid pandemic, a large proportion of the UK public lost their jobs due to businesses having to cut costs and save wherever they could. Young people were more affected by this, with young women aged 15 to 24 being hit the hardest.

That is partly because women are more likely than men to work in some of the hardest-hit industries such as hospitality. The International Labour Office (ILO) estimated that around the world, about 55% of workers in hotel, catering and tourism were women.

Some have been looking for a new role for almost two years with no luck. Businesses are still struggling, and while recruitment in some areas is on the rise, other industries are still very cautious or simply can’t afford to employ again yet.

Advance TRS creating opportunities for young people

“I was really moved by this, no young person should have to struggle so much to find a job or start a career.” explained Andy Ridout, Founder and Group MD of Advance TRS. As a father of teenagers who will soon be job hunting themselves, he understands why being rejected for roles time and time again can knock applicants’ confidence.

We are hiring

In order to help combat the issue, especially when it comes to young women being unable to find employment, Andy came up with the idea of opening three fast-track recruitment trainee jobs in the company’s Guildford head office. This will provide ambitious young women with an opportunity to start a career in recruitment and, depending on their drive and motivation, quickly move up the career ladder with nearly unlimited earning potential.

If you are under the age of 30 and currently looking for a new job, contact us to find out more about the programme!

We also have several other exciting opportunities available across the business. Take a look at those here and apply today!

We look forward to hearing from you!

About Advance TRS

Our dedication to creating a fantastic working environment was recognised at the 2018 Toast of Surrey Business Awards when we were announced as Employer of the Year and Leadership Team of the Year.

Find out more about what it’s like to work at Advance TRS

World Environment Day has become a platform to raise awareness on the dangers to our environment such as air and plastic pollution, illegal wildlife trade, sea-level increase and food security to name just a few.

The theme this year is Ecosystem Restoration, which means assisting the recovery of destroyed ecosystems and conserving those that are still intact. It can take many forms, from growing trees, to rewilding gardens, changing diets, making cities greener or cleaning up rivers and coasts. Healthier ecosystems with richer biodiversity yield greater benefits such as more fertile soils, bigger yields of timber and fish, and larger stores of greenhouse gases.

The official World Environment Day website holds a wealth of information on how this awareness day came about, what we can all do to help the environment and much more. Take a look to see what you might be able to do, as even the smallest changes can have a big impact.

There are many things businesses can do to become more environmentally friendly too, from cutting down on paper to turning off computers when not in use and switching off the lights when leaving the office in the evening. We previously published a blog with some suggestions.

At Advance TRS, we care about the environment and we are making more and more changes to make sure that we minimise our impact on it. If you want to work for a business that places the environment as a priority, send your CV to info@advance-trs.com or take a look at our latest vacancies.

As a rapidly growing recruitment business, continuing to improve equality, diversity and inclusion is vital to us at Advance TRS. We always strive to create a working environment that is free from discrimination and promotes equal opportunities for all, and we work with our clients to help them do the same.

In a series of interviews we have spoken to some of the talented women working at Advance TRS and asked them what challenges they might have faced in their careers so far and what advice they would give other women wanting to start working in their sectors.

In this part of the blog series we spoke to Senior Resourcer Emily and Client Services Delivery Manager Louise.

What made you want to start a career in your sector?

Louise: I have always worked in a sales environment ever since finishing college, and I thrive on working towards a target and being driven by earning commission. The last 10 years have been in the recruitment sector and I would never look back. It can be a rollercoaster ride, the highs are high but the lows can be really low. However for me, I wouldn’t change it as being rewarded for working hard is what motivates me every day. I have always been competitive whether that be in sports or work and enjoy the challenge of constantly pushing myself to be better.

Emily: I’ve always been interested in a career in recruitment, it’s always seemed like a job I wanted to do. The role itself is rewarding in so many ways; you’re given great career development opportunities, you get to help people reach their career goals, you have the incentive of earning additional income by working hard. Working in rail wasn’t something I initially ever saw myself being capable of doing, but it’s been great learning about an interesting sector that was brand new to me. I think the best and honest way to describe being in recruitment is that it’s a feast and famine environment but the good massively outweighs the bad because there is so much reward in doing well.

Is there anyone that inspires you in your career?

Louise: You always look up to the “top billers” within the company and strive to get closer to them. Obviously our MD Andy is a huge inspiration as he has taken Advance TRS from nothing to where we are today. I also admire our Finance Director Carolyn, as she has made her way to a Board Director position through her hard work and commitment to the company and as the only female Director she of course is also inspiring to me!

Emily: Everyone at Advance TRS inspires me. Everyone has achieved something and it’s great to see others doing well as it’s a great insight into the potential your career has.

If you could have dinner with three inspirational women, dead or alive, who would they be and why?

Louise: My nan, Marilyn Monroe, Beyonce

Emily: Princess Diana, Kim Kardashian, my Auntie

Based on your own experience, what advice would you give to women considering a career in your sector?

Louise: You have to be thick skinned to work in recruitment, strong willed and persistent. Never give up and even if you get knocked back pick yourself up and try again

Emily: Stay positive, trust in yourself and be confident in your work, always be willing to pick yourself back up after a setback and not let it affect you and don’t be afraid to stand out from the crowd.

How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?

Louise: I think it’s very important for women to support other women, we should embrace each other’s strengths and not feel threatened or jealous but be proud of each other.

Emily: It is extremely important for women to feel empowered and to empower other women in return, It’s the greatest gift we can give each other and it doesn’t cost a penny.

How do you find being a woman working in your sector?

Louise: Being in recruitment, it is quite a male-driven environment, particularly with the sectors we work in, so it can be tough as you do find you are the minority but the key is to stand strong and don’t be a pushover. Also it’s nice giving the boys a run for their money too!! (Nothing like a bit of healthy competition)

At Advance TRS we are always looking for talented and driven new team members. If this is you and you would like to work for a business that values its employees’ contribution to its success then we would love to hear from you!

To find out more about our current opportunities, visit our careers page, or for a discrete conversation, contact Paul Metcalfe, Advance TRS CEO on 07793 554 413 or email pme@advance-trs.com.

We are starting this short blog series with our Accounts Manager Michelle, and Katie, who is our Compliance & Administration Manager.

What made you want to start a career in your sector?

Michelle: I always wanted to start a career in accounting as it has been my lifelong goal. It wasn’t until my school friend passed away that gave me the push to start up a course in accounting at college and then apply to be a junior accounts assistant at Advance TRS. I haven’t looked back since.

Katie: To be honest I fell into my career at Advance TRS. I was going away travelling around Asia when a now-colleague found my CV online and persuaded me to come for a coffee before I left. When I returned from my adventure I started my new job!

Is there anyone that inspires you in your career?

Michelle: I don’t have anyone in particular who has inspired me but I always look up to people who do their best every day.

Katie: I find seeing the success of my colleagues inspires me daily, especially the strong successful women at Advance TRS.

If you could have dinner with three inspirational women, dead or alive, who would they be and why?

Michelle: Tina Turner – after years of domestic abuse, physical and mental, she rose above to become one of the most powerful female black artists in the world.

Caitlyn Jenner – the strength she has to publicly become the woman she wants to be.

Katie Piper – the confidence to tell her story and reclaim her life after such a horrific ordeal. She’s done a lot of campaigning and documentaries getting people talking about mental health, domestic abuse etc.

Katie: Michelle Obama (who wouldn’t want dinner with Michelle!), Rhianna because I think her success is inspiring, and my mum.

Based on your own experience, what advice would you give to women considering a career in your sector?

Michelle: I don’t believe there is any specific advice depending on gender. If you work to your best potential everyday that’s all that matters.

How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?

Katie: Support, empowerment and positivity amongst women is so important, there is no end to what can be achieved when you look out for one another and lift each other up.

What is the most important piece of advice you have been given?

Michelle: If you believe you can do something, you can. It does not matter who you are or where you are from, you just need to believe.

How do you find being a woman working in your sector?

Katie: It is a very male dominated environment, but I think that only makes you stand up more, be confident and strive to succeed.

Why do you think diversity in the workplace is so important?

Michelle: I think that having diversity in the workplace is very important. Having a diverse team means we have a variety of ideas and perspectives. Everyone is being valued and accepted regardless of age, gender, religious beliefs, etc.

To find out more about our current opportunities, visit our careers page, or for a discrete conversation, contact Paul Metcalfe, Advance TRS CEO on 07793 554 413 or email pme@advance-trs.com.

Once again, the team at Advance TRS got involved in fundraising activities, this time to help the amazing children’s charity Railway Children, which we have been involved with numerous times in the past.

At Advance TRS, helping charities by fundraising regularly is at the heart of what we do. We care about others and we want to help make a difference.

The charity

Railway Children has been fighting for children alone and at risk on the streets for over 22 years. During that time, they’ve reached more than 275,000 children in India, the UK and East Africa.

Children run away or are forced to leave home where they suffer poverty, violence, abuse and neglect. They find themselves living on the streets because there is nowhere else to go and no one left to turn to. The problems they face on the streets are often even worse than those they endured at home.

Railway Children’s pioneering work enables them to get to street children before the streets get to them. You can read more about this brilliant charity on their website.

Last year, the charity’s ‘Sleepout’ was very popular, however, for obvious reasons it wasn’t possible to repeat the event this year, and therefore, the equally successful ‘Sleep In’ was launched.

Help us make a difference

Changing the format of the event meant the whole family was able to join in and give up the comfort of their usual beds for one night, by sleeping in whatever temporary camp they set up at home. Many of our colleagues built dens in their living rooms which you can see on our Instagram page.

We set ourselves an ambitious target of £500 to raise for Railway Children. We recognise the impact the past year has had on everyone, including charities, and we would love to be able to help them make a difference!

We haven’t reached our target yet and are grateful for every single donation, no matter how big or small! Our JustGiving page is still live and if you would like to donate, you can do so here.

Thank you to everyone for your generosity!

Advance TRS recently celebrated Emily Hajek’s promotion to Senior Resourcer within the Rail team. Having first joined the business in August 2019, Emily quickly proved to be a driven and dedicated member of the team and has earned the promotion through her hard work.

Emily swiftly settled into her role at Advance TRS has built a strong network of contacts. She is always keen to gain an in-depth understanding of what her clients and candidates are looking for, to ensure that she finds the perfect solution to suit all requirements.

“It is a real pleasure having Emily on the Rail Recruitment team. Despite the changes in working conditions during the pandemic, he has proven her value by putting in the effort and going above and beyond.” explains Advance TRS Managing Director and Founder, Andy Ridout.

Emily assumed her new role of Senior Resourcer in March 2021 and is responsible for dealing with permanent, contract and temporary placements, sourcing suitable candidates and dealing with everyday queries.

Rail recruitment at our core

We have more than 100 combined years’ experience recruiting within the rail sector at Advance TRS, with each of our expert recruitment consultants specialising in a particular discipline within the industry. This ensures we have the capability to meet the precise needs of our clients and candidates.

We work with some of the world’s biggest engineering organisations, creating bespoke recruitment solutions for some of the UK’s biggest rail projects. If you’re currently looking for an exciting new opportunity, take a look at our jobs page and apply today! (insert link to rail jobs page)

We’re hiring

At Advance TRS we really understand that talented and motivated staff is the key to any successful business. To help us develop our team into the best they can be, all staff receive invaluable mentorship from our experienced senior leaders and are able to shape a clear career path bespoke to them.

We are always looking for driven and ambitious individuals to join the team. As a rapidly growing recruitment agency, we have fantastic opportunities available across the business. Head over to our careers page to find out more about our culture, vision and mission and to find the latest internal vacancies.

For a discrete conversation contact Advance TRS CEO Paul Metcalfe on 07793 554 413 or email pme@advance-trs.com.

We would love to hear from you!

Josh Hill first joined the Advance TRS Rail team as a Recruitment Consultant in January 2016 and has been progressing within his career and the company ever since.

Now a Principal Consultant, Josh specialises in Civils & Permanent Way. He provides effective and efficient delivery and support to candidates and clients alike, using his knowledge of the rail sector and project delivery to lead our Civils & PWay team.

Prior to this, Josh built his experience running the business’ 4 Lines Modernisation (4LM) project delivery, placing white and blue collar signalling professionals in both permanent and contract roles across the London Underground upgrades.

“Josh was instrumental in placing over 200 candidates on the 4LM project, the largest signalling works of its kind in the world.”

explains Advance TRS Managing Director and Founder, Andy Ridout.

“He builds strong relationships with his clients to make sure he understands their requirements, which means he manages to quickly source the right candidates for the roles. I am excited to see what the future holds for Josh’s career here at Advance TRS.”

Josh specialises in civil and permanent way engineering for the UK rail & metro network and has developed a strong understanding of the industry and key client businesses.

Rail recruitment at our core

We’re hiring

For a discrete conversation contact Advance TRS CEO Paul Metcalfe on 07793 554 413 or email pme@advance-trs.com.

We would love to hear from you!

During the week of International Women’s Day, some of our team members attended a webinar hosted by APSCo and Women in Recruitment, who had invited inspirational guest speaker Yetunde Hofmann to talk about the importance of recognising who you are and how to really value what you bring to an organisation.

Yetunde, who has a professional background in HR, is a thought leader on culture and behaviour. She is the author of the book Beyond Engagement and founder of a pioneering new leadership development programme for black women called Solaris.

While this thought-provoking webinar was geared towards women, it provided us with great food for thought that we believe everyone can benefit from and we wanted to share this with you in this blog.

Take time for yourself

Do you take any time out of your busy schedule to do something for yourself? And by that we don’t mean exercising, but taking some time for selfcare. That could be reading a book, having a relaxing bath or listening to a podcast.

This is really important as it will help you to recharge your batteries and feel more energised again. After all you can’t drink from an empty cup!

Value yourself

Who hasn’t been in a situation when you doubted yourself and feel that you need others’ approval or confirmation. Start acknowledging and believing in yourself. Think about what your strengths truly are and remember that everyone is unique and has their own skills and talents.

When you are content with who you are you will notice the way you work with and support others shift and see extraordinary results.

To help you become more content within yourself, try to give the following questions some thought:

What gets you motivated?
When are you at your best?
When are you at your worst?

These are just some of the questions that will help you find out more about yourself.

Find your joy

This can be and mean so many different things. For some it might mean finding a hobby they love, others find joy in simply being outside in nature and practicing mindfulness.

Ultimately, finding your joy will help you build your resilience from within. Take some time to dig deep and find out what really makes you feel that joy.

These are only some of the core takeaways from Yetunde’s webinar. If you would like to find out more about Yetunde and read some more of her thought-provoking blogs on a variety of topics you can find her website here.

If you would like to find out more about us and view current opportunities, please view our careers page. Or contact Advance TRS CEO Paul Metcalfe on 07793 554 413 or email pme@advance-trs.com for a discrete conversation.

What was on the table?

Part of something bigger

Join our team

Supporting Little Roo’s And Railway Children

“Little Roo’s is a cause that is incredibly close to my heart. My daughter was born at just 24 weeks and received the specialist care and support that Little Roo’s helps make possible. She is now eight years old, healthy, happy and thriving at school.”

“As a family, we will never forget the people who supported us through such a difficult and uncertain time, and it means so much to be able to give something back. “

“That personal connection to both charities made this year’s event especially meaningful, and I am deeply grateful to everyone whose generosity will help them continue their life-changing work.”

Thank You To Our Headline Sponsor

Keynote Speaker

Introducing Advance Infrastructure Partners

Congratulations To Our Winners

Looking Ahead

A Few Photos From The Day

Turner & Townsend Return as Headline Sponsor

Mark Wild OBE Confirmed as Guest Speaker

Supporting Railway Children and Little Roo Neonatal Fund

Book the Final Fourball

Strengthening Our Cyber Security Framework

Supporting Secure Delivery For Infrastructure Clients

Thank You To Our Cyber Security Partners

FAQs

Celebrating 14 Years of Advance TRS

Accreditation & Memberships

Expanding Our Sector Experience

Welcoming New Talent & Strengthening Leadership

Celebrating Loyalty & Long-Service Milestones

A Year of Connection, Incentives & Celebrations

Industry Events

Giving Back: Community & Charity at the Heart of Advance TRS

Looking Ahead

What RISQS accreditation means, and why it matters

Why does this latest RISQS recertification matter to us?

Looking ahead, our commitment remains unchanged

Advance TRS Successfully Completes Surveillance Audits For ISO 27001 & ISO 45001

Why This Certification Matters More Than Ever

ISO 27001

ISO 45001 – Because Safety Is Personal

A Team Effort – And A Culture We’re Proud Of

Beyond Compliance – Fuel For Future Growth

Looking Ahead – Continuous Improvement Never Stops

Want to Work With A Trained, Trusted And Accredited Recruitment Partner?

Following in Our Managing Director’s Footsteps

Why Railway Children?

Our Commitment to Giving Back

Get Involved – Support Sam’s Trek

Why We’re Supporting Railway Children

About the Advance TRS Wine Walk

How You Can Support the Advance TRS Wine Walk

Discover the Route: Vineyard Stops on the Advance TRS Wine Walk

Andy Ridout

Group Managing Director

Paul Metcalfe

Non-Executive Director

Carolyn Kaye

Group Finance Director

Ella Gardiner

Group Business Operations Director

Michael Schruyers

Group Sales Operations Director

Sam Jennings

Rail & Infrastructure Director

Rob Kelly

Water & Infrastructure Director

Stuart Minchin

Director

Sean Brown

Principal Consultant

Alex Shaw

Lead Principal Consultant

Jake Jessey

Associate

Daryll Gibson

Principal Consultant

Chris Spurdle

Group Business Development Manager

Jake Rodger

Senior Recruitment Consultant

Josh Hill

Principal Consultant

Louise Oldham