A family-run rail contractor that self-delivers.

Sam Marsden-Urquhart

Sam brings over a decade of experience delivering complex, multi-disciplinary infrastructure projects across the UK rail network. As a director at ARB Access Group, he leads strategic planning, national delivery programmes and commercial performance, overseeing a portfolio spanning vegetation management, fencing, vermin control and geotechnical enabling works.

Previously Framework Lead at QTS Group, Sam managed Network Rail’s Eastern Civils Asset Management Framework, delivering thousands of planned and reactive works annually, ranging from drainage and de-vegetation to geotechnical and structural repairs. A chartered professional with a First-Class Honours in Quantity Surveying, he combines technical knowledge, commercial acumen and leadership to deliver safe, efficient, high-performing outcomes across the rail sector.

Andy Turner

With over 25 years of experience in the arboriculture and rail industries, Andy is a seasoned leader in vegetation management and a trusted Contractor’s Responsible Engineer (CRE) for de-vegetation works. As a founder of ARB Access Group since 2012, he has overseen the delivery of high-risk, safety-critical projects across the UK rail network, ensuring operational efficiency, compliance with Network Rail standards and the highest levels of workforce readiness.

Andy brings deep technical expertise in arboricultural operations, including aerial cutting, tree felling and machine-based clearance, supported by extensive industry accreditations (PTS, CS41, UA1 and more). He is recognised for coordinating large-scale works during possessions and emergency call-outs while maintaining strong client relationships and a culture of zero-compromise on safety.

John Marples

With over 25 years of experience spanning rope access, geotechnical works and rail operations, John has developed a proven track record of delivering complex projects safely and efficiently. As a founder of ARB Access Group since 2012, he provides strategic leadership across all areas of operations, finance and project delivery, ensuring the business consistently meets RISQS, ISO and Network Rail compliance standards.

John’s career began in rope access, where he progressed to IRATA Level 3 and managed high-risk access and geotechnical schemes across the UK. This hands-on technical expertise, combined with his operational and commercial acumen, allows him to balance business strategy with on-the-ground practicality.

Kiy Venus

Charlotte Venus

Matthew O’Brien

Matt is an Engineering Geologist with over 20 years of comprehensive experience across the geotechnical, geo-environmental and infrastructure domains. Adept at leading teams and managing complex investigations for high-profile rail, civil and environmental projects. Known for meticulous attention to detail, strong leadership and a proven ability to deliver technically robust and compliant project outcomes.

Steve Hill

Steve is a Ground Engineer with over 24 years of international experience in geotechnical and civil engineering across the UK, Canada and Australia. With a First-Class Honours Degree in Geology and a Master’s in Geotechnical Engineering, he holds an in-depth understanding of complex ground conditions. Since returning to the UK in 2013, he has held key positions within the rail industry, including roles with Network Rail and major engineering consultancies.

Michael Curzon

Paul Fretwell

With over 15 years of experience in the rail industry, Paul has progressed from ground operative to COSS, IRATA-qualified rope access technician and NPTC-certified tree climber, giving him a unique hands-on understanding of safe delivery in high-risk environments. Now a certified Planner and Project Manager, Paul oversees multiple vegetation management and access schemes across the UK rail network.

Steph Kolody

With over 11 years of hands-on experience in vegetation management across the UK rail network, Steph coordinates earthwork enabling works and inspections to lineside cuttings and embankments, ensuring stability, access and environmental compliance across a variety of challenging rail environments. He holds NPTC climbing and ground-based competencies alongside most safety-critical rail qualifications, including Engineering Supervisor.

Deborah Ward

With over a decade of experience supporting operational excellence across the rail and training sectors, Deborah brings a rare blend of financial, compliance and health & safety expertise to her role. Since 2014, she has managed risk, coordinated training compliance and ensured the company maintains its rigorous audit and certification standards, including RISQS, ISO and Network Rail Sentinel requirements.

Deborah holds NEBOSH General Certificate, TechIOSH, IOSH Managing Safely and CMI Level 5 in Business Management. She oversees competence matrices, incident investigations, risk assessments, method statements and subcontractor compliance.

Jake Hart

Blake Venus

William Rafferty

Liam Nelthorpe

George David Paterson

Simon Wren

Nicole Rodgers

Danielle Merry

Darren Barson

Maia Hendry

Jenna Miley