Who Are We
Mike Horne, Director
Mike has nearly 30 years experience of the transport sector, with great expertise in delivery of improved front line service to customers, successful revenue-generating commercial activity and the management of change.
Since jointly founding Fifth Dimension Associates Ltd Mike has concentrated on exploring new business opportunities for the railway industry. The writer of FDAL’s Railway In A Day® course, Mike's focus remains improvement of the passenger experience through better communication and knowledge. In addition, he has extensive involvement in various technical, operational and business research activities.
David Burton, Technical Director
A chartered engineer with wide-ranging commercial and engineering experience in Europe's public and private sectors, David is an accomplished technical advisor and problem solver.
Whilst at London Underground David was responsible for a radical overhaul in the approach to lighting on the tube, including the introduction of external lighting designers in order to bring in new concepts and strategies to the network.
David brings invaluable technical and engineering expertise to FDAL, and is responsible for the design and implementation of several major engineering and lighting projects which are currently underway.
Rodney Kerr, Director
A former senior advisor to both Railtrack and London Underground, Rodney combines considerable experience in the rail industry with sharp business acumen. He has worked extensively on the continent, representing the interests of a variety of European clients in the UK market.
Rodney pioneered the concept of video location of rail assets, using both GPS and GIS mapping technology. As a director of FDAL he is currently exploring the best use of technology and remote learning in the transport sector to help improve staff knowledge in an ever changing environment.
Richard Squire, General Manager
As General Manager of FDAL Richard is able to apply his extensive skills and experience in the commercial railway sector, having spent many years working for London Underground in the procurement and contract management fields.
He has considerable experience in setting up and managing revenue generating contracts, including developing and expanding the range of non ticket revenue to benefit London Underground. Richard was also responsible for the tendering of LU's commercial advertising portfolio. A contract eventually valued at over £1bn.
With his experience of both sides of commercial tendering and procurement Richard is well placed to offer balanced insightful consultancy on a range of issues, ultimately achieving the best solution possible for our clients.
Ernie Boddington, Principal Consultant
With a lifelong career in railway power and M&E engineering, Ernie has unrivalled experience in the field and in the delivery of major projects. With over 25 year's front line management experience in railway HV power supply installation, operation and maintenance he has a wide range of skills and knowledge to support projects on existing infrastructure as well as new-build. Ernie was the head of Station Services for London Underground on the Jubilee Line Extension Project, handling contracts with a value in excess of 100 million and ensuring delivery of the services side of the project on time. Overall a strong engineer and project manager at a senior level.
As one of FDAL's principal consultants Ernie supports our varied technical activities and contracts, bringing his engineering knowledge and experience to bear, particularly at the design review and data analysis stages.
Mike Bletcher, Principal Consultant
Mike is a senior railway signal and electrical engineer with many years experience. His early career focused on railway signalling with London Underground, culminating in a senior management role which included commissioning and testing of railway signal installations.
Subsequently he became head of London Underground's electrical division, controlling direct labour organizations as well as their generating station and company electrical standards. He is responsible for co-ordinating and compiling on behalf of a major transport organization responses to engineering and technical research queries from a wide range of international transport bodies.
Aleksejs Jermakovs, Project Delivery Manager
Aleksejs is responsible for our field services and manages our team of field engineers and post- processing staff. He holds a BSc in Business Administration and and also provides general business support. Aleksejs has strong people and leadership skills and is used to managing and developing teams.
He has had considerable experience in delivering Network Rail projects on site and is PTS trained. He also knows his way around the London Underground having been involved over several years in major projects relating to track and power, helping further to develop his leadership and management skills.
Alan Tunnicliffe, Business Development Manager
Alan has a background with London Underground followed by roles within AdTranz and Bombardier focusing on sales and staff development. His communication and presentation skills are first class, and combined with front line customer service management experience, he is able to bring these aptitudes to bear in many different client fields.
With the ability to be able to communicate at all levels Alan is responsible for developing FDAL's marketing, communication and training areas. Alan is part of the team that is helping to develop FDAL's Railway In A Day® course and other new products and services
Natalie Jones, Operations Support Assistant
Natalie has considerable organizational skills and is responsible for FDAL’s data manipulation and administration. Dealing with contractors, clients and managers alike, she ensures that any job is performed with maximum efficiency and minimal fuss. Or else.
