As the Chief Operating Officer, my recent trip from the UK to Toronto was a whirlwind of meetings, events, and invaluable networking opportunities. The vibrant energy of Toronto, lively sporting scene and the chance to meet both old and new acquaintances made this trip particularly memorable. Here’s a recap of the highlights from my visit.
Arrival and Initial Impressions
On approach to Toronto, I was reminded of the city’s impressive skyline, which is punctuated by the iconic CN Tower and Blue Jays arena, and this is backed up by the picturesque Lake Ontario and Toronto Islands. On the first day, I got to sample some of Toronto’s thriving multicultural food (Poutine) whilst taking in scene some of the local sporting events on screen – NBA Finals and Stanley Cup, which had a Canada interest.
Meeting the Toronto Team
Our Toronto community has a wonderful blend of talented professionals that drives our success. It was great to see and hear their enthusiasm with their involvement in helping to achieve our business goals. It was a positive reminder that our fantastic company culture that we have built in the UK, is already well established in Canada. We also welcomed John Dorman to the team, as VP Operations, who will be helping to deliver quality outcomes for our existing clients at the same time as supporting our ambitious growth plans in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. I held a series of strategic meetings to align our goals and discuss upcoming projects. The synergy and excitement within the team was fantastic, and I left each session with a renewed sense of purpose and direction.
Attending the Transit Rail Association for Canadian Contractors (TRACCS) Rail Day Event
One of the highlights of my trip was attending my first TRACCS Experience. TRACCS continues to grow as a respected industry conference in Toronto, with a high number of clients and professional associations exhibiting at the event. This event was a melting pot of industry leaders, innovators, and key stakeholders. I had the pleasure of reconnecting with long-time clients and forging relationships with new ones.
Networking and Social Opportunities
Beyond the formal meetings and events, Toronto offered ample opportunities for networking in a more relaxed setting. One of the standout experiences was attending a baseball game with Blue Jays playing the Boston Red Sox. It was not just about the sport, and it was not the result that the home supporters were hoping for, but it was a great evening regardless.
Supporting the Future of Railway Engineering
One cause that I’m particularly passionate about is supporting the ‘Railway Futures’ organisation. This initiative aims to introduce new a Rail Industry Charity focussed on STEM working in Canadian schools, colleges and helping graduates into the railway engineering and construction industry, to help address the critical shortage of skilled personnel in this field. During my trip, I had the chance to discuss potential collaborations and ways we can support this great cause. Encouraging young talent to enter the industry is not only beneficial for their careers but also vital for the sustainability and growth of railway infrastructure globally.
Reflecting on the Trip
As I reflect on my week in Toronto, I am grateful for the opportunity to connect with our team and clients. The face-to-face interactions and shared experiences have undoubtedly strengthened our relationships and paved the way for future collaborations. Additionally, exploring ways to support ‘Railway Futures’ has added a new dimension to our corporate social responsibility efforts.
This trip was more than just a business visit; it was about building bridges and fostering a sense of community within our global operations. I return to the UK full of pride for the achievements of the team in Canada, and with lots of new ideas to explore.
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