ALL CHANGE

Despite the current economic state of the UK, the government has pledged to make massive investment to improve the rail network to enable it to carry double the number of passengers and freight by 2030. At its best, public transport is far more energy-efficient than individual car driving. The energy consumption of full trains, whether traditional, underground or high speed, is on a par with the best fuel efficiencies of any transport form, including cycling and walking when measured in terms of kWh per passenger kilometre (Sustainable Energy — Without the Hot Air, David MacKay). Rail transport also has the advantage in that it is able to be fuel-efficient and safe even at high speeds.

Integrated electrified rail transport can harness our abundant sustainable energy resources to fuel our evolving transportation needs. There can be no doubt that transforming UK transport infrastructure and the reallocation and prioritisation of scarce investment and resources, coupled with creating a passion for change in our communities and people’s expectations and behaviours, will involve courageous leadership and tough choices.

Rail will help introduce a low-carbon revolution

We can use this opportunity to invest and to create a future of less wasteful consumption, with a lower operating cost for UK plc in terms of fixed-living costs which, will generate hope and opportunities stretching forward in time and right across our planet.

Morgan Est, even though it is part of the FTSE 250 Morgan Sindall construction and regeneration group, is just one participant in this complex train of events, and on our own we know we will not change the world. However, we employ people with passion, skills and pride that will deliver and inspire others to join this challenge. We are already playing our part in moving towards a low-carbon, equitable resource and opportunities-based future through assisting our customers; living up to the Est in our name, which stands for ‘Early Solutions Together’.

Investment in multi-model hubs will ensure choice and inclusion

In recent years, the rail sector has enjoyed significant investment and soaring passenger numbers have followed both this investment and the general economic prosperity in the UK. If Gene Hunt from BBC’s Ashes to Ashes was to arrive in the 21st century he would surely be impressed by the reliability, cleanliness and services on offer. Many historical issues of public perceptions, capacity constraints in the existing network and other problems generated by decades of under-investment, under-utilisation and general malaise have been tackled.

There is still so much more to do though to really make a break with the past. It is not just the high-speed lines that will transform lives and create new opportunities, we need to create the transportation hubs that enable the best choices in transport modes to be made, thus providing the flexibility and access at a local level that private vehicles offer most people in today’s world.

Holding firm with tough choices ahead

The debt and revenue challenges of the next decade or so will bring stark choices that could constrain further growth and investment. However, the recent formal start of Crossrail signals the intensification of work and determination by government and parliament to invest in a rail system which, for the first time, will provide a complete and reliable alternative to the M25 from Essex to Berkshire.

Morgan Est has been working across the UK’s rail network for more than 25 years and is one of the UK contractors that has the skills and capabilities to deliver complex projects such as Crossrail. Their dedicated team of engineers have delivered some of the country’s highest profile rail projects and boast a portfolio of experience, which includes the recent successful delivery of Docklands Light Railway Woolwich to Arsenal extension six weeks early and a new Shepherd’s Bush station in a record eight months.

In addition to Morgan Est’s quality and performance pedigree within its rail business, rail customers also choose the company for its multi-skilled capabilities in electrical and isolation skills and as the UK’s leading tunnelling contractor. Morgan Est, with its in-house design capability, is able to develop and advise on evolving specifications and standards delivering customised solutions. The company is also well positioned in supporting Network Rail’s planned increased electrification of the national network.

All aboard with skills and training

However, there remains a serious challenge. There has been a steady decline of young people entering the industry over the last decade, which the government aims to address by doubling the number of engineering apprenticeships by 2020. In the UK, in the 10 years up to 2008, the numbers of students opting for engineering courses remained static at 24,500 — dropping from 11 per cent to less than 8 per cent of university entrants. Less than half entered the engineering profession after graduating from college.

Morgan Est, as part of its commitment to support the rail and civil engineering industry, has launched the 100 Club — an initiative to encourage young people to take up engineering as a career. The 100 Club will each year invite 100 pupils aged 14–15 from selected schools with a dedicated engineering department to partner Morgan Est. Participation includes mini-engineering projects, site visits, work-experience placements, residential engineering courses and possible financial support for further education.

Future success requires joined-up thinking from across the industry to address this need to make sure the rail and construction industries are attractive places to work.

The government has come a long way in forging ahead with ambitious plans in developing Britain’s railways and together we can be more creative, with a new generation of people to build and maintain infrastructure fit for the future.