Leading UK specialist recruiter Acorn has made two significant rail industry appointments to support the company’s rapidly growing client needs.
Acorn Rail, part of the Acorn Group and formerly known as Exxell, has seen significant development over recent years with the team growing exponentially as the UK rail industry – particularly in Wales – goes from strength to strength. To help drive their offering forward, Acorn has appointed Kevin Morris as head of the division, with Stephen Giles joining the company as senior rail consultant.
Boasting more than 24 years of industry knowledge, Morris has previously worked closely with high-profile companies across the UK to find and place skilled rail workers for major projects. With an impressive array of knowledge and contacts, Morris’ appointment sends a strong message from Acorn Rail, who are intent on continuously developing their reputation for anticipating the daily pressures of such a rapidly changing sector.
Speaking about his new role, Morris said:
“I’m excited to be leading Acorn Rail at such a significant time for the rail industry. With so many projects going on up and down the country, our focus will be to ensure, as a support function and recruitment partner, that project deadlines and budgets are met by providing the right workers with the appropriate skills. I hope to continue building upon the success and professional reputation Acorn Rail has within the industry and look forward to continuing business relationships with both employers and rail workers.”
Stephen Giles was ready to retire after 42 years in the rail industry before being headhunted by Acorn. Having held senior positions with a number of high-profile names, including Network Rail and EIMCO, Stephen brings invaluable key insider industry knowledge to Acorn Rail.
“I’m thrilled to join Acorn as senior rail consultant,” explains Giles. “We have a great team in Acorn Rail, and I’m looking forward to developing the division further and excited to see the opportunities we’re currently seeing come into fruition.”
Acorn’s Group Commercial Director Scott Liddle said:
“We’re thrilled to have Kevin and Stephen on board to further expand our specialist rail offering.
“There are many exciting changes currently taking place in the Welsh rail landscape, and we feel it’s crucial to have a strong, experienced team in place to lead the way in providing skilled recruitment support as the industry continues to develop. I’m confident that we have achieved this – with Kevin and Steven in place alongside our already skilled team, I am excited to see Acorn Rail grow from strength to strength over the coming years.”
Acorn has developed a significant rail recruitment offering over the past 15 years. Based in Newport, Wales, the division provides exceptional recruitment solutions within the rail and civils industry in South Wales, London and other key cities within the UK, working closely with industry-leading clients including Network Rail, Alun Griffiths Rail, Hammonds ECS and Babcock.
Established in 1992, Acorn has more than 40 branches and on-site locations across the UK, Dublin and Australia. Offering award-winning temporary and permanent recruitment at a local, national and international level, Acorn places some 6,500 people into around 2,000 companies every single week, making 1,700 permanent placements every year.