Media centre

Monday 5 Sep 2005

JOURNALISTS NAME NETWORK RAIL’S MEDIA TEAM AS BEST IN THE BUSINESS

Region & Route:

National

UK transport journalists have nominated the media relations team at Network Rail winners of the “Outstanding Press Office” award at the National Rail Awards 2005 – for the second year running. MORI carries out a survey of transport correspondents and teams up with Rail Magazine to recognise the top press office in the rail industry. In its commendation Rail Magazine, said: "Network Rail’s media team represents an organisation that is not only relatively new, but undertaking a series of controversial decisions that would have created some serious ripples if the message explaining the reasons and benefits had not clearly been conveyed. “They have demonstrated throughout the year that they have the skills to do this, and their relationship with those who regularly need their services is second to none." Victoria Pender, Network Rail’s Group Director of Government & Corporate Affairs said: “This special award is great tribute to our communications team – both nationally and at our six regional offices. The rail business is one of the most high-profile industries in the UK and we handle around 25,000 enquiries from the media every year. “It is a fast moving and complex environment and we strive to deliver timely and accurate information. It is especially rewarding to be recognised for this by the journalists themselves.” MORI, Britain's best-known independent market research company, undertakes an annual survey of transport journalists, providing an independent and systematic review of key opinions on companies within the rail sector, and the industry as a whole.  This year MORI and Rail Magazine again joined forces to make a special award for the most impressive press office and communications team, as nominated by this year's sample of 30 journalists who have almost daily contact with rail industry media relations teams. The award was presented at the National Rail Awards ceremony to: Kevin Groves, Network Rail’s National Media Relations Manager. The National Rail Awards ceremony was held on Thursday 2 September at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.