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​Celebrating 45 years in the rail industry​As we celebrate 200 years of the modern railway in 2025, we also take the time to honour individuals who have dedicated their careers to advancing this incredible industry. For Gary Lobue, what began as a stop-gap role with British Rail has evolved into a remarkable 45-year journey shaped by a passion for safety, innovation, and excellence in the rail sector. Joining Ganymede in 2017 as Head of HSEQ, Gary has been an integral part of the team, and we want to highlight his career in the rail industry.​Gary's British Rail ID Card​From Stop-Gap to Lifelong CareerGary’s journey into the rail industry wasn’t planned; it was by chance he joined British Rail in 1980. A conversation with his ganger early in his career planted the seed for what would become a lifelong career. His ganger’s story of surviving a train strike left a mark, inspiring Gary to prioritise safety in every aspect of his work.As his career progressed, Gary took on roles as a union and safety representative, eventually transitioning into supervisor and management positions. From this point on, Gary was very safety conscious in his work, whilst ensuring he got the operational and safety balance right to meet project and programme demand. A natural progression was to them become a trainer/assessor in track safety, then moving into HSEQ to pursue his career further.​The Evolution of Safety in Rail Reflecting on the changes in rail safety over the years, Gary highlights how far the industry has come. “Track safety has improved immensely,” he explains, mentioning risk minimisation being implemented in 2002 and the development of standards like the 019 Safety of People at Work on or Near the Line. Rule Books and Standards are regularly reviewed, updated, renewed and the introduction of RISQS and Sentinel have ensured the industry, and its suppliers are compliant to meet Network Rail requirements, enhancing a collective stance on safety.​Gary's Rail Competency Cards​The Role of Technology in HSEQAs you would expect, Gary has witnessed significant advancements in technology that have transformed rail safety. On-track machinery for engineering maintenance and construction have come a long way, and innovation of such machines has eliminated the need for a large workforce using mechanical methods to carryout engineering works. This reduces the risk of injury to workers and damage to the infrastructure. Similarly, personal protective equipment (PPE) from 45 years ago is worlds apart from what we expect in 2025, as shown in the picture below! Innovation has reshaped the industry, with all of these changes improving productivity and reliability, but most importantly, ensuring a safer railway.​PPE in the 1980s on Beighton Depot, British Rail​A Lifetime of AchievementOver the past 45 years, Gary has achieved numerous milestones, but some stand out as particularly meaningful. He became one of the youngest supervisors in British Rail’s Electrification Construction Department and earned a Trainer/Teacher Qualification as well as a Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety.However, being nominated for awards by his peers holds a special place in Gary’s heart. He says, “The most satisfying was being overwhelmingly nominated by my colleagues at Ganymede for the Safety First, Safety Always Award,” an award named after Ganymede's company ethos and one of our core values.​Advice for the Next GenerationTo those starting their careers in rail safety, Gary offers invaluable advice:Seek real-world experience: Gary believes individuals looking to start a career in a health and safety within rail should get experience where they can, to help them see how the business operates and understand the operational demands on a business.Observe human behaviour: Reflect on why people take risks and engage in unsafe acts, understand that safety and operations must be evenly balanced and can work together. Be approachable: Put the clipboard away, don’t be too judgmental, and remember that people rarely intend harm. People generally have best intentions but will have slips, lapses and make mistakes. Prioritise risk assessments: Two words: Risk Assessment, they are an integral part of health and safety.​A thank you to GaryGary Lobue’s career is a testament to the power of dedication, continuous learning, and a commitment to safety. As we celebrate his 45 years of service, we’re reminded of the profound impact one individual can have on an industry.From all of us at Ganymede and your friends across the rail industry, thank you, Gary, for your remarkable contributions to rail safety.

Ganymede announce exclusive partnership with GeoGrow Ltd​Ganymede announce exclusive partnership with GeoGrow Ltd, a Midlands based company specialising in green solutions and products for construction and landscaping, focusing on reducing carbon footprints.​Increasing biodiversity in infrastructure projects through innovative green solutions, GeoGrow Ltd are the sole manufacturer and designer of the Rootlok Vegetated Retaining Wall System, groundworks contractor and hydroseeding specialist. ​As specialists in infrastructure recruitment, Ganymede Solutions supported GeoGrow in various capacities throughout 2024. Following a positive start to the relationship, it was agreed that the partnership would be strengthened by having an exclusive agreement in place, ensuring increased collaboration and efficiency throughout 2025.​As their exclusive recruitment partner, Ganymede will support GeoGrow’s short, medium and long term growth plans through the provision of permanent recruitment services across all disciplines.​Through this approach, Ganymede will continue to utilise their established network of in-demand talent and high-quality recruitment processes, focusing on attracting and retaining the right talent for GeoGrow, allowing the internal team to focus their efforts on the growth of the organisation.​Natalie Harris, Deputy Managing Director, GeoGrow said: ​​"We are delighted to formalise our partnership with Ganymede Solutions.​Their expertise in recruitment and dedication to aligning with our values of sustainability and innovation make them the perfect partner to support our growth. This exclusive agreement marks an exciting chapter for GeoGrow as we continue to deliver green solutions that positively impact infrastructure projects and the environment. Together with Ganymede, we look forward to achieving new milestones and advancing our shared vision for a greener future." ​Connor Matthews, Recruitment Consultant, Ganymede said: "We are very excited to continue our work alongside GeoGrow, their sustainable solutions align closely with Ganymede’s core value of being socially responsible. ​The value they add to projects, not only with sustainability in mind, but leaving projects looking amazing with green spaces where you would normally see concrete, they truly are setting the standard for how things should be, as can be seen on their social media. This approach also ties in with Taking Pride, another of Ganymede’s core values! We are very much looking forward to adding as much value as possible to facilitate this great business to keep doing excellent things!"​​For more details on this partnership or the opportunities available within GeoGrow, please contact the Ganymede team by clicking here.

Considering a recruitment career change? Here are the questions you should be asking your future employer​​Switching employers in recruitment can be a big decision, and it’s natural to feel a bit overwhelmed, especially if you're walking away from an established desk. A key element of ensuring you're making the right move is asking the right questions during the interview process. To help guide you through this process, here are some key questions to ask your future employer as you consider your options.​"What is the leadership team like?"Management plays a central role in your daily experience, so you need to ensure your new employer is committed to developing leaders who are fair, inspiring and supportive.Many of our managers began their journey here as Recruitment Consultants, working hard to grow into their leadership roles. This means they understand what you’re going through and can empathise with the challenges you may face, supporting you as you work through them. To ensure you feel supported, our managers schedule regular one to one meetings along with appraisals, so you always have someone to talk to if needed.​To encourage a team environment, all our offices are open-plan spaces designed to foster collaboration. This setup lets you hear how our managers communicate on calls, giving you the opportunity to learn directly from their experience. Creating a positive, empowering atmosphere starts with our leadership team and extends throughout our entire organisation. ​As our Divisional Manager, Owen Hughes, puts it:I make it a priority to create a safe space where my team feels free to share their experiences. A team can only be truly supportive and collaborative when its members feel mentally healthy, happy, and genuinely motivated to excel.​"What is your culture like?"The culture of every business is ultimately rooted in their people.We love celebrating the successes of our team, and while our work is competitive, we’re also a deeply supportive group that takes pride in encouraging one another. We’re committed to ensuring everyone feels included, through both the highs and the challenges. Recruitment can be tough, but we’ve built a culture that’s there to support you, with someone always ready to listen and help so that no one feels left out or left struggling alone. Our Agile working policy ensures that once you’re settled in, we trust you to work from home. However, the team is always just a call away if you need advice or simply someone to talk to.We believe the best achievements come when we build each other up and work together. This spirit is strengthened by values that reflect who we are: Safety First, Safety Always, Delivering Excellence, Taking Pride, Being Passionate about people, and maintaining Social Responsibility. Together, these values shape and reinforce our culture at every level of our organisation.​​Michael Dobson, Recruitment Manager says:I joined the business in 2017. The levels of support across the organisation have been fantastic, whether it is another consultant, the finance or compliance team, or a manager, someone is always willing to provide support and guidance. Agile working has also been highly beneficial, allowing me to achieve exceptional results.The Ganymede culture is driven by the people within our business. "People are our passion." Celebrating our wins as a team, division, or organisation is highly encouraged, whether they are small or big wins. Celebrate them!​"What will be expected of me?"Honesty and transparency are essential to ensure that you understand what is expected of you.That’s why we’re clear about expectations at every stage of your journey with us. To support this, we provide detailed documents outlining all the steps and requirements for advancing in your career, which we review with you in your weekly one-to-one meetings and appraisals. This way, you’re supported every step of the way.Through the Ganymede processes, we maintain the high standards we strive for, helping to build lasting relationships with both clients and candidates. These practices ensure our quality never falters, reinforcing trust and reliability at every level.​Josh Andrews our Recruitment Consultant said:In my interview for Ganymede it was clearly established which sector I would be working in and what my role as a 360 recruiter would be. I've loved a clear route of progression because I know it's down to me to achieve as much as possible and what the reward is! "How will I be rewarded?"It is no secret that recruitment can be incredibly lucrative for consultants that work hard, not only in commission, but in incentives and rewards too.At Ganymede we love to celebrate great performance, especially when you’re reaching your personal and professional milestones! We’re transparent about earnings, targets, and commission structures, offering competitive pay that truly reflects your hard work. We’re committed to ensuring you’re happy and motivated here, with continuous development opportunities throughout your career.We also mark your successes with exciting rewards, like our annual awards and celebratory trips, recently our teams have enjoyed unforgettable experiences in Barcelona and Marrakesh.​Brad Minns, Principal Consultant explains:At Ganymede, I get the benefits of working for a large business such as incentives, amazing bonus structure, development opportunities and much more. What stands out to me, is how we still have a family-orientated approach. As a father of 3, my family comes first. Ganymede are so supportive with all thing’s family in the best times and the worst. I have personally had some challenging times over the past few years and have never felt as supported as I have since I began my career with Ganymede.​"What is your vision?"Knowing your future employers goals can help determine whether it will be the right fit for your personal goals too.Our vision lies at the core of everything we do, with quality at the heart of each step. Recruitment is ultimately about people, helping individuals find roles where they can thrive. We pride ourselves on being a value led recruitment firm, committed to bringing on board those who align with our guiding principles.At Ganymede, our values of Safety First, Safety Always, Delivering Excellence, Taking Pride, People Are Our Passion, and Social Responsibility define not only what we do but also how we do it. We strive to build a safe, people-driven organisation where these values are actively upheld.We seek team members who share this vision, those who are driven by a purpose beyond financial gain and who are inspired to make a difference. With us, you are contributing to a meaningful, shared mission.​We trust these tips will guide you as you look to find your next great employer. If you’re interested in the answers we've given to these questions and are ready to advance your recruitment career, we’d love to hear from you! Contact our Talent Manager, Rachael Bailey-Frost for a confidential chat.​Find out more about a career with Ganymede today. Send me your CV or connect with me on LinkedIn today.Telephone: 07920 595 229Email: rachael.bailey-frost@ganymedesolutions.co.uk​LinkedIn: Connect on LinkedIn​

​​The Winter 2024 edition of Safety First, Ganymede’s quarterly safety newsletter is now available to read.​In this edition we focus on:Spotlight on Safety Trespassers on siteOperational Close Call RaisedUnauthorised WorkRule Book December 2024 ChangesIt's important to familiarise yourself with the changes that came into force at the beginning of December. Spotlight on SafetyFatigue and night workingWinter workingRail WordsearchJoin in on a Ganymede wordsearch, can you discover all the words and uncover the secret word?​Read the Winter 2024 Safety First Newsletter here​As always, we trust you will find the newsletter useful and engaging. If you have any questions or feedback after reading this edition of Safety First, please don't hesitate to get in touch using the form below.​​​

​Promoting careers in rail for women​Ganymede is a leading provider of labour and recruitment services within the rail industry, partnering with a wide range of companies and playing a key role in various sectors. We believe in the power of diversity and see the rail industry as a space where women can make a significant impact. While progress has been made to increase female representation, there is still much work to be done.​Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is one of our core values, and we are committed to actively engaging with communities and leveraging our extensive network to promote a more inclusive workplace for all. From consultancies to train operators, we collaborate with diverse organisations and understand the value of transferrable skills from other sectors.​We are happy support to Women in Rail and in particular the Never Mind the Gap programme which encourages women currently out of work to explore the opportunities available in the rail industry. to We also offer support through training and skill development to help them build successful careers in this dynamic field.​Leeds 2024Together with Network Rail, LNER,Northern, and TransPennine Express, we partnered to deliver a two-week programme, “Never Mind The Gap,” aimed at promoting careers in the rail industry for women.​The programme offered in-depth training, one-to-one mentoring, and encouraged more women to explore careers in rail. Over the two weeks, participants engaged in various workshops and practical experiences.​Key highlights included:CV writing and interview skills workshopsVisits to stations, depots, and maintenance facilities to gain insight into the wide range of roles within the rail industryPersonal branding trainingImposter Syndrome and confidence-building sessions, facilitated by Network Rail’s Inspire Employee Network​The programme successfully equipped participants with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to pursue careers in the rail sector.​The Impact​4 females took part in this programme, none of whom would have considered a career in rail initially. These females had different work experience, unique skillsets and different aspirations for what they wanted to achieve in the programme.​Despite never considering the rail industry before, throughout the course, they changed their outlook on the sector.​Participants of the programme shared that it not only provided them with valuable skills for entering the job market but also significantly boosted their confidence.​If you’re interested in more about the "Never Mind The Gap" programme and a rail company that would like to get involved or if you’re a woman interested in exploring a career in rail, we encourage you to contact our Client Relationship Manager, Charlotte Cruise, at charlotte.cruise@ganymedesolutions.co.uk.​"I joined this programme after being a stay-at-home mum for 10 years. I was eager to get back to work, but anxious that the gap in employment would be a barrier.This course has been invaluable to me; it has provided me with the confidence to progress in my job searches and has me looking forward to a potential career in rail."​Serena Woodcock, Previous Course Member​

Ganymede host another successful Subcontractor Forum to further develop a collaborative approach with our supply chain​To ensure collaborative working and the sharing of best practices moving forward, we hosted our third Ganymede Subcontractor Forum held at our Head Office, The Derby Conference Centre.​We wanted to take the time to discuss our recent successes regarding safety and operational performance, as well as have an interaction session regarding any areas of improvement. On the agenda for this event was Audit Updates, KPI performance, Fatigue Management, Improvement Notices, Supplier vs Network Rail perceptions, and the latest Rule Book changes.​It was great to have the opportunity to meet with our supply chain face to face, as well as give our subcontractors the platform to present their thoughts on how we can safely grow our Contingent Labour supply to Network Rail together.​We also had the privilege of hearing from Suzy Powell of the Railway Benefit Fund, a charity which provides support to current, former and retired railway people and their families across the UK. We look forward to further engaging with the charity, encouraging our internal employees to utilise their Paid Volunteer Leave and support this great cause.​Stuart Fraser, Accounts Director of Ganymede Rail said: "Myself and the whole team are once again delighted with the success of another Ganymede Subcontractor Forum. We first launched this partnership in June 2023, and it is great to see how these events have developed thanks to the continued engagement of the supply chain. The collaborative nature of the forum created an open and cooperative environment, allowing us to share innovative ideas for improvement and agree best practice moving forward.” Thank you to all those who attended and made the day a resounding success.” ​We look forward to hosting our next Subcontractor Forum in Spring 2025.​​