Juggling act

Richard Jeffrey is the new trams chief executive. Outlook met up with him.

What attracted you to the Edinburgh tram project?

We’re at an important stage in Edinburgh’s evolution and trams are such an important project for this and future generations in the city.

I am a civil engineer by trade and, since 2001, I have been heavily involved with many other major projects in the city.

What are your views on the future of transport in Edinburgh?

We are starting from a very strong place. Edinburgh has an award-winning bus service, but we have to think about where we will be in 15-20 years’ time. Due to predicted population growth, I believe trams will be needed to move around large volumes of people on heavily used routes, as a complementary service to the buses.

How has your career prepared you for the challenges ahead?

My civil engineering background and experience of major project work, alongside the operational experience I gained as managing director at Edinburgh Airport, will stand me in good stead. I also have a good grasp of financial issues as I have most recently been working for the international investment and advisory business, Babcock and Brown.

I am currently president of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce and on the board of Edinburgh Leisure.

How critical are the business community and the residents of Edinburgh to making the tram project a success?

The trams will provide a much-needed service for the people who work, visit and live in Edinburgh.

The business community is overwhelmingly – although not universally – supportive of the trams as they understand the benefits that a modern, environmentally friendly, fast and efficient transportation system will bring.

Of course, we don’t always get it right, and I really understand and appreciate the patience of the business community, particularly in these troubled economic times.

What is the biggest challenge you face as chief executive?

We need to improve how we engage with the business community and the wider public to ensure that everyone is fully aware of why this project is so important for Edinburgh.

During the construction phase there will always be sceptics, but experience shows that once the trams are up and running the critics disappear. That said, I can’t underestimate how patient the business community and residents have been and I intend to ensure that the difficulties will be worthwhile.

What skills do you have that will surprise your colleagues?

I can juggle and I keep six hens!