An Avanti West Coast employee who has greeted and served passengers from Penrith and station up and down the Westcoast mainline has received a prestigious industry award recognising her 40 years of service to the railway.
Wendy Garrett, AvantiWest Coast Catering Business Partner, was presented with the highest honour at the Rail Business Awards 2026 – the Richard Hope Award, which celebrates those who have made an outstanding contribution to the industry.
The award ceremony, hosted in Manchester, recognises the many individuals and companies whose vision, innovation and commitment help to shape the UK rail sector.
Wendy began her career in July 1985, aged 15, as an Onboard Catering Steward at London Euston after completing her O-Level exams. She soon began training others in the same role and became an On Board Manager – looking after employees who worked on trains.
With a passion for training and sharing knowledge with peers, Wendy moved into the Catering Team where she helped develop new onboard sales systems.
In recent years, Wendy has played a key role in shaping the catering proposition across Avanti West Coast’s fleet. This has included supporting the £117m refurbishment of the Pendolino trains and the introduction of the new Evero fleet.
In her current role as Catering Proposition Partner, she focuses on championing small producers local to the West Coast Main Line – stocking their products in the On Board Shop or featuring them on the First Class menu.
Described as a “friendly face” by colleagues, Wendy is always happy to help others and openly shares her wisdom that she has built over four decades on the railway. She currently mentors young people in Avanti West Coast who are new to the industry.
Reflecting on her achievement, Wendy said: “I was incredibly touched to have been nominated for the Richard Hope Award. There are so many amazing people working in our industry, so to win this accolade and be recognised amongst them feels really special.
“A lot of people have supported, inspired, and helped me throughout my career, which has always been centred around onboard from the very beginning. Onboard service and catering can sometime be overlooked, so this award is for everyone in those roles who look after our customers day in, day out.”
Andy Mellors, Managing Director at Avanti West Coast, said: “I’m incredibly proud of all the teams and individuals that were nominated at the Rail Business Awards. A huge congratulations to Wendy on her well-deserved award win. With more than four decades of service to the industry, she is truly worthy of this recognition for her outstanding contribution.
“Wendy’s award is a testament to her dedication, passion, and the positive contribution she has made throughout her career. It’s not only a brilliant personal achievement but a proud moment for us all.”
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