Midlands Connect is pleased to announce the appointment of Programme Director, Mike Bull, who brings a wealth of experience working in transport across road and rail.

Having previously worked in transport across road and rail, with roles at Highways England, the Highways Agency and British Transport Police, he specialises in developing analysis and insight into priorities for investment.

He has more than 19 years of experience in leading projects and delivering improved transport infrastructure and services, and is ready to press ahead with the pipeline of priorities for investment across the region at Midlands Connect.

As Programme Director, he will oversee flagship projects and ground-breaking research to improve transport infrastructure, boost the region and create the biggest economic, social and environmental benefits.
Mike will take a pivotal role in progressing a wide-ranging programme which also focuses on new technologies and innovation—including EV charging and alternative fuels provision.

He joins Midlands Connect at a crucial time for the Sub-national Transport Body, after a three-year-stint at HS2 Ltd.

Maria Machancoses, Chief Executive of Midlands Connect, said:

"We are at a true point of inflection in terms of strategic transport planning. Our programme focuses on integrating transport and driving economic growth with a long term vision and the plans are moving at pace.  

"There is significant momentum regionally and nationally, with transport issues and project like Midlands Rail Hub increasingly in the spotlight. I'm pleased to welcome Mike to the team and look forward to working with him and driving forward our ambitious programme."

Prior to joining HS2 Ltd, Mike led the development and delivery of the smart motorways programme across the North West, including the successful opening of the M6 Cheshire smart motorway (M6 J16-19).

He was also involved in researching future highways network needs and the development of the Road Investment Strategy Performance Specification to better reflect road user experiences in terms of availability and reliability.

Mike said:

"I care passionately about the delivery of improved transport infrastructure which supports people’s wellbeing and productivity, and this is an exciting time to be joining the Midlands Connect team. 

"There are a number of fundamental transitions taking place across the transport sector in terms of new technologies, climate resilience and driving greater accessibility and efficiency.

"Transport, one way or another, impacts the lives of everyone in the UK every day, and to support the continued growth and success of the Midlands we need effective transport and freight networks that are cost-efficient, reliable, resilient, and environmentally sustainable."