Avanti West Coast employee celebrated for receiving Lifetime Achievement Award
Frances Phillips recognised at Heart of Gold Awards for her longstanding service on the railway.
- Onboard Service Manager, Frances Phillips, honoured at Heart of Gold Awards
- Frances recognised for almost 35 years of making a difference on the railway
- Lifetime Achievement Award celebrates significant individuals in highest honour
An Avanti West Coast employee has been recognised with one of the highest honours at industry awards aimed at celebrating individuals who have made a difference in their workplace or community.
Frances Phillips, Onboard Service Manager at Avanti West Coast, has received Heart of Gold’s prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 awards ceremony hosted by railway charity, Railway Benefit Fund (RBF), recognising a career spanning nearly 35 years.
Heart of Gold’s Lifetime Achievement Award shines a light on significant individuals who have not only worked within the railway industry for at least 20 years, but who have had made a difference to the lives of both the customers and colleagues they have encountered within that time.
Those who work and have worked alongside Frances, who is based in Wolverhampton at Avanti West Coast, testify for her doing just that. Kassim Ladha, Onboard Customer Service Assistant, nominated Frances and described her as “always being there, in any situation, for all of the team”.
Jordan Rooke, Onboard Manager at Wolverhampton, added: “It was no surprise to see Fran nominated for this award, and the same applies to seeing her accept her win. The commitment she has to her role is exceptional, and the kindness she shows towards her colleagues and customers projects further afield, like a domino effect, warming the hearts of all those around her.
“She is a true team player in every sense; I can’t imagine anyone who deserves the recognition more.”
Expressing surprise about receiving the honour, Frances revealed: “The entire journey from being nominated to winning has been completely overwhelming. In my eyes, I am only turning up to work every day in a job that I enjoy doing.
"I love the daily interaction with customers, seeing the potential in staff both new and old, and helping my team on the way to achieve their goals. I have loved every part of this journey on the railway. My colleagues really make my time here special, at the end of the day, we are one big family."
ENDS
Contact Information
Lauren Haslam
Notes to editors
Main image: Avanti West Coast Onboard Manager, Frances Phillips (centre) receives her award from Railway Benefit Fund President, Pete Waterman (left) and Heart of Gold's Lifetime Achievement Award sponsor, Railpen (right).
About Railway Benefit Fund
The Railway Benefit Fund, also known as RBF, is a charity which provides support to current, former and retired railway people and their families across the UK. We’ve been here for railway people since 1858 and today, thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we’re able to offer help to those who need us.
Supporting Railway People & Families | Railway Benefit Fund (RBF)
About Avanti West Coast
Avanti West Coast, operator of intercity rail services on the West Coast Main Line, is a joint venture between FirstGroup and Trenitalia, delivering a cleaner, greener railway that drives the West Coast forward.
We’re on a mission to revolutionise train travel. Our refurbed Pendolinos returned to the rails in June 2024 following a £117m investment programme that’s delivered the best in class comfort. Known as the UK’s hardest working fleet, all 56 of these iconic trains have been transformed and now boast better seats, improved lighting, new interior carpets, customer-friendly passenger information screens, additional luggage space, power points at every seat and refurbished toilets.
Our new Evero fleet was introduced in June 2024 and will replace our Voyagers. Built by Hitachi, the 23-strong fleet, consisting of 10 seven-carriage electric trains and 13 five-carriage bi-modes, will serve routes from London to the Midlands, Chester, North Wales and the North West, leading to a substantial cut in carbon emissions with an increase in seats, and offering improved comfort. Quieter and roomier, with more reliable Wi-Fi, wireless charging for electrical devices and a real-time customer information system, these new trains are the result of a £350m investment in sustainable travel.
We’re tackling climate change wherever we can, from reducing energy and water use to training drivers in eco-driving techniques and sourcing food and drink from local suppliers. Our goal is to be net zero carbon by 2031. We’re on track.
For the latest news, visit the Avanti West Coast Media Centre: https://newsdesk.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/
Press Office: 0845 000 3333