A Tribute to CIRO’ s Legacy and Future
Speaking at the ceremony, CIRO Vice Chair of the board Phil James expressed his gratitude for this tribute from GBRf:
“ As we celebrate 25 years of CIRO, this locomotive naming by GB Railfreight is a fitting tribute to our legacy and the impact we have had on the industry. It represents the strength of our partnerships and our ongoing commitment to developing skilled professionals in railway operations. We are incredibly grateful to GBRf for this honour and look forward to seeing the locomotive in service, carrying our name into the future of rail.”
John Smith OBE, Chief Executive Officer of GB Railfreight said
“ This is a fond milestone to mark, as CIRO was formed just before I set up GB Railfreight. The sector has changed a lot since 2000 and will change a lot in the coming years, but what has been a constant is CIRO, which has done some vital work helping skilled professionals progress across the railway.”
The naming ceremony served as both a celebration of the past and a commitment to the future of railway operations, underscoring the shared dedication of CIRO and GBRf to professional excellence in the industry.
Celebrating CIRO’ s Silver Jubilee
This locomotive naming is part of a year-long programme of events marking CIRO’ s 25th anniversary. Throughout 2025, CIRO will host a range of activities, including:
• Member Showcases – Sharing stories from professionals whose careers have been shaped by CIRO.
• Industry Events – Bringing together key figures to discuss the future of railway operations.
• The Jubilee Celebration Event in June – A flagship gathering to commemorate this milestone.
These celebrations align with the Railway 200 campaign, marking 200 years of rail transport in the UK. As CIRO looks ahead to the next phase of its journey, the newly named locomotive will serve as a lasting tribute to its enduring impact on the industry. As it travels across the country, it will symbolise CIRO’ s continued commitment to advancing railway operations and supporting the professionals who drive the sector forward.
With a proud past and an ambitious future, CIRO remains at the heart of professional development in the railway industry, ensuring that the next generation of rail leaders are equipped with the skills and knowledge to meet future challenges. www. ciro. org
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