Tony Evans founded TES 2000 – Tony Evans Services – in 1994 with a clear mission: to deliver safety-critical services to the rail industry with professionalism, precision, and care. What began in the Anglia region has since evolved into a national operation, recognised as one of the UK’s leading multi-disciplinary principal contractors to the rail sector.

1994–1999: Foundations and Early Growth

TES began trading in 1994, focusing on safety-critical activities in the Anglia region. From the outset, training was central to our ethos. We began delivering in-house training during this period, ensuring our workforce was not only competent but confident in delivering to the highest safety standards. This early investment laid the foundation for what would later become TES Training — a dedicated division delivering technical and safety-critical training, supported by mentoring, logbook tracking, and proactive competence management systems.

Within five years, the company had diversified into a broad range of rail engineering disciplines, laying the groundwork for future expansion.

2000–2001: Innovation and Expansion

In 2000, TES secured its first £1 million per annum contract for West Coast route modification. That same year, we became the first rail company to introduce automatic track warning systems to the UK market — an innovation that set a new industry standard.

TES also played a pivotal role in shaping the future of rail safety. We sat on the national working group that transitioned the PICOW role into the modern COSS/IWA structure, helping to redefine how safety-critical roles were structured and delivered across the industry. In addition, we supported the development of the ES and PICOP training courses — contributions that continue to influence rail safety training today.

We also expanded into track and overhead line electrification works and secured possession management frameworks in Anglia and London North West, further cementing our reputation as a trusted delivery partner.

2008–2015: Electrification and Strategic Growth

By 2012, TES had begun delivering AC/DC isolations and overhead line (OHL) works across multiple sites, including complex projects involving earthing, bonding, and structural renewals. This period marked a strategic shift, with the business formalising its electrification operations, introducing new procedures, and expanding its technical delivery capacity.

TES undertook CRE responsibilities on major infrastructure schemes, including CP4 and CP5 slipping structures, bridge staging, and traction bonding. These works were delivered under regional and subcontract arrangements, and the operational maturity developed during this time laid the foundation for TES ’s successful award of the NR3 Isolation and Associated Services framework in 2016.

TES also supported the creation of the industry’s first Track Induction Course (TIC) — a foundational programme that has since become a standard entry point for new rail workers across the UK.

In 2014, TES was awarded the COLAS Rail Permanent Way framework for contingent labour supply.

The following year, we secured the Electrification & Plant (NR16) framework with Network Rail, covering overhead line construction and maintenance.

2016–2019: National Recognition and Principal Contractor Status

In 2016, TES was awarded a full Principal Contractors Licence (PCL) by Network Rail, enabling us to lead complex infrastructure projects. This milestone was followed by our first major PCL contract for the CP5 Anglia Route Overhead Line Structure Renewals.

In 2016, TES was awarded a major national contract to deliver isolations for the Crossrail programme — one of the UK’s largest and most complex infrastructure projects. Mobilising within just four weeks, TES rapidly scaled its operations to meet the demands of both the East and West sections of the route.

This was a landmark win for the business. The Crossrail isolations contract not only demonstrated TES’s ability to deliver at scale and under pressure, but also positioned the company as a trusted national provider of AC/DC isolations. By 2018, TES was actively delivering isolations across the full Crossrail network, supporting safe and efficient delivery of works in one of the most high-profile and safety-critical environments in the UK rail sector. The contract was retained through to the completion of the Crossrail budget.

In 2019, we secured two major frameworks with Network Rail for Track & Associated Services in Anglia and Scotland. This included the Anglia Track Framework, which was renewed again in 2025 for CP7. We also won the National Isolations Framework with J Murphy & Sons. Our possession management frameworks in Anglia and London North West were successfully retained, and we were awarded a five-year framework for AC/DC isolations.

2020–2024: Framework Wins and National Reach

TES continued to build on its momentum with several major wins:

• In 2021, we extended the National Isolations Framework with J Murphy & Sons for two more years.

• We retained the Network Rail Anglia Possession Management Framework.

• We secured the Network Rail Possession Management Framework Contract for Lot 3 (North & East and East Coast North).

• In 2022, we won the Network Rail NR16 Frontline Labour 5-Year Framework and the Lot 2 Level Crossing Contract.

• In 2025, we won the Network Rail Possession Management Framework Control for Sussex.

During this period, we also launched Skills Bootcamps in partnership with the Department for Education — offering fast-track training into rail careers with guaranteed employment upon completion. These programmes reflect our commitment to local talent development and inclusive recruitment.

We also continued to deliver key depot and infrastructure contracts:

• Felixstowe Docks (awarded 2024)

• Southend Pier (awarded 2021)

• C2C (held since 2010)

• Greater Anglia (held since 2011)

• Porterbrook Long Marston (awarded 2021)

• Vegetation Management (active by 2024, including CP6 Anglia clearance works tendered in 2021)

TES also reaffirmed its position as a trusted training provider, renewing its NSAR Assured Provider status in 2024 and achieving Gold Standard recognition — a testament to the quality and consistency of our training delivery.

Today: A Trusted National Partner

TES now operates from four locations — Colchester, Doncaster, Peterborough, and Horley (Sussex) — with a workforce of nearly 500. Our services span possession management, electrification and construction, track projects, technical services, training and safety-critical supply.

Our impact goes beyond delivery. TES has contributed to national safety initiatives through RICA, helped shape lone worker protocols, and supported the development of industry standards through collaboration, not competition. We’ve built long-standing relationships with Network Rail and Tier 1 contractors, not just by meeting expectations, but by listening, learning, and improving.

Our Head of Training sits on the board of the Association of Railway Training Providers (ARTP) and actively contributes to the National Skills Academy for Rail (NSAR) working group, helping to update RTAS rules and shape new learning content for the industry. These contributions ensure TES remains at the forefront of training innovation and regulatory alignment.

In recent years, we’ve formalised what’s always been part of our culture: Together Everyone Succeeds. Introduced in 2024, it reflects how we work - with respect, collaboration, and shared purpose. Many of our team members have been with us for over 20 years. Their loyalty, knowledge, and mentorship are the foundation of our success. We believe in growing from within, and we’re proud to have helped shape careers across the industry.

We’re also committed to delivering social value. That means prioritising local employment, supporting community initiatives, and creating opportunities for underrepresented groups. Whether it’s backing local football teams, supporting St Helena’s Hospice, or offering second chances to those who need them, we believe in giving back.

Sustainability is central to how we operate. We’re reducing our environmental footprint, promoting greener practices across our supply chain, and aligning our work with long-term environmental goals — not just short-term outcomes.

We’re proud of our past, but even more excited about our future. TES is committed to delivering value not only through safety and service, but through sustainability, social impact, and career opportunities that truly change lives. We don’t just want to leave a mark on the industry; we want to leave it better than we found it.