People behind the partnership: Stuart Jones
Date published:
Ahead of our September newsletter, we caught up with Stuart Jones, Managing Director at First Rail Open Access, the operator of Chamber Partner members, Lumo.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself, your role, and what drives you in your work?
I’m Stuart Jones, Managing Director of First Rail Open Access, which includes Lumo, Hull Trains, as well as First Rail Stirling and First Rail Wales and Western. I’ve been with FirstGroup for over 13 years, having previously worked in consultancy on major multimodal transport projects including Crossrail and HS2. My journey with Lumo began in 2015, helping build the commercial case for a new open access service, which launched in 2021.
What drives me is building something that’s both meaningful and different – something that puts customers first, that creates opportunities, and that delivers tangible benefits to communities. Lumo’s success in the North East has been about more than trains – it’s about the people and partnerships, as well as pride in what we’re offering. Outside work, I’m a keen runner and find that the focus and discipline of marathon training has helped shape my professional mindset too.
Collaboration & Partnerships
How important is collaboration in driving regional success and how has the Chamber helped you forge connections, influence policy, or support regional investment?
Collaboration is absolutely central to what we do at First Rail. Open access rail is all about growing the market, not just competing for what’s already there. That means working with local businesses, politicians, and partners to build services that genuinely add value to the region. In the North East, the Chamber has been instrumental in connecting us with community organisations, local suppliers, and decision-makers.
Through the Chamber, we’ve embedded ourselves in the local fabric, partnering with the Newcastle Eagles, for example, and sourcing from amazing local companies like Ringtons. Working with the Chamber has also allowed us to amplify our message to MPs and other stakeholders in the region, which is vital. Their advocacy has helped us showcase not just the commercial case for services like Lumo, but the community benefit too.
Skills, Talent & Community Impact
What role do companies like yours play in retaining talent and making the region a great place to live and work?
We truly see ourselves as a platform for opportunity, and I think we’ve shown that over the past four or five years, where we’ve created so many new opportunities within the rail industry, particularly in the North East. Our customer-first culture has attracted incredible talent, many from aviation and hospitality, and we’ve created real career pathways, like customer ambassadors becoming drivers. That sort of progression is rare in the rail industry and something we are really proud of.
Diversity is at the heart of what we do, too. A diverse, empowered team helps us offer a better service, and our presence in the North East helps retain and grow regional talent. We also make a conscious effort to support local supply chains, bringing regional produce on board and working with North East businesses whenever we can. It’s about making the region stronger – economically, socially, and culturally.
Looking Ahead
What are the biggest opportunities for people-led growth in the North East, and how do you see your organisation contributing?
The future lies in connectivity, now more than ever, both physical and economic. Open access rail has a real role to play here. It helps to create affordable, sustainable alternatives to road and air travel, opening up new markets, and serving places that are currently underserved. We’re optimistic about growing our presence, with potential new routes under consideration and major investments in new trains, like the £500m Hitachi order that will benefit both the North East and the wider UK enormously.
My advice to other businesses is to be open about what makes you unique, and to invest in partnerships. The North East has a spirit of collaboration that, when harnessed, can take companies to the next level. We’re proud to be part of that.