MEET THE TEAM:

---

With over 25 years of experience in the arboriculture and rail industries, Andy is a seasoned leader in vegetation management and a trusted Contractors Responsible Engineer (CRE) for de-vegetation works. As a Founder of Arb Access Group since 2012, he has successfully 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 his ability to coordinate large-scale works during possessions and emergency call-outs, while maintaining strong client relationships and a culture of zero-compromise on safety.

With a track record of scaling a successful de-vegetation business and driving continuous improvement, Andy remains at the forefront of innovation in rail-based environmental works.

Sam brings over a decade of experience in 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 £10M+ per annum portfolio spanning vegetation management, fencing, vermin control, and geotechnical enabling works.

Previously serving as 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—valued at over £150M. With deep expertise in NEC/NR contract management, supply chain governance, KPI frameworks, and commercial reporting, Sam is known for driving operational excellence, high client satisfaction, and sustained business growth.

A Chartered professional with a First-Class Honours in Quantity Surveying, Sam combines technical knowledge, commercial acumen, and leadership capability to deliver safe, efficient, and high-performing outcomes across the rail sector.

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.

Known for his ability to lead diverse teams and maintain high safety and quality standards, John continues to drive Arb Access Group’s growth by combining strong industry knowledge with a focus on operational excellence and client satisfaction.

With over 19 years of experience in the rail industry, Scott brings a practical understanding of rail construction and enabling operations. Scott has spent the past 10 years in a Senior Project Management role, successfully delivering major infrastructure projects valued in excess of £250 million.

His expertise spans all phases of project delivery, including programming, contract management, engineering assurance, cost estimation and the effective management of materials and multidisciplinary teams. He has a proven track record in ensuring project performance through robust KPI reporting and operation procedures, while maintaining the highest standards in Health, Safety, Quality, and Environmental  compliance.

Scott is experienced across a wide range of rail and associated construction disciplines, including Permanent Way, minor civils, fencing, vegetation management, RRAP (Road Rail Access Point) installation, troughing, LOC bases, compound construction and also public liaison. Scott's ability to manage complex logistics and stakeholder expectations has been critical to the success of time-sensitive and safety-critical projects.

Driven, detail-oriented and operationally focused, Scott takes pride in leading high performing teams and delivering projects that meet both client specifications and long term public benefit, safely and efficiently.

Matt is a dynamic and accomplished 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 capabilities, and a proven ability to deliver technically robust and compliant project

outcomes. Committed to upholding the highest standards of safety, quality, and innovation while fostering collaboration among stakeholders, clients, and interdisciplinary teams.

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 as HSQE Manager at Arb Access Group. Since 2014, she has played a pivotal role in managing risk, coordinating training compliance, and ensuring the company maintains its rigorous audit and certification standards—including RISQS, ISO, and Network Rail Sentinel requirements.

Deborah’s career journey spans bookkeeping, office management, and HSQE leadership, underpinned by a solid foundation of professional qualifications, including NEBOSH General Certificate, TechIOSH, IOSH Managing Safely, and CMI Level 5 in Business Management. She is also responsible for maintaining competence matrices, overseeing incident investigations, managing risk assessments and method statements, and ensuring subcontractor compliance.

Known for her proactive mindset and high standards, Deborah is a driving force behind Arb Access Group’s continual improvement in health, safety, and operational delivery—bringing diligence, structure, and commitment to every aspect of the business.

Steve is a highly accomplished and results-driven Ground Engineer with over 24 years of international experience in the geotechnical and civil engineering sectors. His professional journey spans across the UK, Canada, and Australia, integrating both consulting and contracting environments. With a First-Class Honours Degree in Geology and a Master's Degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Steve possesses an in-depth understanding of complex ground conditions, and applies a pragmatic and analytical approach to mitigating ground-related risks. His extensive managerial experience, complemented by tertiary-level leadership training, demonstrates his passion for team development and strategic delivery. Since returning to the UK in 2013, Steve has held key positions within the rail industry, including roles with Network Rail and major engineering consultancies. His contributions have included asset management, specialist inspections (notably post-Stonehaven derailment), construction management of large-scale earthworks, and strategic geotechnical leadership.

With over 15 years of experience in the rail industry, Paul brings a wealth of operational and project delivery expertise to his role at Arb Access Group. Having progressed from a ground operative to roles including Controller of Site Safety (COSS), IRATA-qualified rope access technician, and NPTC-certified tree climber, Paul offers a unique, hands-on understanding of safe and efficient work delivery in high-risk environments.

Now serving as a certified Planner and Project Manager, Paul oversees multiple vegetation management and access schemes across the UK rail network. His leadership ensures that projects are delivered safely, on time, and to the highest quality standards—whether planned enabling works or fast-response reactive programmes.

Paul’s depth of technical knowledge, combined with his ability to manage teams and coordinate with clients and stakeholders, makes him an invaluable asset in delivering safe, compliant, and high-performance outcomes across a wide range of rail infrastructure projects.

With over 11 years of hands-on experience in vegetation management across the UK rail network, Steph brings deep industry knowledge and a proven track record in delivering both planned and reactive schemes safely and efficiently. Steph's role encompasses the day-to-day coordination of earthwork enabling works and inspections to line-side cuttings and embankments—ensuring stability, access, and environmental compliance across a variety of challenging rail environments.

He has led numerous large-scale vegetation and earthworks projects, overseeing teams and operations from planning through to completion. Holding a wide range of NPTC climbing and ground-based competencies, alongside most safety-critical rail qualifications—including Engineering Supervisor—Steph is equipped to manage and deliver work to the highest safety and operational standards.

Whether responding to urgent reactive works or planning complex schemes, Steph is committed to keeping the railway and it's people safe, clear, and operational.