Nottingham-based Belvoir Rail has appointed Mike Harmer as its new Chief of Strategic Operations

Harmer took up the role on Thursday 1 February and spent his first day in London attending the Railway Industry Association event for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) navigating UK Rail.

Mike Harmer has worked in the rail sector for more than thirty years, with his most recent role being as Managing Director at technology firm Schaltbau Transportation UK. Belvoir asserts that he has “a proven track record of success in executive and board leadership”, and highlights “his ability to drive operational delivery and enhance business performance”.

In his new job as Belvoir Rail’s Chief of Strategic Operations, Harmer will lead the company’s strategy for growth. Belvoir says that he will use his expertise and understanding of the rail market to drive new business opportunities, foster partnerships with customers, and advance the company’s expansion in the UK rail market.

Mike has worked with train operating companies, train leasing companies, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) across the UK and Europe, and has overseen the installation of engineering-related products such as passenger door and Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, the European Train Control System (ETCS), Driver Advisory Systems (DAS), and on-train safety equipment.

Belvoir Rail says that its new Chief of Strategic Operations “has established himself as a trusted authority in consistently delivering effective on-train operability, reliability, efficiency, and passenger comfort solutions for some of the industry’s most prominent brands.”

James Brown, Managing Director at Belvoir Rail, said: “I am delighted to welcome Mike Harmer to the Belvoir Rail team. With a strong background in the rail industry, Mike brings invaluable leadership and entrepreneurial drive to our team. His arrival underscores the momentum we are building here at Belvoir Rail and his expertise aligns seamlessly with our vision for growth and expansion.

“Mike is renowned for tackling complex rolling stock challenges head-on, delivering winning solutions that yield tangible results for businesses and, most importantly, for passengers. He is a significant and eagerly welcomed addition to the Belvoir Rail family.”

Mike Harmer said: “I’m thrilled to join Belvoir Rail, a company I’ve long admired. Belvoir Rail is an exceptionally ambitious and agile SME, standing proud with a clear vision, mission, and values, coupled with an outstanding reputation that has earned the trust of many satisfied customers. I couldn’t envision a more compelling opportunity than to collaborate in advancing the company’s impressive business strategy.”

“I’m eager to hitting the ground running, working closely with the team, its customers, and partners with the aim of growing its current customer base. I’m confident that my extensive experience in rolling stock and onboard environments will propel Belvoir Rail further as we continue to drive a customer centric culture and attract partnerships with leading rail enterprises. “