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Great Rail Journeys names Dave Riley as new CEO

Great Rail Journeys names Dave Riley as new CEO

Great Rail Journeys, the York-based escorted tour and river cruise provider, has announced that Dave Riley will take over as CEO.

Riley – the company’s chief financial officer – has been appointed following a “rigorous selection process”, the operator said.

He joined the company in October 2018 and was initially responsible for the finance, IT and HR functions across the UK and US businesses, adding operations to his responsibilities in 2021.

Outgoing chief executive Peter Liney is stepping down, having been in the position since 2013. He said he was “leaving the team in good hands”, and was “looking forward to new challenges”.

A ‘new phase’ for Great Rail Journeys

Speaking about his new role, Riley said: “ With Great Rail Journeys celebrating its 50 th year in 2023, I am excited to be taking the helm as we enter a new phase of growth, delivering great experiences to our customers.

“The Great Rail Journeys family is already close to my heart, having worked in the business for over four years and – of course – being a Yorkshireman, I am proud to become CEO of a company that has made this region its home.

“I feel very fortunate to have worked so closely with Peter over the past four years and my thanks to him for all the support and guidance he’s given me. I’m excited to be leading the team on its journey ahead.”

Great Rail Journeys chairman Charles Gurassa added: “ Dave has proven to be an outstanding leader since joining the business and his experience both with the company and in private equity made him the standout candidate.

“He brings deep financial, digital marketing and operational expertise to the role and under his guidance Great Rail Journeys has an exciting future ahead.”

In August, the operator unveiled new branding , designed “to provide a more contemporary, digitally friendly face”.

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Great Rail Journeys appoints new CEO

great rail journeys ceo

York-based escorted tour and river cruise provider Great Rail Journeys has appointed  Dave Riley new CEO.

Riley was previously Group CFO.

With nearly five decades of success under its belt, Great Rail Journeys, which also incorporates the Chicago based company Vacations By Rail, offers over 200 escorted and independent rail and river cruise holidays.

The appointment follows a rigorous selection process.

Riley joined the company in October 2018 and was initially responsible for the Finance, IT and HR functions across the UK and US businesses.

Dave is from Yorkshire, but held leadership positions across the UK, Europe and the US in a variety of businesses.  

Charles Gurassa, Chairman Great Rail Journeys commented: “Dave has proven to be an outstanding leader since joining the business and his experience both with the company and in private equity made him the standout candidate..”

Riley replaces Peter Liney, who said:” It has been a privilege to have been CEO of Great Rail Journeys and more recently Vacations by Rail. I am leaving the team in good hands, and for me personally, I’m looking forward to new challenges.”

Great Rail Journeys celebrates its 50 th  year in 2023,

“I feel very fortunate to have worked so closely with Peter over the past four years. I’m excited to be leading the team on its journey ahead,” Riley said.

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Vacations By Rail® Introduces New Global Chief Executive Officer

by tyler | Sep 7, 2022 | Press Article | 0 comments

great rail journeys ceo

Dave Riley , currently group CFO, to assume CEO role, furthering the global growth strategy of the Great Rail Journeys family of brands

CHICAGO , Sept. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Vacations By Rail®, the U.S. based operation of the Great Rail Journeys family of brands, announced that Dave Riley has been appointed CEO for the global entity, which includes York-based Great Rail Journeys and Rail Discoveries, as well as Chicago -based Vacations By Rail®. The Great Rail Journeys family of brands serve as the world’s leading provider of escorted holidays by rail, offering more than 200 escorted and independent rail and river cruise vacation packages to 50+ countries worldwide. Riley’s appointment will further the company’s global growth agenda.

Dave Riley has been appointed CEO for the global entity, which includes York-based Great Rail Journeys and Rail Discoveries, as well as Chicago-based Vacations By Rail®.

“I am delighted to announce Dave Riley as the new Chief Executive of Great Rail Journeys. Dave has proven to be an outstanding leader since joining the business and his experience – both with the company and from his previous positions—made him the standout candidate,” said Charles Gurassa, Chairman of the Board. “He brings deep financial, digital and operational expertise to the role and has worked successfully with several private equity groups. Under his guidance the Great Rail Journeys family of brands has an exciting future ahead.”

Riley joined the company in October 2018 , leading Finance, Operations, IT and HR functions across the U.K. and U.S. businesses. In his time, Riley helped the company establish their river cruise offering and expand its North American strategy. His appointment will fuel the global growth agenda for the portfolio of brands. Prior to Great Rail Journeys, Riley held leadership positions with Total Fitness, Good Hair Day (GHD) and Under Armour.

Dave Riley’s appointment is part of Peter Liney’s planned decision to step down from the role after nine years as CEO.

For further inquiries:   For interview requestions, more information or images, please contact the Vacations By Rail press team at [email protected]

About Vacations by Rail Vacations By Rail® is North America’s most comprehensive provider of global rail travel and tours and the trusted authority on rail. Vacations By Rail offers travellers the largest selection of independent rail vacations, escorted rail tours, and luxury rail journeys around the world. The company is committed to delivering innovative, fresh itineraries that surprise and delight customers and stand out as a unique and immersive way to explore the world. Vacations By Rail is part of UK-based Great Rail Journeys, an award-winning tour operator with nearly 50 years of experience designing global train vacations. The Great Rail Journeys family of brands, which also includes Rail Discoveries, is backed by Duke Street Private Equity. For additional information on Vacations By Rail and its collection of rail tours, visit www.vacationsbyrail.com . 

SOURCE Vacations By Rail

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At Duke Street Private Equity, we have been investing in mature, mid-market Western European businesses for over twenty five years. Our investment strategy is concentrated on four sectors: Consumer, Healthcare, Industrials & Engineering and Services. Typically we invest in companies with an enterprise value of between €50m - €350m. Our strategy is based on our ability to identify unique opportunities and add value to each business we acquire. We aim to transform the prospects of the companies that we invest in.

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Great Rail Journeys

SECTOR: Consumer

www.greatrail.com

The world’s leading provider of escorted rail holidays

York based Great Rail Journeys offers almost 400 itineraries to over 50 countries globally. GRJ caters for a growing demographic group of 55+ year old travellers who typically prioritise travel spend within their household budgets. Popular itineraries include a tour of India’s “Golden Triangle”, exploring the Swiss Alps on the Glacier Express and an iconic journey across Africa from Dar es Salaam to Cape Town. Last year, over 50,000 customers enjoyed a GRJ holiday and the Company is proud that over half of its business each year comes from its database.

With a longstanding track record in the travel and leisure sector, we had followed Great Rail Journeys for a number of years prior to the acquisition in 2018. We had full access to the management team to construct a proprietary plan for growth. Building on our previous investments, notably in A-ROSA and wagamama, we built a clear understanding of the business’ potential in two important areas: the US as a source of new customers, and river cruising.

Our value creation plan centres around consolidating GRJ’s market leading position in the UK, whilst investing in international growth, principally in the US and Australia. Additionally, GRJ’s ability to offer a unique, combined rail and cruise product to its customer base is proving highly attractive and provides significant further expansion potential.

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Latest News

28 Feb 2024

Suir Engineering reports record-breaking financial performance as it marks 40 years in business

Suir Engineering, one of Ireland’s leading engineering services providers, has released details of its financial performance for 2023 reporting a turnover of €429 million, representing 41% year over year growth.

Suir Engineering, one of Ireland’s leading engineering services providers, has released details of its financial performance for 2023 reporting a turnover of €429 million, representing 41% year over year growth. CEO of Suir Engineering, John Kelly, has confirmed that the company improved its liquidity base over the past 12 months and operated profitably, achieving an EBITDA of 5%. The latest financial results affirm Suir Engineering’s position as one of the largest providers in its sector.

The business, which provides mechanical, electrical, instrumentation and high-voltage engineering services, marks 40 years in business this year with an international footprint that extends beyond Ireland to Sweden, Denmark, Germany, and more recently, the UK and Finland. Ireland remains a crucial market for Suir Engineering and over four decades, the business has developed longstanding relationships with a significant client base across multiple sectors.

In addition to its work in its chosen sectors of Pharmaceutical, Life Sciences and Data Centres, Suir Engineering has grown its project portfolio in Energy Power & Renewables (EP&R). “Our EP&R business has operated for over 20 years and has quadrupled in size in the last six to a division now generating €120 million per year, carrying out ground-breaking and first-of-a-kind electrical power projects across the UK and Ireland,” said John Kelly.

We are marking our 40 year anniversary in 2024 and already, it’s shaping up to be our strongest ever given the €500 million order intake last year. This is a testament to our highly-skilled workforce and a demonstration of the confidence our clients have in our work and our people. Having closed the 2023 management accounts, we’re really pleased to be able to lay such strong foundations for 2024 and are optimistic that we will achieve another record-breaking performance, with new opportunities on the horizon.”

Kelly confirmed that Suir Engineering will further expand its employee base, increasing it from over 1,500 to more than 1,700 in 2024, aligning with and supporting the company’s growth strategy for 2024 and the years ahead.

Source: https://irishbuildingmagazine.ie/2024/02/28/suir-engineering-reports-record-breaking-financial-performance-as-it-marks-40-years-in-business/  

CEO of Suir Engineering, John Kelly

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Kent Pharma secures Gold EcoVadis Sustainability Rating

Congratulations to our portfolio company Kent Pharma who have recently been awarded a Gold Sustainability Rating which puts them in the top 5% of companies assessed.

Kent Athlone Pharma Group, a European Speciality Pharmaceutical company, has secured a Gold Sustainability Rating from EcoVadis following an assessment completed in December 2023. As a company, Kent Athlone Pharma Group is highly committed to meeting its obligations to Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG), and in 2023 chose to undertake a rigorous external assessment performed by EcoVadis. According to EcoVadis, almost half of the top 25 pharma/biotech companies have engaged with the EcoVadis assessment methodology.   The EcoVadis assessment is described by the company as “an evaluation of how well a company has integrated the principle of sustainability/CSR into their business and management system”. EcoVadis is the world’s most trusted provider of business sustainability ratings, providing detailed assessments of business’ environmental, social, and ethical performance. Based on leading standards, such as GRI, UNGC, and ISO 26000, the rating is supervised by an international scientific committee. EcoVadis ratings have been tested on over 100,000+ companies across 200+ industries and 175+ countries.   Kent Athlone Pharma Group, received a “Gold” Sustainability Rating in December 2023, placing the company in the top 5% of companies assessed and rated, with an “Advanced” rating received in the four EcoVadis assessment pillars of: Environment, Labour & Human Rights, Ethics and Sustainable Procurement.   “We are proud to have received a Gold Sustainability Rating, which underlines the commitment of the company, and to every one of our committed employees to high standards in everything that we do”. Terry Petersen, CEO.

24 Nov 2023

The Original Factory Shop opens its 200th store

The Original Factory Shop has opened its 200th store following a year of rapid growth.

The variety discounter is on track to have opened 25 stores in the course of 2023, with plans to expand its presence on major high streets and open even more stores next year.

Many of the new stores will take over sites formerly occupied by M&Co, which closed 170 branches after falling into administration last year.

The Original Factory Shop was founded in 1969 and currently employs over 2,000 people, having created 200 job opportunities with store openings this year.

Its estate shrank from about 220 branches to 170 after it entered into a company voluntary arrangement to restructure the business in 2018.

The retailer reached the landmark of 200 again with the opening of a store in Ringwood, Hampshire, on 18 November.

Managing Director of The Original Factory Shop, Phil Briggs said:

“To have grown so quickly over the last few years is testament to both our colleagues and customers. The opening of our 200th branch is the latest milestone in our expansion plans and like all The Original Factory Shop stores it will benefit from great product choice and delivering good value.”

The Original Factory Shop

17 Oct 2023

Suir Engineering wins two awards at the National Irish Safety Organisation Awards

As a testament to their unwavering commitment to health, safety and excellence in everything they do, Suir Engineering picked up two awards at the NISO Annual H&S Awards 2023.

As a testament to their unwavering commitment to health, safety and excellence in everything they do, Suir Engineering picked up two awards at the NISO Annual H&S Awards 2023. These awards are a recognition of continued focus on maintaining the highest standard of Health & Safety on Suir’s sites across Ireland and Europe.

Suir Engineering received the Consistent High Achiever Award and Higher Distinction Award.

Suir Engineering picked up two awards at the NISO Annual H&S Awards 2023

Responding to the Ever-Changing Needs in Healthcare with Consistent Access to Medicines

Well done Kent Pharma CEO Terry Petersen on securing the title of Most Influential Pharmaceutical Products Development & Supply CEO 2023 – UK from CEO Monthly. Read his interview at the link below.

Well done Kent Pharma CEO Terry Petersen on securing the title of Most Influential Pharmaceutical Products Development & Supply CEO 2023 – UK from CEO Monthly. Read his interview here.

11 Jul 2023

Great Rail Rail Journeys wins an award for the second time at the Telegraph Travel Awards

Whether for environmental or nostalgic reasons, or simply because trains are so much more relaxing than planes, rail holidays have surged in popularity in recent years. Many people are prepared to make the investment in – or a virtue of – the extra time it takes to get to places by train. Many of course are happy to travel independently, but Great Rail Journeys serves those who prefer to be looked after.

Whether for environmental or nostalgic reasons, or simply because trains are so much more relaxing than planes, rail holidays have surged in popularity in recent years. Many people are prepared to make the investment in – or a virtue of – the extra time it takes to get to places by train. Many of course are happy to travel independently, but Great Rail Journeys serves those who prefer to be looked after. A second-time winner in the Best Rail Operator category, the company is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first tour organised by its founders. During that half century, it has gradually expanded its programme of escorted journeys to meet the growing demand. Its imaginative programme – which includes a Complimentary Luggage Service so that you won’t have to handle your suitcase while travelling – now stretches from European favourites like the Swiss Glacier Express to the Indian Pacific in Australia and India’s Golden Triangle. In the UK its most popular tours include Railways and Castles of Wales and Vintage Railways of the Isle of Man. It also operates a programme of river and small-group barge cruises, and a tailor-made rail service for those who want a more bespoke itinerary or prefer not to travel in a group.

Great Railway Journeys – Best Rail Operator

24 May 2023

COMPO wins at the Plastics Recycling Awards Europe 2023

COMPO's packaging made of recycled materials has been setting industry standards for years and has already won several prestigious sustainability awards. The packaging solutions are not conventional reusable solutions, as is the case in the beverage industry, for example, but packaging concepts that focus on one hundred percent recyclability in addition to the highest possible recyclate content.

COMPO's packaging made of recycled materials has been setting industry standards for years and has already won several prestigious sustainability awards. The packaging solutions are not conventional reusable solutions, as is the case in the beverage industry, for example, but packaging concepts that focus on one hundred percent recyclability in addition to the highest possible recyclate content.

Together with PreZero Polymers, COMPO achieved the final breakthrough in the optimization of liquid fertilizer bottles. For this, both companies were honoured at the international "Plastics Recycling Awards 2023" in the "Plastic Packaging Product" category.

The Plastics Recycling Awards Europe are presented annually in Amsterdam. The award winners are examples of progress in the recycling-oriented use of recycled materials, product design and innovative production.

PreZero Polymers and COMPO were rewarded with the award in the "Plastic Packaging Product" category for the joint further development of COMPO liquid fertilizer bottles. Both have worked consistently to find solutions to increase the use of post-consumer recyclates in the liquid fertilizer bottles to 100 percent. The enhanced liquid fertilizer bottles will replace the current packaging in the future. PreZero and COMPO have succeeded in finding a solution that reconciles the highest ecological demands with customer benefits and manageability.

“Responsible and sustainable solutions are firmly rooted at COMPO. People in the company have always been conscious of our responsibility for the environment. We offer our customers high-quality organic solutions in all areas.”

Stephan Engster, COMPO CEO

Plastics Recycling Awards Europe 2023

10 Jan 2023

Year in Review

We are pleased to present our Year in Review highlighting our two new recent investments and two realisations.

Click here to read more about these and other Duke Street news.

15 May 2023

Charlie Troup - Reflections on my year as BVCA chair

Listen here to Charlie’s podcast reflecting on his year as BVCA Chair.

“Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth”. I was reminded of those words while looking back at my year as BVCA chair and considering how some significant events impacted on my plan for the key priorities that would shape my year. We saw unprecedented upheavals in the political landscape. That has resulted in some changes in the stakeholders we are dealing with and a refocusing of our engagement with them. However the BVCA is used to working with all political parties to address their priorities while making sure they understand those of our industry and we will continue to do so.

We saw the war in Ukraine and aftershocks from the pandemic creating a much worse economic outlook - rising inflation, higher interest rates, risk of recession. Clearly this will challenge many of our portfolio companies, but private capital’s active ownership model is well suited to dealing with such challenges. That model was seriously tested during the GFC, and the result was continued outperformance of private capital over public equity. And beyond that there will be really attractive investment opportunities – just as the private capital vintages immediately following the GFC were very strong. I also believe we will see investors continuing to allocate capital to our asset class over the next cycle - because the return outperformance that private capital delivers is a key part of their asset allocation strategy and helps them in turn deliver stronger returns for their investors, including millions of pensioners across the UK.

Alongside dealing with these developments, over the year we have made solid progress in communicating the reality of the private capital business model and the positive impact of private capital more generally.

Over the year, we have released a number of rigorous and robust reports that help to support the fact that private capital’s consistent outperformance of public markets is driven by long term investment in growth and creation of more resilient, higher quality businesses as opposed to cutting investment or costs. So there is more evidence out there to evidence the beneficial impact of private capital in our economy and communities that we are using to communicate that message clearly to stakeholders in politics, regulators, and the media.

Over the last year it has been a privilege to serve as chair of the BVCA working with the strong, committed team. I look forward to continuing to work with my successor, Garry Wilson, and the excellent BVCA team over the years ahead.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the BVCA’s foundation - 40 years of delivering world class training and events, of providing key technical and regulatory input and essential focused advocacy for our members. Over those 40 years the scale, capability, and impact of the BVCA has grown massively in lockstep with the private capital industry that we represent. I’m sure that both the private capital industry and the BVCA will still be thriving 40 years ahead.

Read the article on the BVCA website here

Charlie Troup Managing Partner, Duke Street, and BVCA Chair 2022-23

30 Jan 2023

Duke Street announces that it has acquired Suir Engineering a provider of innovative mechanical, electrical and instrumentation engineering solutions across Europe

Headquartered in Waterford, Ireland, Suir is currently owned by EDF Energy Services, a joint venture between the French energy group EDF and Dalkia, an energy services and facilities management subsidiary.

Paul Adams, Partner at Duke Street, commented:

“We are delighted to acquire Suir Engineering, a market-leading business that is a great fit for our investment program and an exciting opportunity for Duke Street and our investors. The Duke Street investment team has previous successful experience in industrial services as well as Suir’s underlying sectors. Equipped with a skilled workforce, cutting-edge technology and a healthy pipeline of projects, Suir has significant growth potential in Europe across all of its highly attractive end sectors. We have been impressed with Suir’s growth strategy and we look forward to actively supporting the existing management team in delivering their ambitious plans.”

Michael Kennedy, Managing Director, Suir Engineering, said:

“We at Suir are looking forward to partnering with Duke Street who share our vision, values and ambition. Together, we will accelerate Suir’s growth by expanding the business proposition to include more international work in key client sectors such as technology, renewables and life sciences facilities. We believe this will consolidate our position as a leader in the provision of mechanical, electrical and instrumentation engineering services that are expertly delivered by our very experienced team.”

Suir Engineering

12 Sep 2022

Duke Street announces that it has agreed to sell Medi-Globe Group to DCC Healthcare, a subsidiary of FTSE 100 listed company DCC plc, for an EV of approximately €245m

Duke Street invested in the business in 2016, following a two-year period of origination focussed on the medical devices sub-sector. The transaction was complex, with a complicated shareholder structure in place, and the deal took close to a year to execute.

Duke Street invested in the business in 2016, following a two-year period of origination focussed on the medical devices sub-sector. The transaction was complex, with a complicated shareholder structure in place, and the deal took close to a year to execute. 

Since acquiring the business, Duke Street has backed the highly experienced management team – who will continue to lead the business post-transaction – to execute a strategy based on launching leading new products in its core therapeutic areas, and to consolidate and extend Medi-Globe’s international reach. Together with management, Duke Street’s stewardship of the business has driven significant operational improvement and accelerated growth rates of new products and into new markets. This work was alongside strategic refinement such as the sale of the non-core hospital supplies division Asid Bonz earlier this year to Medline International.

Charlie Troup, Managing Partner at Duke Street, commented:

“We are very pleased to announce the sale of Medi-Globe. Under our ownership, management has delivered a significant transformation across the business, involving investment across R&D, sales and marketing, and manufacturing. The positive development in business quality and growth has been recognised by DCC who see Medi-Globe as a key element of their strategic drive into healthcare. Our investment in Medi-Globe represents a classic Duke Street deal: an attractive entry multiple we delivered by seeing through a complex process; working with exceptional management to invest in growing the business swiftly and successfully during our period of ownership; and adding international expansion and securing an exit to trade, taking Duke Street’s recent record to twelve trade sales out of our last fifteen exits.” 

Martin Lehner, CEO at Medi-Globe Group, commented:

“Medi-Globe is now performing strongly both financially and operationally, driven by the ongoing successful execution of our growth strategy. Duke Street has been a hugely supportive owner, developing that strategy with us and investing in the key resources to drive our position as a leading player in single-use endoscopy devices for the gastroenterology and urology sectors globally.”

22 Jun 2022

Compo takes the lead in fast growing organic liquid fertiliser market

Duke Street is proud to announce the acquisition of another business by COMPO, Europe's leading supplier of branded products for the home and garden. The business, Heinr. Propfe Chem. Fabrik GmbH, is a highly specialised family-owned business that develops and produces innovative fertilisers using natural and organic raw materials. This deal follows the recent COMPO acquisition of Störk GmbH, a producer of ecologically sustainable potting soils.

Duke Street is proud to announce the acquisition of another business by COMPO, Europe's leading supplier of branded products for the home and garden. The business, Heinr. Propfe Chem. Fabrik GmbH, is a highly specialised family-owned business that develops and produces innovative fertilisers using natural and organic raw materials. This deal follows the recent COMPO acquisition of Störk GmbH, a producer of ecologically sustainable potting soils.

"Heinr. Propfe Chem. Fabrik GmbH is a highly specialised family business and stands for extraordinary expertise in the premium quality organic fertiliser segment," COMPO Group CEO Stephan Engster commented "Joining the COMPO Group is a further step in our defined sustainability strategy and makes a valuable contribution to the expansion of our eco-sustainable product range – always in keeping with the COMPO quality guarantee. Customer benefits are always at the centre of the strategy. After all, environmental awareness, climate protection and sustainability are already a constant and firmly established part of the everyday lives of many hobby gardeners." Across Europe, organic products already have a revenue share of about 30 per cent in the market for soils, fertilisers, lawn care and plant protection. "It is reasonable to assume that this share will rise to more than 50 per cent across Europe. Organic is becoming the new normal," says Engster.

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14 Jun 2022

A-ROSA SENA honoured at the 2022 German Awards for Sustainability Projects

A-ROSA has received a prestigious 2022 ‘German Award for Sustainability Projects’, winning the ‘Service – Transport’ category for its ground-breaking new ship, A-ROSA SENA.

These awards honour companies and organisations that have shown outstanding commitment and pioneering contributions to sustainability. They focus on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations (SDGs) and their goal is to highlight sustainability at all levels, eventually inspiring others to start sustainable projects.

Commenting on the accolade, Jörg Eichler, CEO of A-ROSA Flussschiff GmbH said: “We are so proud to have received this award! Sustainability has always been important to us as river cruises are nothing without the incredible destinations they sail through. A-ROSA SENA takes things to the next level and plays a key role in our ambitious sustainability strategy. Her launch is a significant milestone for us in our aim to become the most sustainable river cruise operator on Europe’s rivers. Playing our part in protecting our planet for future generations is incredibly important to us.”

A-ROSA SENA has been designed and built with sustainability at its core from the very outset.  From the hardware and sailing technologies that reduce emissions, to waste management, destination protection and social responsibility – she is the first in a new generation of ships from A-ROSA. Her ‘E-Motion’ concept is truly innovative, combining a diesel engine and a separate electric motor, which is powered by batteries. When approaching a port, the ship can switch to battery power, arriving silently and emission-free, thus reducing water, air and noise pollution. The vessel is equipped with a shore power connection, meaning the battery can be charged overnight. Her optimised hull design helps decrease energy consumption and she is the first river cruise ship in Europe with the ability to generate electricity from exhaust heat.

Sandra Wendland, sustainability manager at A-ROSA Flussschiff GmbH adds: “Our partnership with the world renowned Fraunhofer Institute is enabling us to create a roadmap for the future that makes us accountable and ensures we deliver on our sustainability goals.”

2022 German Awards for Sustainability Projects

Teamsport June 2022

We are delighted that our portfolio company Teamsport, the largest indoor go karting company in the UK, has made the UK’s Best Workplace once again in 2022.

Read more here to find out why and how they deserve this fantastic award:

https://www.greatplacetowork.co.uk/workplace/item/3686/TeamSport+Indoor+Karting

TeamSport

28 Apr 2022

Sustainable Cruising launching in June 2022

A-ROSA’s eco-friendly new cruise ship A-ROSA SENA is scheduled to set sail in June 2022. This innovative new ship is ideal for people who love cruising and also want to help reduce the environmental impact. The E-motion ship can come into port in an emission-free manner thanks to battery propulsion. Fuel consumption decreases and this helps keep the towns and cities en route clean.

A-ROSA’s eco-friendly new cruise ship A-ROSA SENA is scheduled to set sail in June 2022. This innovative new ship is ideal for people who love cruising and also want to help reduce the environmental impact. The E-motion ship can come into port in an emission-free manner thanks to battery propulsion. Fuel consumption decreases and this helps keep the towns and cities en route clean. 

Jörg Eichler, CEO of A-ROSA River Cruises, said: “A-ROSA SENA will lead the way in sustainable river cruising and will open up river cruising further to the next generation.”

Click here to read more about how A-ROSA SENA sets completely new standards and surpasses any river cruise ship you have ever seen. 

https://www.arosa-cruises.com/river-cruises/offers/a-rosa-sena.html  

A-ROSA SENA

Duke Street portfolio company Medi-Globe Group has agreed to sell its subsidiary ASID BONZ GmbH to Medline International B.V.

Asid Bonz is a leading supplier to hospitals in Germany, offering high-quality surgery, anesthesia, ward-supply and urology products. Asid Bonz was founded in 1811 and is known worldwide for the development of the first anesthetic ether. In 2021, Asid Bonz recorded over €30m in revenues and served over 1,100 hospitals in Germany.

Asid Bonz is a leading supplier to hospitals in Germany, offering high-quality surgery, anesthesia, ward-supply and urology products. Asid Bonz was founded in 1811 and is known worldwide for the development of the first anesthetic ether. In 2021, Asid Bonz recorded over €30m in revenues and served over 1,100 hospitals in Germany. 

With similar business models and reputations for outstanding customer service, the two companies have an excellent strategic fit. Looking forward, Medline will make the Asid Bonz brand available outside of Germany to its broad European customer base. Within Germany, the Asid Bonz sales force will have access to Medline products to strengthen their partnership with customers.  

“We are excited to increase our product offering and work with this award-winning organization with a renowned customer focus”, said Tripp Amdur, Medline Europe Group President. “Medline is a relatively new player in urology and anesthesia. This acquisition grows our presence in these areas of the hospital. Asid Bonz’s employees, products and service have a long-standing and trusted reputation and this combination will enable us to better meet the needs of our healthcare customers and become a more valued partner”.  

Martin Lehner, CEO of Medi-Globe Group added: “Asid Bonz is known for its unwavering commitment to its customers, providing high-quality medical products that are used to treat patients every day. We are sure that under the ownership of Medline, Asid Bonz will provide substantial avenues of growth in the future. The sale sharpens Medi-Globe’s focus on our core business, which is the development and marketing of innovative single-use solutions for minimally invasive clinical therapies”.

We anticipate the investment will be completed in May 2022 once merger control approval has been obtained and other closing conditions have been fulfilled.

BVCA welcomes Duke Street’s Charlie Troup as new Chair

We are delighted to announce that Charlie Troup has been appointed by the British Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (BVCA) as Chair of its Council for the next year to 31st March 2023. Charlie brings to the role nearly 30 years’ experience in private equity, having supported businesses of all sizes and at all stages of growth. He is a Managing Partner and chair of the investment committee here at Duke Street having joined the firm in 2006.

Charlie has been Vice Chair of the BVCA’s Council for the past year, following 2 and half years as a council member, and closely involved in the association’s work on behalf of private capital. In what has been a busy year for the industry – supporting businesses across the country to weather the final stages of the pandemic, creating thousands of new jobs and leading on a number of high-profile deals – Charlie has already been heavily engaged in the BVCA’s work with both media and government.

In addition, Charlie has also supported the BVCA on its policy focus including how the industry supports the government’s Net Zero targets, how it can continue to improve and evolve its objectives around diversity and inclusion and its involvement in support for future savers following ongoing discussion around DC Pension Scheme investment in private equity and venture capital. These areas, as well as how the industry can play its part in the support of Ukraine, will continue to be priorities for Charlie and the BVCA during the next 12 months.

Charlie said about his appointment:

“I am excited to step up and represent the BVCA’s diverse membership over the next 12 months, following in the footsteps of Kerry Baldwin who has been outstanding in the role. Private equity and venture capital deliver so much for the country. Be it the industry’s unwavering support for SMEs, how it underpins over one million jobs or the part it plays in keeping the UK competitive on the global stage, I am thrilled to be able to advocate on its behalf.”

Michael Moore, Director General of the BVCA, said:

“We are all delighted to welcome Charlie as Chair at the point where our industry looks to increase its support for businesses in all corners of the United Kingdom. I am certain that Charlie’s experience in private capital will be critical this year as we look to further showcase the remarkable work of our members and help them drive growth; providing the capital, expertise and long-term view that enables companies to innovate and flourish.”

great rail journeys ceo

COMPO Consumer acquires Störk GmbH, producer of high quality ecologically sustainable products

COMPO Consumer, the leading supplier of branded goods for home and garden in Europe, will take over 100% of the shares in Störk GmbH, based in Nauen in the Berlin area. Störk has been serving its customers with a range of over 400 products such as peat-free and peat-reduced soils, mulches and biofilters for over 20 years. With its own brand Natumera® and a first-class private label range, the company generates double-digit million sales.

COMPO is constantly working on improving products and services and has been offering sustainable organic, high-quality products for a long time. With the successful öko balance line, COMPO is right in line with consumer trends. Together with Duke Street, COMPO will continue to improve its ecological footprint and focus even more strongly on activities for the sustainable design of our living space.

The integration of Störk GmbH supports our strategy of decentralized regional production. Regional production creates short distances to our trading partners and thus, makes a significant and measurable contribution to a further sustainable reduction in CO2 emissions and to climate protection.

Stephan Engster CEO of COMPO:

“Störk GmbH produces products of excellent quality and, in addition to very good manufacturing processes, has a first-class team of employees. The company and products are fully certified and meet the highest demands of trading partners. Together with Cordula Schmude and her team, we will continue to develop the company and can also count on the support of COMPO’s controlling shareholder Duke Street. The development of ecologically sustainable products and continuous improvement along the supply chain are of particular concern to all of us. The many years of trusting and successful cooperation between our companies has made the decision easier for all parties and stands for positive continuity.”

Cordula Schmude MD of Störk:

"We are pleased to be able to further expand our success story as a new member of the COMPO Group. The aim is to use the expertise and financial strength of the COMPO Group to deliver our promise of high-quality products and services to our long-term customers and partners of the company on an even stronger footing going forward, not only regionally, but now also nationwide.”

In terms of sustainability, COMPO SANA® potting soil, again recognized as German Brand of the Century, comprises soils which have been strictly RPP-certified for years, and consist of over 50% sustainable raw materials while packaging consists of over 60% recycled plastic. The soils, which are unique in their quality, all come from regional production. The company also wants to continue growing its peat-free COMPO organic soil line. In response to current trends, the peat-free organic range is being consistently expanded to include new special soils. In addition, all packaging consists of over 80% recycled plastic.

great rail journeys ceo

14 Jan 2022

Duke Street sells Voyage Care, a leading UK specialist care provider

  • Voyage Care supports over 3,500 people and has more than 10,000 staff
  • The Company has industry-leading quality ratings from the Care Quality Commission
  • During its ownership, Duke Street invested in increasing the scale and quality of care

Duke Street, a leading European mid-market private equity group and Partners Group, a leading global private markets firm, acting on behalf of its clients, have agreed to sell Voyage Care (or "the Company"), a provider of specialist care in the UK, to Wren House, the London-based global infrastructure investment manager.

Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Lichfield, Voyage Care provides specialist care and support to people with learning and physical difficulties, brain injuries, autism, and other complex needs across the UK. A large majority of those supported by the Company typically require high levels of support throughout their lives. Voyage Care supports over 3,500 people and has more than 10,000 members of staff. The Company's commitment to delivering the highest quality care is demonstrated by its industry-leading quality ratings. In England, 95% 1 of Voyage Care's registered care homes are rated as 'Good' or 'Outstanding' by the independent Care Quality Commission, which far exceeds the market standard.

Duke Street and Partners Group acquired Voyage Care in 2014 alongside its management team. Key value creation initiatives introduced during the past seven years of ownership include: deepening the healthcare experience of its best-in-class management team with key strategic hires, continuing to invest in increasing its market-leading quality of care, further developing its specialisms, and expanding capacity via developments and select acquisitions. Voyage Care is well-positioned to continue consolidating the specialist care market whilst achieving its purpose of providing great quality care and support to those it serves.   

Andrew Cannon, Chief Executive Officer, Voyage Care, comments:

"Voyage Care has a strong operational and reputational track record which has been driven by the successful execution of our growth strategy. Partners Group and Duke Street have been hugely supportive, investing in the key resources needed to maintain our position as a leading specialist care provider in the UK. We strive to deliver the highest possible levels of care across all our communities, as well as attract and retain the most skillful and dedicated care professionals."

“We are very pleased to announce the sale of Voyage Care to Wren House. This is a company and sector that we know and understand very well. We have worked closely with management over this most recent and successful seven-year period of the Group’s development, backing the team to invest significantly in expanding the quality of care and support provided. Voyage Care is led by the best management team in the sector, which is continually recognised for its consistently high levels of care across its residential and community operations for over 3,500 people with complex needs in the UK. We firmly believe that Voyage Care has the right foundations from which to build and continue its success story under new ownership. We wish Wren House and the Voyage management continued success with the business"

1 Data correct as of November 2021

28 Jun 2021

Kent Pharmaceuticals and Athlone Laboratories acquires Dalkeith Group

Duke Street is pleased to announce that its portfolio company, Kent Pharmaceuticals and Athlone Laboratories, manufacturers and distributors of specialist off-patent/generic pharmaceuticals, has agreed to acquire Dalkeith Group, the UK-based distributor of generic pharmaceutical and over-the-counter (OTC) products to wholesale, pharmacy and supermarket channels.

As of Monday 28th June 2021, Kent will integrate the operations of Dalkeith – namely Dalkeith Laboratories, Herbal Concepts & OTC Concepts – into its growing business. This will see Kent take ownership and responsibility for all sales, marketing and distribution across the Dalkeith portfolio, as well as continue the development of its strong pipeline. Dalkeith brings more than 25 marketing authorisations for generics and OTC products, along with a significant supply of own label products and supplier relationships with retailers such as Superdrug, Morrison’s and Wilko. Both leadership teams have worked closely together to ensure a quick and seamless transition.

The acquisition will enable Kent to further establish itself as a UK market leader in the large, growing and non-cyclical market for generic pharmaceuticals. It will add incremental value to the company’s portfolio of niche, value-added products, helping to better serve customers and patients across the wholesale pharmacy market and the NHS. 

“The Dalkeith acquisition represents another successful milestone for Kent who continue to execute a compelling growth strategy for the business. Dalkeith brings a diverse product portfolio, an exciting pipeline and robust IP. This makes it a very attractive investment – and one that closely aligns with our strategy of actively pursuing accretive bolt-on acquisitions. We look forward to continuing to actively support the Kent management team in delivering their ambitious plans.”

Debashis Dasgupta, CEO of Kent Pharmaceuticals & Athlone Laboratories, says: 

“We are very pleased to acquire Dalkeith as we continue to drive Kent’s acquisitive and organic growth. Dalkeith is an established name in the industry and offers an exciting pipeline of niche products that will help accelerate our expansion by increasing our reach and providing high quality medicines for meeting patient’s daily needs. Fundamentally, the acquisition of Dalkeith strengthens our portfolio and pipeline and enhances our offering to customers – and this will help us to deliver the next chapter of our long-term growth strategy.”

great rail journeys ceo

15 Jun 2021

Ardent Wins Best Sustainability & CSR Award

Ardent is thrilled to have won ‘Best Sustainability & CSR Award’ at the 2021 Hire Association of Europe (HAE) Awards for its innovative, not-for-profit, carbon offsetting initiative that enables customers to offset the emissions from their hired-in plant for just a few pounds extra a week.

Ardent’s sustainability strategy has four elements:  

  • Reducing carbon emissions – Ardent’s multi-award winning technology platform Site Manager and Ardent Insite are now maturing technologies that have a track record in reducing emissions.
  • Offsetting the balance – Ardent’s carbon offsetting programme, in partnership with leading carbon developer, ClimateCare, enables customers to offset their remaining emissions. Ardent has also offset the emissions from its 55 x HGV fleet meaning that all customer deliveries and collections are carbon neutral.
  • Fleet investment – Ardent is investing in Stage V equipment that has smaller engines, lower carbon emissions, and reduced particulate emissions. In the last 4 years Ardent has invested over £250m in new equipment.
  • Alternative fuel trials – Ardent is trialling electric machines at several locations and HVO as an alternative to diesel

Further details at http://ow.ly/MMCv50ERyf8

great rail journeys ceo

Duke Street, announces that it has agreed to acquire COMPO, the largest European focused producer and distributor of gardening soil, fertiliser, plant protection and lawn seeds. Headquartered in Münster, Germany.

COMPO is a market leader across continental Europe, having established a wide range of technically superior products under one of the most respected and well-known brands in the industry. Its diverse product portfolio offers retailers and consumers ‘bio’ alternatives to traditional gardening product solutions, positioning COMPO ahead of its competitors in terms of sustainability. The organisation owns unrivalled production and distribution infrastructure and has established brands that are widely familiar to distribution customers and consumers alike.

COMPO can trace its roots to the 1950s, and it has been supporting gardeners across Germany and Europe ever since. In February this year, COMPO was recognised as one of the ten strongest product brands in Germany, securing 6th place in the ‘Best Overall Brand’ category at the prestigious Best Brands Marketing Awards .

Duke Street is backing a very strong management team as it seeks to build and consolidate COMPO’s position in the industry across Europe. The team is led by Stephan Engster as CEO of COMPO, who joined the business in 2016 and has developed an exciting growth strategy for the company, which is underpinned by continuous innovation and aligns with Duke Street’s vision for the opportunities presented in the sector.  

The horticulture market has shown strong signs of growth as gardening boomed throughout lockdowns and has accelerated the trend of sustainable-conscious consumers seeking eco-friendly products to tend to their gardens. 

Stephan Engster, CEO, COMPO, said:

“We at COMPO are thrilled to be partnering with Duke Street, who recognised and shared our ambition for this business and together we are ideally positioned to build a diversified European business to better serve our customers and end-consumers. In particular, we have the right blend of experience, ability and vision to accelerate our growth by expanding our reach and providing consumers across Europe with the most extensive range of organic, sustainable and traditional products. After enjoying the support of Kingenta for a number of years, the business is poised for this exciting next stage of its evolution. Sustainability is of particular importance for Duke Street and that aligns perfectly with our careful stewardship of this business and with the growing priorities of our customers and end-consumers.”

25 Nov 2020

Great Rail Journeys Travel Accolades

Duke Street is very proud to announce that even in this annus horribilis for global travel caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Great Rail Journeys has been awarded two prestigious travel awards. With the support of valued customers, they are the winners of the Best Escorted Tour Operator category by the Times and Sunday Times Travel Awards 2020.

In addition, and for the third year in a row, celebrating the very best in travel for the over 50’s, they are the winners of the Best Rail Holiday Company in the acclaimed Silver Travel Awards 2020.

Mediglobe sponsors the Global Health Challenge with Masks for Ethiopia

As a partner and sponsor of the Global Health Challenge, Medi-Globe Group donated to the Masks for Ethiopia project in 2020. The competition, organised by the Technical University Munich, involved students resolving problems that inhibit medical supply in developing countries in the most innovative way.

As a partner and sponsor of the Global Health Challenge, Medi-Globe Group donated to the Masks for Ethiopia project in 2020. The competition, organised by the Technical University Munich, involved students resolving problems that inhibit medical supply in developing countries in the most innovative way. 2020 proved to be the most challenging year yet. Given a theme of “Corona“, students had the opportunity to develop and elaborate new ideas and concepts. The students began working on solutions such as respiratory masks, respirators and protective equipment and it soon became apparent that practical assistance would be the main focus for the students this year.

The winning team came up with the exciting idea to create protective masks from conventional coffee filters. These masks offer the same protection as professional masks. Half a million of these Masks for Ethiopia have already been developed and shipped, thanks to Medi-Globe’s donation. They will be handed over to the Ministry of Health in Addis Ababa to help the people in their fight against the coronavirus, COVID-19.

Read here: https://medi-globe.com/support-for-ethiopia/

Support for Ethiopia in times of Corona Virus

10 Nov 2020

A-Rosa River Cruises has donated all the unused perishable goods from its Rhine ships to a charity in Cologne

Following the suspension of its cruises, A-Rosa River Cruises has donated all the unused perishable goods from its Rhine ships to a charity in Cologne. The charity was pleased to accept the donation and the crew assisted the volunteers who came to collect the goods.

great rail journeys ceo

Jorg Eichler, A-Rosa chief executive, said: “We fully support the government’s measures aimed at reducing infection rates and wanted to ensure that, despite the sudden nature with which we had to stop our cruises, the food on board our ships did not go to waste.

“Cologne Tafel is a well-known charity in our Rhine fleet’s home port city of Cologne that supports the local community and we were really pleased that we were able to give something back to those in need in these challenging times.”

15 Sep 2020

Two A-ROSA River Cruises’ ships received the esteemed Green Award in the summer of 2020

A-ROSA AQUA and A-ROSA BRAVA underwent rigorous assessment, achieving particularly high scores in the safety and environmental protection categories. With a strong focus on sustainability across its entire fleet, the shipping company is hopeful that further ships will qualify for the award in the near future.

Established in 1994, on a voluntary basis, the Green Award program encourages cleaner and safer maritime shipping. Since its inauguration, several ships and shipping companies from across the world achieved Green Award certification in the areas of quality, safety and the environment. Effective 2011, the Green Award foundation developed a program for inland shipping, which has been a great success to date and is very popular with inland shipping companies. Criteria such as shore power connections and environmentally friendly wastewater treatment systems are considered to be of particular importance.

The certification of its fleet is a core component of A-ROSA’s comprehensive sustainability strategy. The general reduction of resource consumption, further development of efficient energies and sustainable development of visited destinations’ infrastructure are other elements of the cruise line’s strategy.

Ardent Hire announces a key partnership with ClimateCare as part of its drive for sustainable business in the plant hire industry

Ardent is today leading the plant hire industry by announcing an innovative carbon offsetting programme. In partnership with ClimateCare, the expert at financing, managing and developing climate projects, Ardent is offering a not-for-profit carbon offsetting service to its customers. For just a few pounds extra a week, customers can offset their greenhouse gas emissions and make their hires carbon neutral. Carbon charges are displayed separately to hire charges on invoices and funds are used to offset emissions with carbon credits from Gold Standard projects that are independently verified for their carbon reduction volumes.

As an extra first step, Ardent has paid to offset the 3,600 tonnes of CO2 produced annually by its 55 HGVs, meaning that all customer deliveries and collections are carbon neutral up to the end of April 2021.

Electric machines and alternative fuels, such as hydrogen, will undoubtedly substitute diesel machines at some point in the future, but due to a number of factors, including capital cost, power limitations and access to charging, this shift is currently not possible. In the meantime, while we wait for the right technologies to become a reality, we must take responsibility for our unavoidable emissions today.

Jeremy Fish, CEO said, “I want customers to know that we are totally committed to helping our industry reduce its carbon footprint. Carbon offsetting is a practical, affordable solution for making hires carbon neutral, that can be acted upon today. The investment we have made in offsetting the emissions from our HGV fleet shows our concern and determination to make a difference.”

Robert Stevens, Director of Partnerships at ClimateCare, said, “Clearly, Ardent’s innovative approach is taking a lead in the plant hire sector and we are delighted to be working with them on this very important initiative. Our trademark Climate+Care approach helps organisations take a smart approach to addressing their environmental impacts by offsetting their carbon emissions through projects which also support sustainable development”.”

Jeremy adds, “Carbon offsetting is just one part of the equation. We are equally passionate about carbon reduction. Users of our multi-award-winning Site Manager, which now has over 1,000 users, will already have already seen how they can reduce their carbon emissions and save money at the same time.”

GRJ wins Best Escorted Tour Operator 2019

Duke Street is delighted to announce that its portfolio company Great Rail Journeys won Best Escorted Tour Operator at the News International Travel Awards, which was voted for by The Times and The Sunday Times readers. This is another accolade to add to the many awards received over the years for continuing to provide wonderful, first class holidays by rail to over 50 countries globally.

14 Nov 2019

Voyage Care wins Specialist Care Provider of the Year 2019

Duke Street congratulates our portfolio company Voyage Care on winning The Specialist Care Provider of the Year 2019 at the Laing Buisson awards. Voyage Care is the UK’s leading provider of support for people with learning difficulties and associated physical disabilities, autistic spectrum disorders, acquired brain injury and other complex needs.

14 Aug 2019

Duke Street investment Great Rail Journeys acquires Vacations By Rail

Duke Street, the leading European midmarket private equity group, announces that Great Rail Journeys, acquired by Duke Street in July 2018, has agreed to acquire Vacations By Rail, the largest independent US based provider of escorted and independent rail holidays. VBR’s founder and management team will reinvest as part of the transaction and will obtain a minority stake in the enlarged company. The value of the transaction was not disclosed.

York based Great Rail Journeys offers almost 400 itineraries to over 50 countries globally. Over the last five years GRJ has performed strongly, tapping into new source markets for its rail tours including Australia and more recently the US. In 2018 the business launched a highly differentiated premium river cruise offering which builds upon very strong pre-existing demand for such holidays from within its customer database.

Established in 2004, Vacations By Rail offers US customers the largest selection of independent rail vacations, escorted rail tours, luxury rail journeys and custom train vacations to destinations in North America, Europe and beyond. Major destination areas in the US include the Rockies and West (National Parks), the Pacific Northwest and Alaska as well as New England. Canadian destinations include Western Canada, Quebec and the Maritime Provinces, as well as iconic cross-Canada rail routes. 

The two companies already enjoy a commercial relationship, with VBR marketing a number of GRJ tours to its North American customer base, and this acquisition offers the opportunity to build on existing synergies. The combination of VBR with GRJ is a compelling proposition: it accelerates strategic growth ambitions for both companies, drives operational synergies and brings together a highly desirable and complementary blend of skills and expertise across marketing, product and technology. 

Peter Liney, CEO of Great Rail Journeys, said:

“We have enjoyed for some time a very good working relationship with Todd, Cole and the team at Vacations By Rail. We know they are first class operators and have built an enviable position in North America as the leading independent and escorted provider of holidays by rail. I am delighted to welcome them to Great Rail Journeys and I look forward to working closely with them and their senior team. The combination of our two companies, supported by the corresponding skills and expertise of our two organisations, will greatly increase the choice and enhance the global travel experience for all our customers.” 

Todd Powell, Co-founder of Vacations By Rail, said:

“We are delighted to be growing our partnership with GRJ, building on our strong working relationship to date. The combination of our two companies represents a significant opportunity to grow our footprint in the rail vacation sector domestically and internationally, as well as accelerate into new markets. We look forward to formally becoming part of the GRJ family.”

The transaction was supported by financing from Barings, GRJ’s existing term debt lender.

Duke Street

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GREAT RAIL JOURNEYS LIMITED

Company number 03208093

  • Company Overview for GREAT RAIL JOURNEYS LIMITED (03208093)
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Filter officers

Officers: 21 officers / 17 resignations, appleyard, julian, lee, stephen gerard, riley, david james, skolnick, jonathan philip, backhouse, michael, johnson, martin graham, macbeth, mary catherine, woodroffe, kathleen ann, swift incorporations limited, clarke, keith george, cust, nicholas pury, gaster, david john, kimber, steven andrew howard, liney, peter richard, macbeth, ian, pritchard, noeleen patricia rita, roberts, alexander james, taylor, mark andrew, trinder, howard philip, wilson, robert graham.

great rail journeys ceo

Executive team

Meet our team, mark hopwood – managing director.

Mark is the Managing Director of Great Western Railway.

Starting his career at Reading station in 1989 he worked for British Rail, Railtrack and several train operators including Thames Trains, First North Western, c2c, Silverlink, Gatwick Express and WAGN.

Mark was appointed Managing Director at First Great Western in 2008. He steered the business through substantial changes like introduction of the new electric trains and the delivery of the December 2019 timetable which added frequency and reduced journey times on most GW routes.

He was asked to step across to sister business, South Western Railway, in 2020 to address serious performance, partnership and contractual issues and returned as Managing Director of GWR in January 2021 having addressed the key SWR issues.

Mark has worked in UK Rail for thirty two years and has experience at the front line and in more strategic roles. He has chaired the UK rail industry National Task Force and sits on the Rail Delivery Group Planning and Production Board.

He was awarded a CBE in the 2021 New Year’s Honours List, is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport and a Fellow of Institute of Railway Operators. Mark holds other honorary posts within the heritage and mainline railway community.

Richard Rowland – Customer Service and Operations Director

Richard joined us in 2015, having held various roles in FirstGroup since 2005.

Richard leads the Driver, Guards and On-board Customer Host teams and also plays an important role in our partnership with Network Rail; making sure our customers' journeys are disrupted as little as possible when works on the line take place.

Ruth Busby – HR Director

Ruth has worked in a number of senior HR roles in the civil service and higher education.

She has extensive knowledge of diversity and inclusion, leading organisational change, employee relations, policy and employee reward.

Ruth’s key priorities at GWR will be to continue to put people at the heart of our cultural change within our transformation, maintaining relationships with the Trade Unions and shaping our strategy as we look ahead to the future.

Joe Graham – Business Assurance Director

Joe joined us in 2011 from the BBC, bringing with him over 20 years of business management and compliance experience.

He is responsible for our compliance, security, business planning, sustainability, corporate responsibility and environmental matters.

Joe also manages our relationship with the DfT and ORR as well as taking the lead on Corporate Responsibility including Environmental matters.

Duncan Rimmer – Finance Director

Duncan joined GWR in June 2019 and brings a wealth of cross-industry railway experience to the role.

Originally joining British Rail as a graduate in 1993, he has held various roles in FirstGroup, Chiltern Railways and Network Rail.

Amanda Burns – Sales & Marketing Director

Amanda returned to GWR in January 2023. She has over twenty years commercial experience in the travel and tourism industry, including Visit Jersey, Tourism Ireland, bmi British Midland, Star Alliance and BAA Airports.

Passionate about marketing challenger brands in a competitive environment, her focus is to shape, define and execute the commercial sales and marketing strategy. leading the team to focus on driving volume, optimising revenue performance and building customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Daryn McCombe – Train Service Delivery and Performance Director

Daryn joined us in 2015, having held various roles in Transport for London and London Underground.

Daryn leads the Control and Performance function and is the executive sponsor for GWR's delivery of the Heathrow Express operation.

Daryn’s key priority is continuous Train service Performance Improvement working jointly with Network Rail and other key stakeholders so our customer's journeys are disrupted as little as possible.

Simon Green – Engineering Director

Simon joined us in 2018 having undertaken a number of roles, both inside and outside the rail industry, latterly at GTR.

He is responsible for the supply and maintenance of the GWR fleet of trains, including the management of GWR’s maintenance depots and train service provision contracts.

Chris Maxwell – Director of Safety and Environment

Chris joined GWR in 2022 as Director of Safety and Environment, bringing over 20 years of experience gained in the pharmaceutical, defence and aviation industries. He is a chartered safety and health practitioner and holds a PhD in Chemistry from Oxford.

Chris and his team lead GWR’s safety and sustainability programs, ensuring we meet our legal commitments, safeguard our colleagues and customers, and continually improve our environmental performance and sustainability credentials.

Safe Spaces

Together we can end domestic abuse

Harder Kulm restaurant perched on a hilltop with snow-capped mountains in the background

Switzerland

A spectacle of natural beauty.

Switzerland is a country that has it all: breathtaking scenery, picture-perfect towns and, of course, iconic trains. It’s one of our favourite countries – an opinion shared by our customers. The railways are the heroes in Switzerland, as you witness the country’s incredible beauty from the comfort of your seat.

From sensational views of the iconic Matterhorn from the Glacier Express and a visit to ‘Top of Europe’ on the Jungfrau Express to the mind-blowing vistas from the Bernina Express, travelling by rail through Switzerland takes you to stunning new heights.

"Jaw-dropping landscapes, glistening lakes and chic resorts accessed by iconic railways."

great rail journeys ceo

The iconic rail journeys of Switzerland

Glacier express, zermatt and matterhorn.

The Glacier Express train moves through an alpine meadow with snow-capped peaks in the distance

Mountaintops of Switzerland

Terracotta roofs in the foreground look out on to a perfect blue lake with forested mountains to the left and right, with snow-capped peaks in the background

The GoldenPass Express

The GoldenPass Express moves through soft grass meadows dotted with a couple of wooden chalets, and rising mountains in the background

Top of Europe and Highlights of the Rhine

A low sun silhouettes the Sphinx Observatory, on a sharp peak surrounded by thick snow

Magical moments on truly memorable tours

While the Swiss scenery is undeniably stunning, we want our customers to return home having experienced even more. Our tours to Switzerland include a wonderful array of unforgettable experiences – some of which are exclusive to Great Rail Journeys. From a private tour of the ethereal Jungfrau Ice Palace to savouring a glass of chilled prosecco in full view of the incredible Palü Glacier, the magical highlights of our exquisite escorted tours will live long in your memory.

With the Bernina Express in the foreground, passengers stand on the platform at Alp Grüm looking out over a verdant valley and the Palü Glacier between two mountains

The most impressive adventures

Extraordinary rail journeys give you a front-row seat to epic views of majestic mountains and shimmering lakes as they carry you to the heart of Switzerland’s spellbinding beauty.

A Guide to the Legendary Glacier Express

Switzerland’s Glacier Express is a bucket-list experience for travellers and train enthusiasts from all over the world. If you’re planning to include the journey in your Swiss trip, expect to be spellbound by amazing and diverse scenery, including snow-dusted mountains, glacial lakes, picturesque alpine meadows, rushing gorges and more.

great rail journeys ceo

Exploring the Bernina Express Heritage

The Bernina Express holds a special place in the hearts of both locals and tourists and is dubbed “the rail experts’ best-kept secret”. This remarkable journey on the UNESCO-listed Albula Line not only offers breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps, but also takes you on a historical and cultural voyage on a winding route crossing from Switzerland to Italy.

great rail journeys ceo

On track for a new iconic Swiss rail journey

It’s safe to say that Switzerland isn’t short of iconic rail journeys – however, there’s a new kid on the block in the form of the GoldenPass Express. A hundred years in the planning, this amazing new route travels through the gorgeous Swiss Highlands from the glamorous lakeside resort of Montreux to the alpine town of Interlaken.

great rail journeys ceo

We travelled on the Interlaken & Jungfrau Express Tour. The tour was well managed with our excellent guide Ros. Nothing was too much trouble.

First time we've gone with grj (traditional glacier express). the experience was totally positive - great locations and hotels and our tour guide was brilliant., the glacier express holiday itself was nothing short of outstanding. the planned itinerary was tremendous. i recommend this grj holiday to anyone., well organised and clearly the company had put a lot of detailed planning into the tour. certainly would recommend the glacier express tour., the pinnacle of perfection.

The Bernina Express crosses an arched stone bridge over a rocky river and through a pine forest, with a glacier sweeping down the snow-capped mountains in the distance

Flexibility with hassle-free travel

Hotels that have been carefully selected, effortless travel: let us take care of everything, get to know switzerland with the experts.

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Great Rail Journeys® named ‘Best Escorted Tour Operator’ ahead of its 50th anniversary

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Great Rail Journeys  was recently named ‘Best Escorted Tour Operator’ by The Times newspaper, garnering more than 280,000 votes among a diverse selection of nominees. The annual Travel Awards celebrates the best of the travel industry. This year, more than 100 brands and destinations were nominated by readers and influential industry leaders, including travel writers and editors at The Times and The Sunday Times.

Dave Riley, CEO at Great Rail Journeys, said: “Awards like this mean a great deal to our team because it comes from our travellers and aspiring travellers. We have been single-mindedly focused on customer experience, so receiving this recognition is a celebration of all our hard work – from the teams developing and delivering the tours through to our dedicated tour managers who provide a market leading experience.”

Over the last 50 years, Great Rail Journeys has become an established voice in the travel space, providing expertise across the globe and meaningful destination knowledge that has inspired hundreds of thousands of journeys. Last year, Dave Riley was appointed as the company’s Chief Executive Officer, accelerating the brand’s growth and bringing attention to the customer experience. 

great rail journeys ceo

This announcement builds on an impressive year of accolades, having also won Best Rail Operator at the Telegraph Travel Awards in July. Great Rail Journeys hopes to continue their winning streak at The British Travel Awards where they are nominated for Best Escorted Tour Operator.

Photo credit: Great Rail Journeys

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Siemens to invest £100m in Chippenham rail factory site in Wiltshire

Plan to open new facility by 2026 comes after firm invested £200m in east Yorkshire train factory

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Siemens will invest £100m in a new manufacturing centre to replace its Chippenham rail signalling factory in Wiltshire.

The German technology company announced on Monday it would build a facility on the site of the existing Chippenham factory, which has been designing and manufacturing signalling and control systems for railways since the 19th century.

The Chippenham project is expected to open in 2026 and will be Siemens’ second big investment in a UK manufacturing site in recent years, after it invested £200m in a new train factory in Goole, east Yorkshire, which will open this year .

Siemens said the 800 staff who work on the site will be transferred over to the new facility with no impact on production.

The site, established in 1897 by signalling contractor Evans O’Donnell, was bought by Westinghouse Brake and Signal Company in 1900 and has produced systems and equipment for the UK and overseas railways ever since.

Siemens bought the site in 2013 and continued to design and produce railway systems there, including those used on the Elizabeth line that passes through London.

It is now providing digital signalling equipment to modernise the east coast mainline from London to Edinburgh.

Rob Morris, the joint CEO of Siemens Mobility UK and Ireland, said: “This investment is a strong commitment to Chippenham and our country.

“Siemens Mobility’s Chippenham site, along with our 30 sites across the country, has been transforming rail, travel and transport in Britain – and it will continue to do so with cloud-based rail technology connecting the real and the digital worlds, digitalising rail.”

The government said on Sunday it would invest £360m in several manufacturing and research projects in sectors where the UK is, or could be, world-leading.

This includes £200m for aerospace research and development schemes aimed at developing zero-carbon aircraft technology, while £120m is being spent on supporting low-carbon manufacturing through the government’s green industries growth accelerator.

The latest investment follows the publication of the government’s 47-page advanced manufacturing plan last November, which sets out its long-term proposals for increasing manufacturing output. It is backed by £4.5bn in funding over the next five years, which was announced at the autumn statement.

Hunt said: “We’re sticking with our plan by backing the industries of the future with millions of pounds of investment to make the UK a world leader in manufacturing, securing the highly skilled jobs of the future and delivering the long-term change our country needs to deliver a brighter future for Britain.”

However, Labour’s shadow business secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, criticised the government’s latest funding announcements, saying it was “incapable of providing the long-term stability manufacturing needs to thrive”.

He added: “Recycled announcements won’t be enough to turn around the lowest business investment in the G7.”

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Spain is preparing to ban short-haul flights when a train is available—and that may include private jets

MADRID, SPAIN - JANUARY 08: Aircraft parked on the runways during the last day of the Iberia handling service strike at Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas airport, January 8, 2024, in Madrid, Spain. Iberia has estimated the follow up of the handling strike among workers without minimum services at an average of 19%, being the last day of the strikes called by CCOO, UGT, USO and the Intercenters Committee in this service. The company has acknowledged in a statement that the problems "with hundreds of baggage" have been increasing in the last hours in three of the 29 airports where Iberia provides handling service, Barcelona, Bilbao and Gran Canaria. (Photo By Gustavo Valiente/Europa Press via Getty Images)

Europe’s fight to curb CO2 emissions is increasingly being taken to the continent’s skies. Now one of its biggest economies, Spain, is following France in an attempt to curb the impact of polluting aircraft.  

Under an agreement struck by Spain’s coalition government, the country is pushing to ban domestic plane routes where passengers are instead able to take a train in less than two and a half hours.

It could affect routes for several major Spanish airlines, and maybe even the country’s fleet of gas-guzzling private jets.

However, critics argue specific clauses in the ban would mean it had little effect while hurting Spain’s competitiveness, and leaves the country on a warpath with its airlines and its money-stretched citizens. 

Flight ban may hit private jets

Spain’s proposal, which was first brought to the table last year, is a clear statement of intent as the country aims for net-zero emissions by 2050.

The country has invested heavily in high-speed rail infrastructure over the past few decades, meaning a 2.5-hour train ride will go farther than in many other countries. 

Air links connecting the capital Madrid to major cities like Barcelona, Valencia, and Alicante are all geographically in the firing line. 

A study carried out by environmental group Ecologistas en Acción suggests a full implementation of the ban would affect 3 million people and almost 21,000 flights, local publication 20 Minutos reported . 

The group also estimates it would save more than 300,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually.

But scratching beneath the surface reveals an array of clauses and opposition that will dampen environmentalists’ hopes of significantly moving the dial on emissions.

Spain’s ruling contains a clause that means connection flights to international hubs will be exempt from the ban.

That means Madrid-Barajas Airport, which has formed the basis of much analysis, will likely be exempt from any bans. It also means that the impact on commercial operators is likely to be negligible.

Where it could prove more effective, though, is in mitigating the use of gas-guzzling private jets.

The Spanish coalition government’s draft document details that it is looking at the feasibility of extending flight bans to the use of private jets, which are often the bigger culprits of inefficient, CO2-emitting short-haul journeys, reports Euronews .

According to Greenpeace , more than 45,000 private jets departed from a Spanish airport in 2022, emitting 243,900 tonnes of CO2.

However, Greenpeace’s study shows many of those private jets went to luxury party destinations on Spanish islands like Ibiza, which don’t have alternative train routes.

The proposed law is in its very early stages and is expected to go through several amendments before passing through the Spanish parliament. There is no timeline for the law being passed, and it is unclear which routes will be affected.

Spain follows French neighbors

Spanish lawmakers need only look north to understand how their proposed flying ban might play out, and it doesn’t look pretty.

Neighboring France introduced a similar ban on short-haul flights last year. 

However, similar curbs allowing for international travel, combined with other logistical issues around travel times, mean the ban has only affected three routes between Paris-Orly Airport and Bordeaux, Nantes, and Lyon.

In its report, Ecologistas en Acción said that because of the exemption for international hubs, the ban in Spain would be “purely symbolic.”

Still, the Spanish government is likely to face fierce opposition from airline carriers, regardless of its apparently negligible impact on travel routes.

Last year, Spanish airline Iberia published a report highlighting that domestic flights accounted for less than 1% of total CO2 emissions in Spain.   

“Without domestic flights, it is not possible to meet the demand of the millions of travelers who need to connect with their medium- and long-haul flights,” Iberia’s global head of sales, Beatriz Guillén, said in the report.

The airline said there needed to be a much bigger network of high-speed rail routes before domestic flights could be replaced.

The country also faces a fight winning over its cost-aware residents. A study by Greenpeace analyzed 14 routes within, into, and out of Spain, finding that on 13 occasions a plane was the cheapest option.

“On average for all routes analyzed for Spain, the train cost almost four times as much as the polluting plane,” Greenpeace’s authors wrote in the report. 

“Spain has the second-largest price difference between rail and air, after the U.K.”

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  6. Great Rail Journeys appoints chief operating officer

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COMMENTS

  1. York-based tour provider Great Rail Journeys appoints new CEO

    By Michael Crossland. Published 7th Sep 2022, 05:45 GMT. Dave Riley (pictured) has been appointed the new CEO of York-baded Great Rail Journeys. Mr Riley joined the company in October 2018 and was ...

  2. Dave Riley Appointed CEO of Great Rail Journeys

    Vacations By Rail, the U.S.-based operation of the Great Rail Journeys family of brands, announced that Dave Riley has been appointed CEO for the global entity, which includes York-based Great Rail Journeys and Rail Discoveries, as well as Chicago-based Vacations By Rail. The Great Rail Journeys family of brands serve as the world's leading ...

  3. New CEO for Great Rail Journeys

    September 7, 2022. Great Rail Journeys, the York-based escorted tour and river cruise provider, has announced Dave Riley, currently Group CFO, will take on the role of CEO for The Great Rail Journeys family of brands. With nearly five decades of success under its belt, Great Rail Journeys, which also incorporates the Chicago based company ...

  4. Great Rail Journeys appoints a new chief operating officer

    Dave Riley, Great Rail Journeys CEO, said: "I am delighted to announce that we have appointed Steve Lee as our Chief Operating Officer. As we continue to deliver more European tours to our US customers, creating a single operational unit was the logical next step. Steve has been an invaluable leader since joining us at Great Rail Journeys and ...

  5. Great Rail Journeys appoints new CEO

    Gary Peters, 06 September 2022. Great Rail Journeys, the York-based escorted tour and river cruise provider, has announced that Dave Riley will take over as CEO. Riley - the company's chief financial officer - has been appointed following a "rigorous selection process", the operator said. He joined the company in October 2018 and was ...

  6. Great Rail Journeys appoints new CEO

    Great Rail Journeys appoints new CEO. Saturday, 07 Sep, 2022 0. York-based escorted tour and river cruise provider Great Rail Journeys has appointed Dave Riley new CEO.

  7. New CEO to drive Great Rail Journeys' growth

    7 Sep 2022 Yorkshire Business, International. York-based premium travel business Great Rail Journeys has named a new chief executive. Dave Riley, formerly group chief financial officer, has taken over the role of CEO for The Great Rail Journeys family of brands from Peter Liney. The transition has been planned for some time.

  8. Great Rail Journeys appoints new CEO

    York-based escorted tour and river cruise provider Great Rail Journeys has appointed Dave Riley new CEO. Riley was previously Group CFO. With nearly five decades of success under its belt, Great Rail Journeys, which also incorporates the Chicago based company Vacations By Rail, offers over 200 escorted and independent rail and river cruise holidays.

  9. PDF New CEO for Great Rail Journeys

    currently Group CFO, will take on the role of CEO for The Great Rail Journeys family of brands. With nearly five decades of success under its belt, Great Rail Journeys, which also incorporates the Chicago based company Vacations By Rail, offers a range of more than 200 escorted and independent rail and river cruise holidays in 50+ countries ...

  10. Vacations By Rail® Introduces New Global Chief Executive Officer

    Dave Riley, currently group CFO, to assume CEO role, furthering the global growth strategy of the Great Rail Journeys family of brands. CHICAGO, Sept. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Vacations By Rail®, the U.S. based operation of the Great Rail Journeys family of brands, announced that Dave Riley has been appointed CEO for the global entity, which includes York-based Great Rail Journeys and Rail ...

  11. Great Rail Journeys

    Great Rail Journeys, based in York, United Kingdom, is a tour operator that offers escorted worldwide rail tour holidays. The company is Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) and Air Travel Organisers' Licensing (ATOL) -bonded and is a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO) .

  12. Great Rail Journeys CEO, Founder, Key Executive Team, Board of

    Explore {Great Rail Journeys's key management people. Discover current leadership team members including founders, CEO, other executives and board directors. Great Rail Journeys CEO, Founder, Key Executive Team, Board of Directors & Employees

  13. Great Rail Journeys names Dave Riley new chief executive

    Great Rail Journeys, the York-based tour and river cruise specialist, has appointed its finance chief Dave Riley as CEO. Dave joined in 2018 and has helped to expand the business globally by incorporating the US-based vacation firm By Rail Holidays. Read the full article.

  14. CEO Peter Liney

    Explore stunning Switzerland by train with Great Rail Journeys. Read our blog for insider tips on the best scenic routes and unforgettable experiences. Read more. Classic Japan - A visit by CEO Peter Liney and family. 21/01/2016 · By Peter Liney. Read our CEO Peter Liney's account of Classic Japan trip that he took together with his family in ...

  15. David Riley

    Experience: Great Rail Journeys · Location: York, England, United Kingdom · 500+ connections on LinkedIn. View David Riley's profile on LinkedIn, a professional community of 1 billion members.

  16. Great Rail Journeys

    Peter Liney, CEO of Great Rail Journeys, said: "We have enjoyed for some time a very good working relationship with Todd, Cole and the team at Vacations By Rail. We know they are first class operators and have built an enviable position in North America as the leading independent and escorted provider of holidays by rail.

  17. Great Rail Journeys

    The Great Rail Journeys group of companies, comprising Great Rail Journeys, RailSelect, Treyn Holidays and The Rail Discovery Company, is the UK's leading operator of holidays by rail. Over 100 people work at the company headquarters in York and more than 250 Tour Managers escort over 1,800 tours departing every year.

  18. Great Rail Journeys appoints two new commercial leaders

    November 27, 2023. Great Rail Journeys - Left to right, Neil Sabey, Paul Evans, Dave Riley, Rob Payne, Richard Macklin. The Great Rail Journeys (GRJ) group has announced a continued strengthening of its UK leadership team to further drive the digital and customer first strategy. Following their recent win at the Times Travel Awards as 'Best ...

  19. GREAT RAIL JOURNEYS LIMITED people

    GREAT RAIL JOURNEYS LIMITED - Free company information from Companies House including registered office address, filing history, accounts, annual return, officers, charges, business activity

  20. About Great Rail Journeys

    Our Journey in Rail and River Travel: A Global Legacy. Since our inception in 1973, Great Rail Journeys has not just been the UK's premier provider of rail-based holidays and river cruises, but also a part of a larger family of travel experts. Alongside our sister companies, Rail Discoveries in the UK and Vacations by Rail in the USA, we've ...

  21. Executive team

    Mark Hopwood - Managing Director. Mark is the Managing Director of Great Western Railway. Starting his career at Reading station in 1989 he worked for British Rail, Railtrack and several train operators including Thames Trains, First North Western, c2c, Silverlink, Gatwick Express and WAGN. Mark was appointed Managing Director at First Great ...

  22. Switzerland

    Dave Riley, CEO, Great Rail Journeys. Explore. The iconic rail journeys of Switzerland. Glacier Express, Zermatt and Matterhorn. Witness Switzerland's dramatic alpine scenery on an incredible journey between the beautiful towns of St Moritz and Zermatt, with amazing views of the iconic Matterhorn.

  23. Great Rail Journeys® named 'Best Escorted Tour Operator' ahead of its

    Dave Riley, CEO at Great Rail Journeys, said: "Awards like this mean a great deal to our team because it comes from our travellers and aspiring travellers. We have been single-mindedly focused on customer experience, so receiving this recognition is a celebration of all our hard work - from the teams developing and delivering the tours ...

  24. Siemens to invest £100m in Chippenham rail factory site in Wiltshire

    Plan to open new facility by 2026 comes after firm invested £200m in east Yorkshire train factory Siemens will invest £100m in a new manufacturing centre to replace its Chippenham rail ...

  25. Spain prepares to ban short-haul flights when a train is available—it

    Spain is preparing to ban short-haul flights when a train is available—and that may include private jets BY Ryan Hogg Spain's plan to curb domestic air travel has received fierce opposition.