On the move: the latest East Midlands hires | TheBusinessDesk.com

Julie Davidson, quality manager for Lincoln-headquartered aviation and highways specialist Jointline, has been named as the first female chair of the Road Safety Markings Association (RSMA) in its 47-year history.

Established in 1976, the RSMA is one of the largest specialist trade bodies in the highways sector, that works with partners and stakeholders to create a safer road network. Current priorities include the challenges of reducing the carbon emissions of heavy plant machinery, driving industry-wide recruitment and specialist training, and the maintenance of line markings on the UK’s road network, which must develop swiftly to support the technology required for autonomous vehicles.

Davidson takes over from Justin Fischbach who was in post for 12 months. She will be supported by Rob Shearing, the recently appointed CEO, who joined the membership organisation in May, having previously been CEO of Wolverhampton City Credit Union.

Davidson said: “It is an honour to sit on the board of the RSMA and I am excited to continue the work of Justin Fischbach as the new chair. A lot of the work undertaken at Jointline to invest in specialist training, recruit apprentices to learn from our experienced workforce, and our journey to net zero, is relevant to the wider membership. I hope that my appointment will help to encourage more women into the industry.

“With a General Election likely next Autumn, the RSMA will also be campaigning for enhanced infrastructure investment. Upgrading the UK’s road markings would help ensure safer journeys for all and pave the way for the gradual introduction of autonomous vehicles.”

An army veteran with a passion for the environment and restoring classic motorbikes has joined the team at an East Midlands rail maintenance firm.

Ed Wakeford is the new project manager at MTMS, based in Moira, near Swadlincote, as he takes charge of managing

Ed Wakeford

its operations at the Craigentinny Train Maintenance Centre, near Edinburgh in Scotland.

Wakeford said: “I love it here as it’s such a nice group of people and this will always be a top priority for me. It is hard being new, but I enjoy going into work and I feel well supported as well as being able to support everyone else.

“It’s always changing and there’s always something new to pick up. The team has also made me feel very welcome, which is always important when you’re just starting out.”

His role at Craigentinny will include overseeing the work at the depot, communicating with suppliers and manufacturers and liaising with clients.