Bio

So grateful that within my career I have been able to tackle a number of roles and really make a difference. I have seized the opportunities available and have been able to grow to the person that I am now. Most recently I would be recognised as an expert in UK smart ticketing having led the most successful programme of its type for Swift in the West Midlands. More than three quarters of a billion journeys have been recorded in systems I was core to developing and implementing - something that I am very proud. It hasn’t always been straightforward so my innovations and refusal to be beaten have been called upon many times. Nothing is achieved in isolation though and it has been a delight to work with so many others working at authorities, operators, regions and other core stakeholders. My new role at Systra will enable me to work with colleagues and friends old and new to arrive at solutions that will make a real difference to sustainable travel. Our work at SYSTRA covers the full spectrum of fares and ticketing strategy including; fares policy reviews looking at how fares priced and structured in city regions or nationally; feasibility studies for technology and systems; specification and procurement advice; system delivery oversight; and ongoing technical support. This is achieved by understanding the complexities and issues impacting all of the relevant stakeholders and working with them earning respect on the way. To achieve what I have it has been necessary to become an expert in areas such as procurement and legal. While negotiated OJEU procurements are not necessarily easy, I actually found them enjoyable knowing that the outcomes would be so important. Truth is I had a head start. Having for the first half of my career focused on the critical elements of finance. Being the Financial Systems Manager of a national firm of Chartered Accountants gave me the opportunity to specify, author, train and implement a wide range of financial systems. Working within the wider business and finance teams has meant that I can provide optimum solutions for both. I am as happy as a leader and manager as I am working alone in a technical capacity. I am comfortable presenting or working one with one irrespective of their position. I am the proud father of a son with Down Syndrome - Aaron has really opened my mind to how important it is to be inclusive.