“The walk started with a meet at a local pub, the Black Swan in Hollins Green, at 10am for registration, some hot pot, coffee, tea and even pints for the more adventurous. All the walkers wore T-shirts with a photograph of Simon. This was followed by a display of music and marching by the 2^nd Fusiliers Band and at 11am we set off. Within minutes heavy rain started and carried on for the next 3 hours, only stopping as we completed the march.

 As we walked along the A57 from Cadishead to Warrington we all had to go two abreast and the line stretched as far as we could see in front and behind. Cars slowed down to avoid splashing us and most sounded their horns and waved.

 As we returned to Cadishead, we walked the last two miles along the main road which had been cordoned off by the police. People came out of shops onto the streets to cheer and clap the walkers, and although we very soggy and with steaming clothes, everyone was boosted by this. The band of the Fusiliers played us into the British Legion where hot food and sandwiches had been laid on and they later played tunes in the function hall of the Legion.”

 Pete and his wife raised £200 between them. The walk is hoping to raise a total of £50,000 for the Fusiliers Aid Society. 

It was an early start, up at 5am to Cycle 2.5 Miles to get a train at Wimbledon (local station not open until 7.30am!) Boy was it cold, lycra shorts & T shirt!! Eventually we arrived at The Mall at 7am for a lovely Espresso & time for a few photos. We set off at 7.30am down the Mall towards the Palace, the Sun glittering on the Queen Victoria Memorial.  Off down the Embankment to Chelsea and onto Putney Bridge.  The pace was fast – that was the draw back of cycling with my boys Declan and Patrick aged 13 & 16 and friends 26 & 27 (my aged compatriot pulled out at last moment with flu). But could they last the distance ?!

Then it was into Richmond Park. Lots of Deer grazing in the early morning haze plus early morning joggers, and the odd cyclist trying to go against the flow of cyclist! The Sun was up & Sky blue  - but oh so cold !!

After a quick water stop (& meeting a cycling pink piggy!) we set off through Kingston upon Thames along the Thames (with man & dog getting very upset as we were not sticking to the cycle path - kinda hard when there are so many cyclists!).

After that it was through Hampton, Weybridge, Chertsey, …. Around about the 20 mile mark, I was starting to warm up! Finally, by 25 miles managed to break a sweat! By now my fellow cycling team has lost some of that youthful exuberance and I was happily keeping up. We were zipping past lots of people (including the pink piggy) but sticking together as a group. Another break and out came the Flap Jack (home made of course!).

Somewhere around the 35 mile mark I took the lead (in our little team) and took off into the distance, stamina – wonderful. Now flying along, boys keeping up though! Lots of hills in this section providing something of a fitness test - strangely though they all seemed to be uphill!

The 40mile sign; The boys seemed to have faded away behind and my friend Alex had caught up.  I wanted to wait for the boys but that would have seemed like …\'I need a rest\' so no chance of that! At this point a bit of competition kicked in The last 5 miles were even faster than the start!

Then the finish! We entered the field in Windsor with the finish down between two ropes, lots of people & noise and yip! We went for it - flat out across the field towards the finish line. Lots of cheering, shouting & amusement (after all it was supposed to be a Charity fun ride, not a race). And yes I lost - by a wheel-length!! 

 It was great fun! Oh and I forgot to mention - yes there were a few thousand other riders.

The statistics:  3 hrs 45 mins in total. The bike was actually moving for 3 hrs 2 mins and the rest was water stops, loo stops & traffic lights and I raised £150 in total.

 Question is Lands End to John O\'Groats next year ?!! Still pondering on this one!

Walk through the door at NTTX and you enter a company with a difference – a company built on peak performance, strong ethics and above all – delivery of expertise.

That expertise is not easily found and that’s why every single person at NTTX is hand-chosen for their particular skills and experience. NTTX consultants are right at the top of their game as they advise on major contracts across the spectrum of Safety, Engineering and Management.

The distinctive blend of knowledge, coupled with flair and originality, make NTTX a unique company flourishing in a niche sector. Managing Director Ian Dear pushes NTTX to achieve ever greater success, while maintaining the lifestyle balance of each and every one of his staff.

One day NTTX staff might be helping a client bid for a multi-million pound contract and the next, pouring over the menu at one of NTTX’s famed curry nights. This personal touch helps reap rewards for NTTX clients.

Tricia combined her role at NTTX with her studies for a BSc in Railway Operational Management at Glasgow Caledonian University. She was the only woman out of 23 students, but quickly proved it was no barrier.

“At first my fellow students were surprised to see a woman studying in such a male dominated field. They soon accepted me as one of the lads and were very supportive,” says Tricia.

“Some people think it’s odd for a woman to work in railway management but I find it fascinating and couldn’t imagine any another career.”

A member of the Institute of Railway Operators, Tricia credits the friendly and dynamic atmosphere at NTTX for helping her along the degree course. “The support of my NTTX colleagues and my family was so important as this degree was a huge challenge – but worth it!”

Managing Director Ian Dear said “We’re so proud of Tricia’s achievement in obtaining this degree – it shows a commitment both personally and professionally and perfectly reflects the characteristics that NTTX endeavour to achieve.”

Recognising talent and experience is the lifeblood of many a company and this I believe has contributed to the success and rapid growth of NTTX.

All the employees of NTTX I have met understand the importance of building good business relationships and that takes time and patience.  The strength of NTTX’s business success is measured by their client loyalty.

NTTX thrives on the personal touch, getting to know clients well and identifying who to bring in as consultants.  NTTX works with several Chamber members who should consider it a compliment to be selected by NTTX.

Other Chamber members aspire to the NTTX ideal – the strong business ethics, the use of local talent and above all treating people with respect.  Working with NTTX empowers its business associates to deliver increased strength to the NTTX brand.

Sharing health and safety advice with Chamber members has illustrated the NTTX ability to cut through the jargon and explain complex issues in a simple way.  While NTTX deals with huge companies such as the London Underground, staff are also happy to share their expertise with smaller firms through our Advantage membership scheme.

NTTX sponsorship of the Young Entrepreneur of the Year once again proves NTTX’s investment in our future wealth of talent.  Management involvement in the assessment stage of the competition has been invaluable to our business people of tomorrow.

The Business Continuity Partnership has been fortunate to host NTTX speakers, generous with their time and experience. The support of NTTX has been important to this partnership – and not something we take for granted.