ESL Secure Major Network Rail Framework

ESL are delighted to announce that following a tender process dating back to 2020, we have successfully been awarded a place on the £150m+ Network Rail Frontline Labour Framework to supply specialist rail electrification operatives throughout the UK. This contract forms part of the wider £950m labour supply framework across all rail disciplines.

Running until 2026, with a possible extension until 2029, ESL will support Network Rail to deliver its ambitious programme of rail electrification projects throughout CP6 and CP7. In addition, Network Rail will have the option to direct its existing delivery partners to utilise the framework for major projects on the rail network.

ESL’s successful bid was based on a commitment to build the best and most reliable pool of rail electrification resources in the UK. As opposed to a traditional labour agency model, ESL will provide a structure based on our existing model of self-delivery that can adapt with the changing demands from Network Rail and to react to resourcing issues when they arise. ESL will do this by recruiting the best workers available in the industry as well as developing the next generation of workers through investment in training and development.

“As an electrification engineering and delivery specialist in our own right, ESL understand the challenges faced by Network Rail and its supply chain in regard to the limited supply of labour available across the UK. ESL’s strategy towards recruitment is therefore based on three core principles. Firstly, we use our knowledge of the UK electrification industry to identify and attract the best resources in the market. Secondly, we target individuals currently outside of the industry but with obvious transferable skillsets. Finally, we will look to sectors of society that are currently underrepresented in the industry and try to find people with the right mindset and motivation to forge a career in the rail sector.” – ESL Head of Commercial, Matt Hardy.

Rowan Lewis, joint founder and director of ESL says “This is a major milestone in the growth of the business since our formation in 2015, and is our first Network Rail Framework contract, an achievement that the whole team can be immensely proud of. Bringing the management of our specialist construction resources in house has been a game changer for ESL and has enabled us to better match our site requirements with not only pre-requisite competencies but the appropriate levels of experience for the tasks in hand. This has helped us to ensure safe and efficient delivery whilst maintaining industry leading quality and workmanship.”

Fellow director Brett Moore added “Since we began trading one of our primary challenges has been resourcing our projects with consistent good quality labour with this framework win we can not only support Network Rail but additionally support our internal delivery teams. This is a fantastic achievement for ESL and we are immensely proud of the team who put the bid together.”