Rail services provider ISS Labour has appointed its former chief executive in a new role.

Simon Higgens MBE has been announced as the firm’s first group business development and strategic partnerships director.

The appointment is to help the company target growth over the next few years, following ‘positive’ results from Network Rail’s recent planning round.

The role has been created in the light of the ever-increasing importance of collaboration between clients and suppliers in the successful delivery of rail infrastructure projects.

Mr Higgens, who was chief executive of ISS Labour between 2014 and 2017, will be responsible for identifying and nurturing supply and partnership opportunities nationwide.

He will be based at ISS Labour’s Warwick Bridge office, near Carlisle.

Mr Higgens said: “I’m delighted to be re-joining ISS Labour at such an exciting time.

“The business has seen strong growth in recent years and we have diversified and expanded our service offering significantly.

“ISS Labour is able to supply a UK-wide complete delivery service in track renewals, projects, overhead line equipment, signalling and telecoms, maintenance and minor works.

“We’re involved in rail projects and civils, as a labour provider and a supplier of site lighting, fencing and other services.”

Gary Beeston, ISS Labour’s managing director, added: “Simon has an exceptional knowledge of the people and priorities of our industry. I have known him for several years and believe he’s ideally placed to help us fulfil our ambitious development plans for the future.”