Former railway chaplain joins Lumo

Open access rail operator Lumo, headquartered in Newcastle, has appointed Mike Roberts as partnerships manager to support the growth of its new West Coast route.

Mike joins the business after seven-and-a-half years with the Railway Mission charity, where he served as a railway chaplain supporting rail industry staff across the UK. 

A former vicar, he brings extensive experience building relationships with organisations and communities throughout the rail sector.

In his new role, Mike will develop partnerships with charities, tourism organisations, community groups and businesses along Lumo's West Coast route, helping strengthen connections between the operator and the communities it serves.

Mike said: “The thing that links every role I’ve ever had is people. 

“Whether I was a minister, a railway chaplain or now working for Lumo, it’s always been about listening to people’s stories. 

“It’s never about walking into a room saying we’ve got all the answers. 

“It’s about hearing somebody else’s story and seeing where it connects with yours.”

Mike’s appointment reflects Lumo’s continued investment in community partnerships, strengthening the operator'’ engagement with organisations across its expanding West Coast network.

Mike added: “We’re not interested in transactional partnerships. 

“We want meaningful, genuine relationships where our values align. 

“It’s about asking how we can help each other, how we can grow together and how we can make a positive difference in the communities we serve.

“We’re starting with a blank canvas. 

“We’re not changing something that already exists. 

“We’re starting a new story.”

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