North Norfolk Railway MD Retires After 17 Years as Line Reports Solid Results at AGM

 

Supporters attending the North Norfolk Railway’s Annual General Meeting on Saturday 20 July were advised that the Railway’s Managing Director, Hugh Harkett, has decided to retire after 17 years in the role. During that time he oversaw the development of the line into one of the Country’s leading heritage railways attracting around 150,000 passengers every year.

 

Hugh, who had reduced to workload after being taken ill earlier this year, suffered a relapse last month and is recuperating with his family in Wales. NNR Chairman, Steve Allen, paid tribute to Mr Harkett, telling the meeting, “Hugh’s management of the finances has helped us keep our head above water – especially during Covid when he stoically captained the ship through choppy waters – an inspiration to us all.”

 

Directors also reported that the financial outturn in 2023/4 was a marked improvement on the previous year with the line posting an operating profit of £58,798 – a turnaround of £267,816 compared to 2022/3.

 

The Railway’s trading performance was generally very good with fares income exceeding expectations. Public trains operated on approximately 30 fewer days than in 2022, to reduce the pressure on staff and volunteers. Effective marketing guided visitors to alternative days and the passenger loadings per day increased by 9% to 627 with overall passenger numbers totalling 148,801 compared to 152,322 in 2022.

 

Recently appointed General Manager, Graham Hukins, provided an update on the 2024 season so far. At the end of June the line had carried 46,330 passengers which is within a day’s loadings of last year. Income is above budget and ahead of last year.

 

He explained, “Events, dining trains and Driver Experiences are performing particularly well with visitors looking for special experiences and value-for-money. The day-to-day market is ever so slightly softer for us but we seem to be doing better than many attractions and other heritage lines.”

 

Graham went on to thank the lines wonderful team of volunteers and the very hard-working staff that keep the trains running. He expressed his admiration and appreciation of Hugh’s stewardship and highlighted the efforts of the railway’s management team who have stepped up in recent months and assured shareholders that, “the railway is in good hands”.

 

The meeting coincided with the start of the railway’s peak summer service which sees two historic steam trains and one of the line’s heritage diesels in action every day until early September with trains running between Sheringham and Holt from around 10.00 to 16.20 each day. Full details can be found at www.nnrailway.co.uk/opening-dates/ and passengers booking online in advance receive a generous discount.

 

ENDS