Gary Burnett has been promoted to regional director for England & Wales whilst Barry McLeish steps into the role of regional director for Scotland, both bring a wealth of experience to further fortify QTS’s presence in its pivotal regions.

In addition, Stephen Nutley has become operations director for civils & geotechnical in Scotland, and Joe Urquhart took on the new position of operations director for reactive & small schemes in England & Wales. Thomas Marshall expands to operations director for fencing and vegetation management in England & Wales.

In addition to these internal advancements, QTS ramped up its recruitment efforts to attract top-tier talent across the industry. In the last year, the national rail contractor made 157 new hires, with the majority at its headquarters in Strathaven in South Lanarkshire (113), followed by Linby, Nottinghamshire (13), Leeds, Yorkshire (10), Preston, Lancashire (13), Penrith, Cumbria (6), and Malmesbury, Wiltshire (2).

The demand for talent will continue to grow throughout 2024 following the announcement of secured contracts for the North West and Central region. QTS will also open three new offices across England including Manchester, Leighton Buzzard, and St Helens.

The diverse range of skills and qualifications sought by QTS Group underscores the broad spectrum of expertise and skills required, spanning engineering, HGV mechanics, and support staff.

QTS’ internal initiatives and training programs, such as the Rail Skills Academy, Armed Covenant scheme, and Future of Rail events, alongside work experience placements, have been instrumental in bolstering its recruitment efforts.

Retaining talent is also a major for the rail contractor, investing in workforce development through training and educational opportunities. Over the past two years, improvements in terms and benefits, family-friendly policies, and a holistic approach to employee well-being have contributed to a positive work environment.

Andy Steel, managing director of QTS, said: “The remarkable milestones achieved, including the establishment of new locations, and securing significant contract wins, signify not only the expansion of our business but also stand as a testament to the commitment of our team. I take immense pride in the collective efforts that have propelled us to these achievements, underscoring our enduring dedication to serving our customers.

“As we set our sights on the future, we anticipate substantial continued growth throughout the rest of 2024 and beyond, opening doors to exciting opportunities across all our departments and divisions.”