Andy’s worked for First Group for over 20 years and has delivered the ground transport for a series of high profile sporting events. Andy has over 30 years’ experience in front line, project management and operational delivery in the bus industry.

He joined the London Transport graduate management scheme in 1983 and worked in a diverse range of departments and depots across the capital before moving to GM Buses in Manchester in 1990. From 1998 to 2007 Andy was an Operations Director and then Managing Director for First’s companies in West Yorkshire before becoming Managing Director at First Manchester in 2007.

Andy’s role at the London 2012 Olympics was to establish the new First Games Transport (FGT) operation, recruit the delivery team and manage the overall project to ensure the successful delivery at Games time. He successfully replicated this operating model at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games,&nbsp;ER2015 Rugby World Cup, Glasgow 2018 and UCLF 2017. Andy is currently Managing Director of First Travel Solutions.

Andy Scholey

Staff

In 2022 First Travel Solutions achieved their ISO 45001 standard which inspired Head of Health and Safety at First Bus (the parent company to First Travel Solutions), Denise Harrison to do the same for First Bus as a whole.

First Travel Solutions also introduced Denise to Hub-Up, which are a technology company with software to manage route navigation in a smart way. 

First Travel Solutions trialled this during the pandemic on replacement services and they got good feedback. First Bus is now going to run a trial on our coach services in Aberdeen to get driver feedback.

First Bus recently adopted a new platform called Safety Culture IAuditor to manage all their safety audits, inspections, and risk assessments. The platform is extremely versatile and provides ease of reporting of HS&amp;W concerns for anyone with the QR code. This platform brings great value to First Travel Solutions and enables them to automate their audits and checks with bespoke templates.

Denise said: “I have always been First Travel Solutions go-to person for Health and Safety support in my current role as Head of Health and Safety at First Bus

I think we all appreciated that there is great value in sharing our ideas to the benefit of First Bus and all the bus business units including First Travel Solutions. 

I find dropping in for a cup of tea and a chat brings a wealth of new ideas, and inspiration in both directions.”

First Bus & First Travel Solutions working together to deliver better experiences

Article

In celebration of Learning at Work Week 2023, FTS staff have been taking part in programmes across First Bus aimed at learning, sharing expertise and collaboration.

Firstly, the Female Intentional Allyship Programme which is a six-month programme aimed at helping play a significant role in First Bus’s commitment to levelling the playing field in gender diversity.&nbsp; The programme was created to help improve female representation at leadership levels and it brings together over 100 female colleagues from all functions of First to work with 13 senior leadership mentors, two of which are FTS’ very own Kerry Lambson and Katie Johnson.

Over the course of the programme, the mentors and mentees cover a range of topics including body language, imposter syndrome, mindset and success.

Kerry and Katie will be using their experience to help the mentees navigate their career paths, giving support when faced with challenges as well as helping colleagues with their personal and professional growth.

We look forward to hearing more as the programme develops over the next few months.

Alongside the Female Intentional Allyship Programme, FTS Controller Jane Golightly has been taking part in First Bus’s Reverse Mentoring Programme.&nbsp; 

The new programme is designed to enable mentors and mentees from all business levels to get together and share experiences from their current roles and previous employment.

Jane is partnered with Martin McGowan, Marketing Manager at First Bus Potteries and together they will join forces to experience a ‘day in the life’ of each other, with Martin visiting FTS Control and Jane visiting the First Bus Potteries depot in Stoke-on-Trent.

Jane said ‘I am excited to experience a ‘day in the life’ with Martin and visiting one of the First Bus depots.&nbsp; Just imagine the wealth of shared experiences and knowledge that is going to be exchanged!

It is certainly something that challenges us to maybe come out of our comfort zone a little and gain new experiences we would not have otherwise had the opportunity to obtain. In addition, it gives us a chance to spread the word about what a great job we do in each department across the First Bus and the challenges we may face as a female member of the company.

This will allow us to identify if/where any barriers are and put an action plan in place to soften them.&nbsp; Also, to find out what we are doing well to ensure it continues and look at how it could be implemented in other areas. I feel this will enrich everyone's equality, diversity and inclusion greatly.”

Learning at Work Week 2023

Katie joined FTS in October 2022 in the newly created role of Business Development Director. &nbsp;The role is focused on improving our operations internally and externally to deliver the best experiences to our clients and their customers, as we continue to grow our business.

Katie joined us from e.on Energy (and previously First Direct Bank) where she worked for 14 years in senior operational and strategic roles including leading change, digital operations and customer services during a challenge time in the energy industry.

Our “Why” at First Travel Solutions is Delivering Better Experiences and Katie is leading the team in ensuring this is delivered every time, at every event for our customers. &nbsp;Which means ensuring our people are having the best experience too.

Katie Johnson

Julia has worked for FTS for over 15&nbsp;years. She’s a Chartered Accountant by profession and joined First Group having spent her early career in finance roles in the leisure and hotel sector.

Julia joined FTS as a management accountant and within 3 years was appointed to the board as Financial Director. She’s overseen numerous contract mobilisations including easyJet, Great Western Railway and First Capital Connect. As part of our plans for the future, Julia now has responsibility for key clients and planned operations including our easyJet European Operations.

Julia White

Richard is a transport professional with over 25&nbsp;years industry experience at both National Express Group companies and&nbsp;First. He has unparalleled knowledge of sub-contracted provision in the bus and coach sector, along with a background in delivering day to day service delivery for major sporting events, rail replacement and dedicated executive coach services.

Richard most recently was the General Manager of First Games Transport’s team that delivered Spectator, VIP and Media bus and coach services for Rugby World Cup England 2015 across the country.

He’s undertaken contract mobilisations in rail replacement and aviation disruption services. Richard focused on delivering customer satisfaction balanced with supportive client and sub-contractor requirements for rail replacement.

Richard has worked on multiple events from London 2012, Glasgow 2014, ER 2015, UCLF 2017 to more recently Glasgow 2018. &nbsp;Alongside this event work Richard is developing our corporate and consultancy solutions with the commercial team.

Richard Kirk

Kerry joined FTS in February 2014 and was completely new to the transport industry. Kerry’s had a diverse career that started in Japan where she taught English as a foreign language after graduating from university. Kerry returned to the UK 18 months later where she joined the National Probation Service. After several years in this industry Kerry started a highly successful management career in retail, working for both MFI and B&amp;Q.

At FTS Kerry has overhauled all safety policies and procedures, staff training and she was a principle contributor towards FTS's 100% compliance score during a FirstGroup safety audit in 2015. Kerry solely project managed and delivered three ISO accreditations&nbsp;for Quality Management, Environmental Management and Occupational Health and Safety Management. This resulted in a First UK Bus&nbsp;Excellence Award for Innovation and Change in June 2016 and a FirstGroup Be First Award for 'Delivering our Vision' in May 2017.&nbsp;

After Managing our Internal Operations Team with an operational team of approximately 30 employees, she is now Head of Business Performance managing over 300 employees across the UK and one of our key clients.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, Kerry is a key driver of continually building and improving our team.&nbsp; Kerry has put together a number of successful management days to outline and drive key strategies, identify opportunities and to further solidify our widespread management team.

Kerry Lambson

Chris has been with FirstGroup since 2015. New to the Transport industry, Chris brings 12 years of experience in project management and operational delivery related to roles from a variety of industries.

Creates and develops with our partners bespoke systems to support our business objectives, operations requirements, reporting, safety and more. &nbsp;Chris also project manages operations system development and website and ticket sales sites.

Chris’s knowledge and experience with various industries make him a valuable asset that brings experience in the planning and practical implementation of projects.

Chris Lee

Darren was fist involved in Event transport in 2006 at the Doha Asian Games. After five years with RBS, the pull of returning to events could not be resisted and took the role of Media Transport Manager for London 2012. After the Games, Darren went on to work with MV Global, working on a number of projects worldwide. Notably he was VIP &amp; Sponsor Transport Manager at Glasgow 2014, working alongside First Travel Solutions.

Since Glasgow, Darren has overseen the Transport arrangements for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, working with all stakeholders, including the Government, Police and Traffic Engineers to deliver a successful plan and embed the plan for future years.

Darren has now joined FTS to manage our various work streams and contracts in relation to sporting events, starting with the UEFA Champions League Final in Cardiff in June &amp; IPC/IAAF World Championships in London in Summer 2017 and senior leadership of the European Championships at Glasgow 2018.

Darren now works with the Commercial Director targeting opportunities outside of the UK.

Darren Platts

If you are organising a trip that involves hiring a coach, a minibus, a car or even a train then David is&nbsp;the right person to speak to.

He has experience and achievements in the transportation sector over the last 25 years and is ideally suited to help you navigate the complex national network.

Having worked for many of the country’s leading rail operators, including Eurostar and Great Western, David has&nbsp;an extensive contact book and has&nbsp;been recognised as an individual that builds and develops strong and reliable teams that deliver on client aspirations.

Business development is one of his&nbsp;key strengths and he has&nbsp;added value at senior levels for many years. David has won multiple awards based around innovation in the travel, leisure and customer service sectors and was the driving force for the UK’s first ever rail and air ticketing product, a partnership he&nbsp;developed with Singapore Airlines and Great Western.

David Gardner

Mick’s worked in the transport industry for 26&nbsp;years starting as a bus driver. Mick has unrivalled operational delivery experience of major events including the Commonwealth Games Manchester 2002, Farnborough International Airshow 2006 and 2008, London 2012 Spectator Transport and high profile music events such as Boardmasters, Leeds Festival and Parklife.

Currently Mick’s responsible for all aspects of forward planning and external projects for FTS. He also overseas compliance of all operators on the FTS sub-contractors database.

Mick Coombes

Ian started his transport career in the motor industry in the Midlands working for the specialist car operations of Jaguar, Rover and Triumph and was also involved with the development of the Unipart parts supply operation. &nbsp;A parallel interest in historic vehicles led to a career change to the museums and heritage sector that included curatorial appointments with The Science Museum and at The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu as well as creating the marketing strategy for HMS Warrior within the historic Naval Base in Portsmouth.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

During his time in the heritage world, Ian worked closely with broadcast organisations and has contributed to programmes such as Arena and Top Gear as well as documentaries and programmes for BBC South and independent producers. &nbsp;Ian was also a member of the successful British attempt on the World Land Speed Record with Project Thrust and is a lifelong enthusiast for motorsport and transport heritage.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

A switch to bus operations stemmed from a long association with bus preservation from which Ian joined Stagecoach, initially as a driver, and led to appointments within the commercial department of Stagecoach North West.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;His rail replacement experience began with the acquisition by Stagecoach of the East Midlands franchise in 2007 after which, in 2014, Ian transferred to the then South West Trains as Rail Replacement Area Manager based at Waterloo where he was responsible for all aspects of the operation from scheduling through to delivery and working closely with the train planning unit as well as suppliers and control staff and reporting to senior rail managers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Following the franchise change to The South Western Railway, Ian joined First in the Summer of 2017 as Operations Manager where he has continued to be responsible for rail replacement services for this extremely busy network that is currently experiencing a major programme of renewals and upgrades aimed at improving and enhancing services.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He is a key member of SWR’s rail replacement planning and is closely involved in the development of current and future projects.

Ian Robinson

Gary’s worked in the transport industry for 20 years, starting as Depot Supervisor for a major independent bus company in the north east of England.

From 1999, Gary spent 7 years as a Senior Public Transport Officer for Suffolk County Council. After that he progressed his career with National Express as a Service Delivery Manager within their rail replacement division.

Gary’s currently an Operations Manager with FTS with the responsibility of the contract with Great Western Railway (GWR). Gary’s a key member of the Major Project Delivery group within GWR and has delivered a number of successful major rail replacement operations. Gary’s been with FTS since 2008.

Gary Trotter

John has worked in the transport industry since 1995, and seen many changes during that time, but his&nbsp;core approach has always been the same: working hard to provide the very best service in terms of safety, reliability and value for money.

The role has taken John&nbsp;from Birmingham to Bahrain, managing large-scale transport operations for both public sector and private organisations. He&nbsp;helped to make sure thousands of football fans arrived safely at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium for the 2017 UEFA Champions League final, liaising with multiple stakeholders and responding to fast-changing transport requirements.&nbsp;

Currently, John&nbsp;is&nbsp;responsible for planning and delivering rail replacement bus services for major UK rail operators and supporting the rollout of vehicle tracking technology to improve the passenger experience.

John Batchelor

Joe’s first role in transport was in 2012 at the London Olympics Torch Relay. That was closely followed by working on the actual Games. He also worked on the 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia where he was Fleet Manager.

Joe first worked with FTS as a Deputy Bus System Manager at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games. He’s also been the Bus System Manager at the 2015 Rugby World Cup. After finishing this role Joe joined FTS as a permanent fixture in the role of an Operations Manager on the Great Western Railway rail replacement contract.

Project managing the transport solution for the 2018 Glasgow European Championships was a highlight for Joe, from helping to map out the initial transportation strategy, through to delivering and co-ordinating over 70 vehicles and 60 ground staff each day throughout the event.&nbsp;

It was critical to ensure that athletes, families, officials and media had a fast and efficient event transport experience. They did!

<a name="_Hlk10914411">Joe is currently engaged with the Olympics in Japan via project experts, Blacc, who are advising on transport provision and management. This is a near two-year assignment where he is&nbsp;based full time in Tokyo,&nbsp;consulting on the driver training programme and the planning of player and media transport between the athletes’ village, accommodation sites and venues.&nbsp;</a>

Joe Bryant

Mark joined FTS in&nbsp;2007, starting as a Controller, promoted to Duty Manager and then becoming Control Manager. Mark’s now the&nbsp;Operational Support&nbsp;Manager supporting the 24/7 Control Team&nbsp;and the Coordination Admin Team.

Mark has a 15 year career with BT as a Technical Officer, working as a field engineer in the Lancashire area. His present role within FTS is to manage and support the activities of the Control teams to ensure contractual obligations.

Our Team