Clients

about ganymede

Ganymede specialise in recruiting the best technical and engineering talent and providing complete workforce solutions to help build and maintain infrastructure and transportation for a wide range of UK clients.

As part of the RTC Group, an AIM-listed recruitment group, Ganymede is a market leader in providing a diverse range of people solutions to the rail, energy, construction, highways and transportation sectors.

With offices strategically located across the country, we provide our clients with the benefit of a national network of skilled personnel combined with local expertise. We currently have over 1,500 skilled staff currently deployed across the country on a daily basis.

We tailor our solutions to suit our client needs. Whether it’s recruiting permanent and temporary technical, engineering and safety-critical roles or providing fully managed workforce solutions of recruitment, training, account management, contingent labour and fleet provision, we work closely with our clients to understand their requirements, keeping their goals in mind every step of the way.

OUR SERVICES

Labour Supply

Our contingent labour services include the recruitment, training and workforce management of safety-critical personnel from our strategically located offices across the UK.

Contract Recruitment

As well as compliant contract recruitment, we provide payroll solutions and a unique IR35 assessment service designed to protect our clients and contractors.

Permanent Recruitment

Ganymede's permanent recruitment processes help you find the best talent for your business and is backed up by our market-leading two year guarantee.

Executive Search

Our executive search service is completely tailored to the needs of your business. Added extras include advanced screening processes and psychometric testing.

OUR VALUES

Ganymede’s core values define what we stand for and how we do things, helping us to provide the best possible service to our clients and candidates and maintain a healthy working environment for our employees.

Socially Responsible

We care about local communities and are committed to attracting and retaining diverse talent. We strive to support charities and good causes and take care of the environment by operating ethically and sustainably.

People Are Our Passion

People are at the heart of everything we do. Through our in-depth recruitment processes, we attract, develop and retain the best people, supporting our clients to deliver projects safely and efficiently.

Taking Pride

Every action taken by the organisation is done with skill, care and pride in mind. This ensures that every level of the organisation is accountable and provides the best possible service.

Delivering Excellence

By continually building upon our vast industry knowledge and working collaboratively with our clients, we always deliver first-class, innovative and tailored solutions with our client goals in mind.

Safety First, Safety Always

Safety is at the forefront of our business operations. Awareness and continuous improvement eliminates complacency and ensures we keep our workforce, industry colleagues and communities safe.

OUR sectors

2 YEAR GUARANTEE

Like many other recruiters, our rebate scheme promises to provide you with a completely free replacement

within 8 weeks. However, nothing we do at Ganymede is standard, and that includes our extended recruitment

guarantee. The Ganymede guarantee enables you to hire with confidence in the knowledge that your recruitment

partner has a vested interest in your success.

BUSINESSES WE WORK WITH

Case Studies

Employer Branding, Attraction and Engagement

What message does your organisation’s recruitment and onboarding activity directly or indirectly communicate about your business?“Employees are our greatest assets”… yet if we have learned nothing else over the last 2 years, what we can clearly see is that, unlike assets, people cannot be bought. Whilst salaries are clearly important (particularly with rapidly rising costs of living), we can all understand that people look for far more than this in deciding where and who they wish to work with.The supposed shift in what people now look for in their employment; flexibility, autonomy, remote working options, outcomes vs outputs, employer concern – is less so a shift, in my opinion, rather an unveiling of the truth, supported by two years of evidence that ‘traditional’ attitudes to working arrangements were easily updated.February 24th was ‘Covid-19 Freedom Day’ in England, where all coronavirus restrictions were lifted, with pressure building for the rest of the UK to follow suit. Hopefully we will all be returning to normal!The question is, what is normal in the workplace in 2022? This is a critical question for organisations to answer and to decide which of the measures they implemented during the pandemic were temporary and which were transformative. And whatever is decided upon must consider the impact it will have on being able to attract and retain the critical talent required to capitalise on the growth opportunities ahead.An organisation’s employees are MUCH more than assets. They need to be attracted and retained with clear benefits that reflect their personal goals and values. These need to be evident in your organisation’s proposition from the very first interaction a prospective employee has with you. Cast your minds back to pre-2020 and you may recall that many sectors were reporting critical skills shortages – the Department for Education’s Skills Needs Survey estimated 210,000 skills-shortage vacancies in the UK in 2019, up 147% from 2011 – this isn’t a situation that has improved! As such, recruitment activity needs to be modernised, focussing upon the candidate (customer) experience to enable you to succeed in hiring the best people for your business.How can your recruitment partner play its part?Quite often the very first interaction a prospective employee has with you, is courtesy of your recruitment partner. How well equipped is that partner to represent your brand? How clear is that partner on the attitudes, behaviours and skills required in candidates to correctly identify who will truly be successful in the role? And how confident are you that your recruitment partner can encourage those candidates to entertain a career opportunity with you?The ONS recently reported a UK record high of 1.2million unfilled vacancies (my colleague Christian Addison’s blog references this here) – competition for talent is as fierce as ever.So, in addition to ensuring your proposition to prospective employees is clear and that your own recruitment activity reflects your organisational values and how you wish to be perceived by future employees, it is imperative that you choose the correct recruitment partner and work with them as a partner to deliver the same.To ensure your recruitment partner positively impacts your brand to your potential new recruits ask yourself whether they are….Defining / re-defining value propositions for individual roles, providing candidates with valuable information about an opportunity beyond a job descriptionAgreeing upon attraction strategy, advertising media and routes to market for target audience, to ensure our clients have the greatest reach to the highest calibre candidatesIntegrating digital solutions to inject pace and accuracy into the selection process, reducing time to hire and improving hiring effectivenessChallenging convention to ensure unique and high impact messages are communicated to the candidate market, ensuring clients remain competitive in a demanding marketStreamlining the hiring process to deliver continuity of assessment and an enhanced candidate experience, giving confidence the process is owned Reporting on candidate feedback, progress and outcomes to inform future hiring decisions and tactics.If they are not, then you may want to reconsider who you choose to partner with for your next requirement because how can you be sure that your new hires are going to be onboard with the ethos and culture of your organisation and fully ready for the task at hand?Many organisations utilise several recruitment suppliers in tandem to deliver to a recruitment need, adopting the mantra “many hands make light work”. I mean, you will have every agency dedicating all their time solely to finding you the best candidate on the market – right? Now, put yourself in the shoes of the recruiter and ask yourself; if you had two roles to work on, one - exclusively with the client where you have spent time going over all the details of the role and person you need to hire, or two – a role in competition with several others – which would you choose?Considering the challenges presented in the current climate, if like us, you feel that several suppliers culminate in too many cooks spoiling the broth, then reconsider your approach to recruitment and engage with a partner who you can be confident understands your business and will pull out all the stops to find you the right candidate!I’d be keen to hear from any client who has tried both tactics and which one works for you and why. If you have current opportunities and would like to discuss how Ganymede Solutions works hard to positively impact your brand to new recruits, then please contact me on 07796 990 418 or email chris.oconnor@ganymedesolutions.co.uk. Chris O’Connor, Operations Director - Recruitment

Ganymede Engage

Ganymede Solutions are excited to announce the launch of our new Managed Service Provision platform, Engage.Ganymede Engage is the technology platform that drives our Managed Service Provision. It centralises all of your recruitment & workforce management functions into one, user-friendly system – minimising time wasted on recruitment processes, and maximising time spent growing your business.Paul Crompton, Managing Director explains “We invested in Ganymede Engage to provide a technology solution which naturally compliments our recruitment and workforce management offering. Ganymede Engage will provide our clients with complete visibility and control of their recruitment activities and temporary workforce through a cloud based platform, delivering efficiencies and maximising access to the best talent available.” Visit our Engage hub to learn more. Get in touch

IR35: Important Information for End Hirers

Following the Chancellor's budget announcement, we must now assume that the IR35 reforms in the private sector will continue to go ahead as planned on 6th April 2021, and end hirers need to ensure they are all fully aware of how their responsibilities are changing. What is IR35? IR35 is a piece of legislation designed to tackle what the HMRC have called ‘disguised employment’. Using a number of factors, it aims to differentiate between PSC contractors who are genuinely in business on their own account and those who should be considered employees for tax purposes. What does it mean for you? As of April 2021, it will be the responsibility of the end hirer to assess the employment status for tax purposes of all PSC contractors. In line with the legislation, you are required to take reasonable care in doing so, which means you need to properly assess the status of your contractors, provide a determination, and provide an explanation behind your decision. What should you do now? Time is ticking but there is still time to make sure your business is fully compliant with the changes to the IR35 legislation using the following steps: Assess your workforce. You’ll need to know how many contractors are working through a limited company, where there are, and what they do. Consider your options. There are a number of ways in which you can make your status determinations, including using a third-party provider or utilising the HMRC’s Check Employment Status for Tax (CEST) tool, so you’ll need to decide which one is right for you. Carry out your Status Determination Statements. To get the most accurate assessment on whether or not a contractor should be considered Inside IR35 or Outside IR35, you should be liaising with the contractor themselves and their key points of contact within your business, so communication is key. Pass the Status Determination Statement down the supply chain. Your responsibilities under the legislation require you to pass your decision and the reasoning behind it to all interested parties, namely the contractor and the agency who engages them. Communicate with your supply chain. It’s important to protect yourself by ensuring any recruitment agencies within your supply chain are complying with the decisions you have made and are deducting PAYE Tax and National Insurance Contributions as required. Reassess when needed. You need to assess the IR35 status of PSC contractors any time any element of the worker’s contract or their working practices change. Depending on the nature of their engagement, you will also want to reassess every six to twelve months to ensure you and they are still compliant with the legislation. If you're unsure about any of the above, or require some advice and support on how to assess your contractors, get in touch with our specialist team as soon as possible to ensure you're IR35 compliant.

How to Effectively Work from Home

The Government has recently announced that people should work from home where possible during the current Coronavirus outbreak. Working from home has become popular over the years but for many, it will be a new way of working. What if you have never worked from home, what if you don't have a home office set up? Don’t worry, we have compiled a list of 7 top tips to make sure you are working as effectively as possible from the comfort of your own home. 1. Try to replicate your morning routineOne of the most important things to do is to create the right mindset to work from home, and this should start as soon as you wake up. That’s right, you need to continue setting your morning alarm, getting showered and dressed, eating breakfast and anything else you would normally do before work. Use the time you would normally spend commuting to do something productive like walking the dogs, making breakfast or just catching up with the news.It may seem strange putting your work clothes on just to stay in but, it will help tell your brain that it is work time and not relaxation time. 2. Create a suitable workspace Now you’re up and ready for work it’s time to make sure your workspace is ready. Here are some dos and don'ts for creating a suitable office space whilst you work from home: DO Make sure you have a clean large enough surface. - Similar to your office, you need enough space for your cups of coffee, documents, mouse and anything else you normally have on your desk. Make sure you have a comfortable chair - the last thing you want to do is spend all day sat on an uncomfortable chair.Try and set up a second screen if you use one in the office - this could even be your TV if you don’t have anything smaller. Simply connect your laptop to a TV (usually with an HDMI) then you will have your second screen ready to go. DON’T Work in bed - this may seem like a great idea but it’s not, your brain has learnt to associate the bedroom with being relaxed. Trying to work whilst your brain wants to relax is never going to work well for your productivity. Work in front of the TV - again this sounds like a great idea but realistically you are not going to be as productive whilst trying to watch your favourite series - why not stick the radio on instead? Work on any free surface you can find – If you are not comfortable you will not be able to produce your best work and even worse it may lead to health issues. 3. Try to replicate your working routine as much as possible In order to keep yourself in the right frame of mind, it is important to try and replicate your working routine. That includes your working hours, your tea and coffee breaks and your lunch schedule. Make sure you plan regular breaks and make sure you follow the governments advice about working safely with display screen equipment. 4. Plan your time and exactly what you want to achieve each day One great way to keep productivity at a high is to plan your workflow. At the start of the day, you need to know what your priorities are, what you need to get done first and what you want to work on if you have extra time. Check out our blog about effectively managing your time here. If you are part of a team it may be worth holding daily catch ups to ensure you are all on task and achieving what you need to achieve. 5. Keep work time and personal time separate So, you have your schedule and you’re burning through tasks but it’s already the end of the day, you might be tempted to carry on working as you no longer have to commute and you’re in a good flow. Which is great, however, it is just as important to give yourself some time off when you’ve promised it. Try not to extend your workday too far over what you planned, as this might lead to burning yourself out and starting to see your home environment as a stressful place. By doing this and keeping work time and personal time separate should make you more productive at work and less stressed when you aren’t working. 6. Use the correct software and tools We are fortunate that we live in an innovative world where the likes of Microsoft Teams and Skype have made it easier than ever to keep in contact with work colleagues, whether that's instant messaging, video calls or conference calls. Choose the correct tool that works for you and your team to make sure you stay in touch with what’s going on. 7. Stay connectedMake sure you’re still picking up the phone or getting on skype and teams and having conversations where you can. There are number of benefits of having conversations out of email, firstly you get to bounce off one another and keep those creative juices flowing, secondly it’s important to stay social when you’re removed from those people at work, don’t be afraid to just have a general quick chat.Want to read more tips and advice like this? Make sure you sign up to our blog to receive them directly in your inbox.

5 Reasons to Hire Engineering Contractors

You’re a Hiring Manager who wants to minimise disruption to business and projects during the recruitment process, but how? This blog outlines several ways in which hiring a contractor could solve your problems, even if it’s just while you’re looking for a permanent employee.It’s estimated that there’s an annual shortfall of 59,000 engineers needed to fill technical roles across the UK. For employers, this means that competition for the best talent is at an all-time high – resulting in a longer time to hire, delayed projects and slower production.So where do contract engineers come in to this? How much do contractors cost? We work with several businesses that need a temporary solution to accommodate for an increase in workload or to plug the gap during their permanent recruitment drive. There are a number of benefits to doing this, read them below:1. They can hit the ground runningEngineering and civil engineering contractors are typically very skilled and experienced, with several years working as a permanent employee before changing to freelance. Hiring a contractor means you’re getting an expert that can make an instant impact to your business, with no training required. This is incredibly valuable if you’re working on a time-sensitive project or need to avoid any impact on production.2. There is no commitmentContractors can work with your business for as long, or as little, as required. Whether you need an engineer for 3 months to finish a project, or for 2 weeks to cover holiday or sickness, hiring a contract engineer is a great solution. Once the initial contract finishes, or you find the permanent employee you’ve been looking for, there’s no obligation to provide the contractor with more work. This is something seasoned contractors are comfortable with, and it provides great flexibility to your business.3. It isn’t as expensive as you may thinkIt’s impossible to determine the cost of hiring an engineering contractor – this will completely depend on the experience they have, the work required, and the sector they’ll be operating in. You may panic when you see a daily contract rate, but keep in mind that there are no other costs involved, such as holiday pay or sick pay. The contractor is only paid for the time they work, which is great value for money, considering sickness pay alone can cost up to 16% of your annual salary bill.4. They have their own insuranceContractors are required to have their own insurance in order to carry out their services. Professional Indemnity insurance covers them if they make any mistakes or result in you losing money. Public Liability covers contractors if somebody is injured or property is damaged whilst supplying services. This is a benefit to you and your business as it means that you’re not liable in the same way you would be if these mistakes were made by a permanent member of staff. The cost of insurance and cost of the claim would fall on the contractor, not your business.5. They’re a great answer to a permanent skills gapThe engineering skills gap is making it more difficult to recruit permanent engineers, but business can’t wait. When you recruit contract engineers, you’re giving your business the breathing space to take the time you need to fill a permanent position, while having somebody doing the job in the interim. It’s very likely that the amount spent on contractors would be less than the amount lost in not having somebody at least temporarily fill the role – delayed projects, low production and reduced output are avoidable.Each of these points combined should paint a great picture of the benefits of recruiting engineering or civil engineering contractors. Some businesses prefer to hire contractors, others use them as means to an end – either way, they’re a resource that your business should be considering during increased workloads and recruitment gaps.Engineering RecruitmentOur extensive contract division includes recruitment, compliance, payroll and ongoing contractor management, making the process as easy as possible for our clients. Not only can we help you to recruit engineering contractors and civil engineering contractors, we can also conduct all right to work checks, pay them, and provide you with a full end-to-end contract recruitment service.If you want to find out more about Ganymede our contract services or how we can help your business, contact us using the button below.CONTACT US

How to Choose the Best Engineering Recruitment Agency

If you’re a Hiring Manager that is nervous of using a recruiter, or perhaps just don’t know where to start when choosing one, this blog is for you. We address your concerns and the common misconceptions of recruitment agencies, and equip you with the tools needed to separate the good, the bad and the ugly.The recruitment industry can be a minefield. There are nearly 40,000 recruitment agencies of all sizes to choose from and you have probably been contacted by what feels like half of them. Recruiters recently appeared in a list of the 10 least trusted professions, alongside car salespeople and bailiffs. But why?We firmly believe the misconception of recruiters is down to us naturally remembering the bad experiences, more than the good. The ‘once bitten, twice shy’ approach is understandable, but it may be hampering your chances of finding a recruitment agency that could genuinely add value to you and your business.There are reputable and trustworthy engineering recruitment agencies, but you need to know how to identify them. This blog will help you to do that, so keep reading to find out the tell-tale sales of a good and trustworthy recruiter that can help your business.Do your researchWe learn not to judge a book by it’s cover, but in this case, it’s important to take a look at the recruiters’ website and social media streams. It goes beyond whether the recruitment agency look good, you should also be looking out for case studies and testimonials as well as blog posts and content that demonstrates they have a real understanding of your sector and the issues your business faces.Choose a specialistThere are a number of recruitment agencies that operate across every sector. They work in high-volumes with no particular specialism and will often use their colossal database as a selling point, but this is not always a success factor. You’re an engineering business, engage with an engineering recruitment agency – they operate in your space and they spend their days talking to engineers, developing large networks relevant to your business. As well as an understanding of the skills you’ll be looking for in candidates, technical recruiters will also know a lot about the marketplace, including average salaries and where your competition is. This will save you a lot of time during the briefing and recruitment process as you’re much more likely to receive the right match.Ask questionsWe all know to ask questions, but there are particular things to ask that will very quickly expose the quality of a recruitment agency. You will want to know their efficiencies, which essentially translates to ‘how many CVs are you going to send before there’s a candidate I’ll want to interview?’. Multiple CVs and poor matches are a waste of your time, and a high-quality recruitment business will measure themselves on these numbers and have them to hand when you ask. Other, more obvious things worth probing into are accreditation, memberships and examples of previous work.These basic steps will leave you able to make a much more confident decision on which engineering recruitment agency to work with. Whenever looking for a recruitment service, keep these three things in mind and you’re much more likely to have a better and more efficient experience.Engineering RecruitmentATA is an engineering recruitment agency with a difference – we’ve been operating within the sector for over 50 years and have a large database of relevant and engaged engineers that could be perfect for your business.We’re so confident in our recruitment services that our market-leading guarantee covers all full fee permanent placements for 2 years, substantially longer than any of our competitors. Contact us to discuss your requirements and how ATA Recruitment can help using the button below.CONTACT US

View All Case Studies

WHAT OUR Clients SAY

Thank you for the help we received from Ganymede for the core renewals works at Wembley, where we renewed S&C and plain track and handed back to line speed. All the Ganymede staff worked to a high standard on difficult works with no accidents or incidents.

Workforce Manager

Colas Rail

It was great to work with a team who were interested with the task in hand and worked extremely hard, even in the high temperatures. I look forward to working with Ganymede again.

Engineering Supervisor

Amey

The Ganymede team went over and above to ensure we met our workloads, this type of commitment and pro-activeness goes a long way.

Business Manager

Volker Rail

Ganymede has worked collaboratively with us to provide a contingent labour service to fulfil our requirements to enhance the infrastructure on the Western Route. Ganymede continuously evolves to meet business needs and train their people to provide a high skilled workforce.

Programme Manager

Network Rail

Ganymede are an important partner within the Works Delivery organisation in Wales. They integrate closely with the local teams to ensure our delivery needs are met.

Works Delivery Director

Network Rail

Thank you once again Ganymede for providing such a high calibre of resource, the productivity noticed on site is above and beyond what we expected given our experiences with other contingent labour providers.

Works Delivery Manager

Network Rail

Contact us

To discuss our effective processes, or to find out more about what we do and how we can help your business, contact us below.

Engineering News & Insights

Accelerating Action: Ganymede's Women in Rail Reflect on IWD and 200 Years of Railway Progress

Accelerating Action: Ganymede's Women in Rail Reflect on IWD and 200 Years of Railway ProgressAs we mark International Women's Day, the rail industry reflects on the progress made in gender equality while acknowledging the work still ahead. This year’s theme, #AccelerateAction, calls for meaningful steps to drive progress, ensuring that women in rail not only have a place at the table but can thrive in leadership, engineering, and operational roles. With Railway 200 marking two centuries of railway history, it is an opportunity to reflect on how far women have come in the industry. At Ganymede, we spoke with three inspiring women in rail to hear their thoughts on gender equality, the evolution of women’s roles in the sector, and what the next 100 years might hold: Charlotte Cruise, Client Relationship Manager; Tyler Cook, Principal Consultant; and Karla Delczeg, Recruitment Consultant.International Women’s Day: A Time for Reflection and ActionThis year’s theme, #AccelerateAction, calls for bold steps to push gender equality forward. Our interviewees highlighted key areas that need focus:Tackling the gender pay gap: Tyler Cook said that "closing the gender pay gap is the biggest thing we can do towards achieving gender equality. Whilst it is a step to legally have to publish the gender pay gap as a company (with over 250 employees), there shouldn’t be a gap to post about."More male allies in the workplace: Charlotte believes, "to accelerate action, it is incredibly important for women to have male allies in the workplace that will support gender equality drives."Recruitment and retention strategies: "Stronger recruitment and retention initiatives to attract and keep more women in rail", says Karla.Flexibility in working arrangements: Tyler also said "Trying to raise a family and have a career alongside doesn’t fit into the constraints of non-flexible working. Companies are missing out on amazingly talented and hardworking women due to the inability to bend out of a Mon – Fri / 9-5 routine.”Mentorship and career progression support: “Nationally, we are just rolling out this year's mentorship programme, which is a fantastic support for women already in the sector looking to grow their careers,” Charlotte mentions when talking about Women in Rail.Charlotte and Karla at a WIR event200 Years of Railway Progress: The Role of WomenThe rail industry has been shaped by women in ways that are often overlooked. During World War I, women took on critical roles in railway operations while men were at war, proving their capability in an industry traditionally dominated by men. Despite this, their presence in the sector remains relatively low, with women making up only around 16-17% of the workforce as of a recent National Skills Academy for Rail (NSAR) report.With Railway 200 celebrating two centuries of railway innovation, the industry is now looking ahead to the next 100 years. The hope is that by the time Railway 300 arrives, gender equality will be embedded at every level—from apprenticeships to executive roles. Increasing the number of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers is a key part of this vision. As rail technology advances, there is a growing demand for expertise in areas such as AI-driven systems, sustainable transport, and digital infrastructure. Encouraging more women to enter STEM fields and pursue leadership opportunities will be essential in shaping the future of rail.Tyler taking part in track trainingThe Role of Women in Rail and Industry InitiativesOrganisations like Women in Rail are instrumental in fostering change and continues to be a driving force in championing gender diversity. Tyler is proud to be part of the WIR team and to hopefully lead the way for the generation behind us to enter work places which are equal, supportive and understanding. Initiatives such as mentorship programs, networking events, and industry partnerships are essential in helping to create a more inclusive and supportive workplace. Programs like the Big Rail Diversity Challenge brings together hundreds of professionals to focus on the benefits of diverse teams, reinforcing the importance of inclusivity in the workplace. Charlotte said that last year there was around 600 participants for this event and that it was a fantastic day to come together to focus on diversity.As the rail industry evolves, so must its approach to diversity and inclusion. The next steps require bold leadership, cultural shifts, and structural changes to ensure that women not only enter the rail sector but thrive within it. The commitment to accelerating action must go beyond just one day—it needs to be an ongoing effort to create lasting change.Charlotte at Never Mind The GapKarla and Charlotte at the Big Rail Diversity Challenge Looking AheadWith technological advancements and new opportunities emerging, the rail industry is at a turning point. A diverse workforce is key to driving innovation and ensuring sustainability. The women shaping today’s rail sector are paving the way for future generations, proving that rail is a career path for everyone.Karla's advice to young women when considering a career in rail:Be bold and curious—there are so many career paths beyond what people typically imagine.Seek mentors and networks—connecting with professionals in the industry can provide guidance and open doors.Embrace new technology—innovation is shaping the future of rail, and women should be at the forefront of this transformation.At Ganymede, we’re committed to supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion across the rail industry. As we mark International Women’s Day 2025 and Railway 200, we celebrate the contributions of women in rail and reaffirm our commitment to accelerating action towards a more equal future.Find out more about Railway 200 and our commitment to the rail sector by following our blog.Read our previous blog: Ganymede's Headquarters

Ganymede’s Headquarters: A Historic Link to Rail’s Legacy

Ganymede’s Headquarters: A Historic Link to Rail’s LegacyAs we celebrate Railway 200, a milestone honouring two centuries of rail innovation and transformation, Ganymede is proud to spotlight the rich railway history of our headquarters – The Derby Conference Centre. This iconic building is not only a hub for our operations but also a living testament to Britain’s rail heritage.A Legacy Built on RailLocated in the heart of Derby, a central hub for rail development, The Derby Conference Centre has long been a cornerstone of the UK’s rail industry. Originally constructed in the 1930s, the building was the LMS School of Transport, designed as the first purpose-built railway training college in the UK. For decades, it played a pivotal role in shaping the Engineers, Managers, and Railway Specialists who have driven the industry forward.A Centre for Learning and InnovationIn its early days, the centre served as the British Rail School of Transport, equipping thousands of railway professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to support the country’s growing rail network. As the railway industry evolved, so did the centre, becoming a symbol of learning, innovation, and progress.Even today, Derby remains a key railway hub, home to major companies and institutions dedicated to rail technology and development. With Ganymede headquartered at the Derby Conference Centre, we are continuing this legacy—supporting the rail sector with specialist recruitment, workforce solutions, and a commitment to progress.Transport Heritage Site Awarded to the Derby Conference Centre in 2009Ganymede at the Heart of Railway 200As we mark 200 years of rail and reflect on how the industry has shaped the UK’s infrastructure, economy, and workforce, we are proud to operate from a building steeped in this history. Our work in rail recruitment, safety, and workforce development echoes the centre’s original purpose: nurturing the next generation of rail professionals and ensuring the industry continues to thrive.Celebrating the Past, Shaping the FutureWhile we celebrate our railway past, we’re also actively supporting the future of the industry. At The Derby Conference Centre, there is an on-site test track for Rail TIC (Testing, Innovation & Certification) courses, helping to train and certify the next generation of railway professionals.This facility provides a hands-on learning environment our Engineers, Technicians, and Rail Experts can gain practical experience in testing, maintenance, and safety protocols. By providing this essential space, we’re proud to contribute to the ongoing evolution of railway innovation and ensure Derby remains at the forefront of the industry.Ganymede Training on the TIC site at the Derby Conference CentreRailway 200 is not just about looking back—it’s about embracing the future of rail. From sustainability and digital transformation to diversity and inclusion, we are committed to being part of the ongoing evolution of the sector.By operating from a landmark of railway heritage, Ganymede stands at the intersection of history and innovation, bridging the achievements of the past with the opportunities of the future. As we move forward in 2025 and beyond, we celebrate the incredible journey of the railway industry—and our role in shaping what comes next.Join Us on the JourneyOver the next 12 months, as part of our Railway 200 series, we will be exploring key themes such as mental health, diversity, and sustainability in the rail industry. Stay connected as we highlight stories, insights, and progress that will define the next chapter of rail.Find out more about Railway 200 and our commitment to the rail sector by following our blog.Read our previous blog: Celebrating 45 years in the Rail Industry

Celebrating 45 years in the rail industry

Celebrating 45 years in the rail industryAs 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 CardFrom 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 CardsThe 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 RailA 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 LtdGanymede 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.

Recruitment Consultant FAQs

Considering a recruitment career change? Here are the questions you should be asking your future employerSwitching 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.ukLinkedIn: Connect on LinkedIn

Safety First Newsletter - Winter 2024

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 hereAs 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.

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Accelerating Action: Ganymede's Women in Rail Reflect on IWD and 200 Years of Railway Progress

Ganymede’s Headquarters: A Historic Link to Rail’s Legacy

Celebrating 45 years in the rail industry

Ganymede announce exclusive partnership with GeoGrow Ltd

Recruitment Consultant FAQs

Safety First Newsletter - Winter 2024

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