Whether it’s a cliffside journey in Italy or a challenge in the boardroom, finance director Andy Bishop knows how to keep things on track…

What’s your role at ARL?

I’ve recently joined as interim finance director. If I were to sum up my role in one sentence, it’s to make sure ARL delivers on its most important business objectives for both today and tomorrow.

What’s your career journey been so far?

Prior to joining ARL, I worked for 14 years in a different part of the railway industry, Network Rail. During this time, I held various jobs, including working on big projects such as the Crossrail project (now the Elizabeth line), and most recently as the East Midlands route finance director for the last three years. That role was particularly rewarding as it combined financial leadership with improving performance and safety across the network.

I have loved my time in rail and always want to make things better for our customers and workforce.

So far, what are you most proud of in your career?

Being part of a team that turned around performance in a challenging environment. We dealt with a huge number of variables, such as a brand-new station without adequate timetable adjustments, increased extreme hot weather and flooding events, and more trespass incidents, to name a few. It took collaboration, focus and investment in the right areas to make a real difference for passengers and the teams delivering the service.

What are your aims for the role?

First and foremost, I want to get to know as many people as possible and hear firsthand what I can personally do to help us run the best service possible. I’m also keen to learn more about this fantastic business, improve workforce safety and wellbeing, deliver consistently reliable services, and exceed our financial targets.

Tell us about your most memorable railway trip…
My most memorable railway trip is off our patch (sorry!), and it is the stretch between Naples and Sorrento. Slowly travelling along the cliff edge, looking out across the sea towards the island of Capri, and stopping at Pompeii in the scorching heat before continuing onwards to Sorrento for pizza and a beer, made for a great day!

Where would you go if you could book a ticket to any destination?
Great question! It would have to be Edinburgh for me. The East Coast Mainline by train is spectacular, and Edinburgh isn’t half bad for spending a couple of nights either.