It was case of things hotting up on all fronts during April, as the unseasonably warm temperatures hit the UK and activity at Ford & Stanley HQ increased further with a series of networking events, industry gatherings and more business wins.
A trip to the Emerald Isle
It was a brief hop over the Irish Sea to Dublin on 10th April as Ford and Stanley’s Rebecca Stanton and Joe Thornton attended Rail Link’s networking event, a pivotal gathering designed to foster interactions between UK and Irish stakeholders in the rail industry.
Hailed as the country’s largest 2025 rail networking event, over 40 rail SMEs exhibited and there were 300 visitors from more than 200 rail infrastructure companies, including buyers and procurement leaders. The event was a fantastic opportunity to engage with industry leaders, explore cutting-edge rail technologies, and discuss the future of the Irish transport and mobility sector.
Rebecca and Joe got to delve into insightful discussions about the latest advancements and innovations that are set to transform the rail industry. Their participation reflects our commitment to stay at the forefront of industry developments and contribute to the narrative on enhancing rail connectivity and efficiency.
We look forward to leveraging the insights gained from this event to drive forward our initiatives and collaborations in the sector.
Mingling with ex-Military at Murrayfield
The Career Transition Partnership (CTP) held its latest Employment Fair in Edinburgh on 23rd April, as we went along to Murrayfield Stadium to network and talk with a plethora of Service leavers who were seeking fresh career opportunities. The CTP events provide a brilliant platform where those transitioning from the military can gain support and tap into valuable resources to help them take the next step in their career journey. The show gives them the opportunity to connect with employers from across the country and locally, and just like the CTP event in Bristol last month, the venue was packed with both ex-forces and around 100 exhibitors which included top employers and training providers.
As we highlighted in March’s newsletter, annually there are over 14,000 skilled and experienced individuals who finish their service in the Armed Forces and look to transition into civilian careers.
The rail industry is one such sector that offers a fantastic opportunity for former military personnel to utilise their skills, particularly in technical fields, and start an exciting new career. Over the past year, Ford & Stanley has successfully placed many ex-forces into various roles within the rail sector, and the demand for their expertise continues to grow as companies like CAF leverage this diverse talent to gain a competitive edge.
Ford & Stanley enters the political arena
The end of the month was saved for a visit to one of the most high-profile and iconic landmarks as Ford & Stanley proudly attended the Rail Forum Parliamentary Reception held at the House of Commons Terrace Pavilion in Westminster. Representing us at this prestigious event was our Sales & Client Relationship Manager, Rebecca Stanton.
The reception brought together key industry players, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss the future of rail in the UK. It was an excellent opportunity for networking and collaboration, fostering connections that drive the rail industry forward. Guest speakers included Lord Hendy, Minister for Rail and Sir Andrew Haines, Chief Executive at Network Rail, among others, to collectively add to what was a standout event.
A big thank you to the Rail Forum for hosting such a valuable and well-organised reception.
Client and candidate satisfaction
At Ford & Stanley, our mission is to consistently deliver outstanding service, whether by connecting businesses with top-tier talent or helping individuals achieve their best workdays. So, we’re extremely proud of the fact that we have smashed the 100 mark for 5-star reviews on Google, from both clients and candidates! Each Google review received reflects a unique journey, reinforcing our commitment to excellence and lasting relationships.
Their feedback drives us to continually elevate our standards, ensuring we remain a trusted partner for talent solutions.
This is why we request regular feedback from both camps – and why it’s important for several key reasons:
- Quality Control and Service Improvement – Consistent feedback enables us to recognise our strengths and weaknesses, facilitating ongoing enhancements in our recruitment strategies, candidate interactions, and client satisfaction.
- Relationship Building – Requesting and acting on feedback shows that we value the opinions of our clients and candidates. This builds trust, strengthens relationships, and encourages repeat business and referrals.
- Better Matches – Feedback from clients helps us understand what types of candidates best fit the business, while feedback from candidates can shed light on how well the roles align with their expectations. This can help us achieve more accurate and successful placements, if needed.
- Reputation Management – Satisfied clients and candidates are more likely to provide positive testimonials and reviews. Early feedback also allows us to resolve any issues before they escalate and potentially harm our reputation.
- Compliance and Ethics – Gathering regular feedback can help ensure that our recruitment practices remain fair, transparent, and aligned with legal and ethical standards.
- Performance Metrics – Feedback provides measurable data that we can then use to assess our team’s individual performances and overall effectiveness as an agency.
Join us, In Motion
It’s certainly a busy few months awaiting the team. To keep up to date with our activities make sure you’re connected with us on LinkedIn.
