Avanti West Coast is celebrating a notable milestone at Birmingham New Street as two dozen members of staff mark a collective achievement spanning more than 200 years of service. All 24 colleagues reached their 10-year employment anniversaries this month, underscoring a decade of continuity at one of the UK’s busiest stations.

Their celebrations coincide with a landmark moment for the station itself. Today marks 10 years since Queen Elizabeth II officially reopened the redeveloped Birmingham New Street following a £750 million transformation, which included significant expansion and new passenger facilities. The increase in space prompted the intercity operator at the time to hire additional team members to staff eight gate lines, the ticket office and the First Class lounge.

Over the past decade, staff have seen the station play host to a number of memorable events. Among them was the installation of Ozzy the Bull, the much-loved figure from the 2022 Commonwealth Games that quickly became a local attraction. Birmingham New Street has also appeared on screen, doubling as a film location for Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, and later becoming one of the inaugural venues for Channel 4’s music competition The Piano.

Reflecting on the long-serving colleagues and their contribution, Anne Grant, Birmingham New Street Station Manager at Avanti West Coast, said:

“I am extremely delighted to be celebrating the work anniversaries of so many colleagues here at Birmingham New Street this month. The fact that they have been with us for a decade is a testament to the strong team ethos that we have built here at the station. In the last 10 years the station has become a focal point for the city and the region, and I feel that our staff have had a role to play in making that happen. Every day they turn up with a smile on their faces and are committed as ever to continue delivering the best service for our customers.”

Image: Avanti West Coast