TransPennine Express named Employer of the Year at Greater Manchester business awards
TransPennine Express (TPE) has been crowned Employer of the Year at a prestigious business awards ceremony, recognising the company’s dedication to its people as much as to its passengers.
The train operator won the accolade at the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce Excellence Awards, which took place on Friday 10 October.
With its head office in the heart of Manchester, TPE is best known for running train services across the North and into Scotland – but it’s the company’s people-first approach that has been turning heads.
Employing around 1,900 staff, TPE has built a strong reputation for being inclusive, supportive, and committed to helping colleagues reach their potential. The company continues to invest in initiatives that make a difference to daily working life.
A total of 30 per cent of job applicants now come from ethnic minority backgrounds, and LGBTQ+ representation within the workforce has reached 10 per cent – well above the national average.
Career development is well supported through schemes such as Rise Management and Aspire Frontline, designed to help women and minority colleagues progress into leadership roles. Around 30 per cent of those taking part in Rise Management have already advanced into new positions.
Nicola Buckley, People Director at TransPennine Express, said: “This award reflects the incredible work our teams do every day to make TPE a great place to work. We’re proud to be recognised for our commitment to our people and the communities we serve. Winning Employer of the Year marks a major achievement for TransPennine Express – and a reminder that when businesses invest in their people, everyone benefits.”
Earlier this year, TPE’s Week of Inclusion drew praise for a powerful photography exhibition at Manchester Victoria and Hull Paragon stations, highlighting the stories of 15 colleagues from across the business.
Employee wellbeing is another area of strength. The train operator has trained ‘wellbeing champions’ across the business and provides a wide range of resources to support staff.
TPE also achieved the Inclusive Employers Silver accreditation earlier this year – as well as picking up Employer of the Year at the Women in Rail Awards.