News Around the group Global insights, projects and people from across Interfleet and SNC-Lavalin Group team wins at IOIc Awards 2015 n Interfleet is smart choice for stunt n Interfleet UK worked with film and promo car specialist Cars in Camera to engineer the first smart forrail car for mercedes. the specially modified smart forfour vehicle was designed to act as a mini train. Interfleets team was approached by Cars in Camera after the company had been commissioned by mercedes to run one of its models on a train track as part of a publicity stunt. As automobile experts, Cars in Camera wanted to find a company with matching rail credentials. After researching the marketplace, SNC-Lavalins international rail consultancy, Interfleet, was the obvious choice. UK Regional Director for Interfleet michael grace says: Were accustomed to receiving interesting requests from clients, but this one was especially exciting. Our engineers typically work on 70-tonne diesel locomotives, but they were able to apply the same knowledge and expertise to a 999cc, onetonne smart. Interfleets engineers fitted the car with unique, solid steel wheels. each measured 22in in diameter and weighed 80kg. these provided the traction the car needed on the rails. toprevent unwanted movement, the steering was disconnected and aluminium supports were welded between the axles to lock the wheels in position. the smart forrails debut took place on the privately owned Bluebell Railway in Sussex. Under the close supervision of a licensed train driver, the car took to the tracks and successfully completed the 10-mile stretch. After the light-hearted experiment was over, the smart was converted back to its former road-going form, while the team of Interfleet engineers returned to working on more conventional locomotives. The Interfleet team has won a number of awards at the Institute of Internal communications (IoIc) Awards. The IoIc Awards celebrate the best internal communicators in the Uk. Interfleets Group communications team took home the class winner award for Best operational communication and awards of excellence for Best In-house Team and Best Relaunched publication. Interfleet made the shortlist following the companys recent success at the IoIc central and North Region Awards. The regional event in February saw Interfleet scoop the Best Magazine accolade for Interview. n www.ioic.org.uk transport Advisory reorganises for growth n Former Interfleet Transport Advisory (ITA) Chief Operating Officer Rufus Boyd has been appointed Global Product Director, Transport Advisory. He will focus on developing ITAs services internationally and widening the consultancy offering. Rufus joined Interfleet in 2008, and led the launch of Transport Advisory in 2011. His 28-year career spans commercial transport projects in the UK and abroad, including two years on assignment at Sydney Metro and roles at Stagecoach Rail, South West Trains, Railtrack and British Rail. Marianne Kilpatrick becomes the UK Director, Transport Advisory. She also remains as Director of Transport Planning. Marianne has 25 years of experience in transport consulting worldwide and joined Interfleet in 2011 from Booz & Company. Rufus Boyd, Global Product Director, Transport Advisory Marianne Kilpatrick, UK Director, Transport Advisory Previously, she was a Senior Transport Specialist at the World Bank. A transport planner and economist by training, Mariannes clients were international agencies, local authorities, operating companies, government agencies and policymakers. At Interfleet, we pride ourselves on our ability to recognise and promote talent, said Richard George, Interfleet Group Managing Director. Rufus and Marianne boast a wealth of experience from the rail and transport industries. Their expertise has already proved invaluable to our clients, and will continue to be an important asset for our organisation in the future. n m.kilpatrick@transportadvisory. com South AfricAn office celebrAteS AnniverSAry At AfricArAil 2015 n A team from Interfleet celebrated the first anniversary of the launch of their South African office at AfricaRail. Interfleet opened the office in Sandton, Johannesburg, in 2014, after working in the region for several years at client sites. the 2015 exhibition saw Interfleet take a stand for the second time. this years show was even bigger than the last, with the number of exhibitors and attendees up by 20% and 30%, respectively. Regional manager mike gallie-James was on hand with other representatives from the team to answer enquiries at the conference. mike said: there was a definite buzz at AfricaRail. Visitors were confident about the buoyant state of the market. they were also There was a definite buzz at AfricaRail. Visitors were confident about the buoyant state of the market Mike Gallie-James Regional Manager SA, Interfleet keen to hear more about the work weve been doing for our customers, especially the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA). the event provided a brilliant opportunity for us to showcase what we can do. Its been a whirlwind first year, and the next 12 months look equally busy, but were very excited about what the future has in store for Interfleet South Africa. n mike.gallie-james@interfleet.co.za Interfleet shortlisted at the Engagement Excellence Awards 2015 n The Interfleet team has won a number of awards at the Institute of Internal Communications (IOIC) Awards. The IOIC Awards celebrate the best internal communicators in the UK. Interfleets Group Communications team took home the class winner award for Best Operational Communication and awards of excellence for Best In-House Team and Best Relaunched Publication. Interfleet made the shortlist following the norwegian new recruits The Norwegian office continues to grow. Recently we have welcomed Thomas Gregers, kristian Nss, Erlend Rehn, olav Deelstra, hallvard A Vie, Nicolai Lindskov and Roar Thomassen to the team. They are all consultants with expertise within Rolling Stock, Infrastructure and Safety. news from north America cesar Vergara, principal Industrial Designer, was presented with the w companys recent success at the IOIC Central and North Region Awards. The regional event in February saw Interfleet scoop the Best Magazine accolade for Interview. n www.engagement excellence.com Graham claytor Award for Distinguished Service to passenger Transportation during the RailwayAge passenger Trains on Freight Railroads conference in washington, Dc. Bill Fullerton, Regional Director for Interfleet North America said:cesar is an internationally recognised leader in the design of rail and transit rolling stock. he has three decades of experience leading design teams in Europe, North America and Latin America. his knowledge and expertise will continue to be an asset to our clients. Interfleet principal consultants, John Smatlak and John Swanson, gave a presentation at the 13th National Light Rail & Streetcar conference in Minneapolis. The expo was co-sponsored by American public Transportation Association and Transportation Research Board. The focus of Smatlak www.interfleetgroup.com and Swansons presentation was State-of-the-Art Light Rail Alternative power Supplies. The Interfleet North America office in Jacksonville, Florida, has relocated to ponte Vedra Beach, just south of the city of Jacksonville.