Meet the team

Dave Bates

Managing Director

Dave Bates began his journey with CWE in 2004, stepping into the company as an apprentice coupler fitter. With a blend of determination and a passion for the craft, Dave quickly distinguished himself through his exceptional work ethic and keen attention to detail. Over the years, his commitment and expertise led him through various roles within the company, each one a stepping stone towards greater responsibilities. Dave's ascent through the ranks is a testament to his deep understanding of CWE’s operations and his ability to lead with vision. From hands-on technical work to strategic planning, his comprehensive experience provided a solid foundation for his leadership. In 2024, after two decades of loyal service and proven success, Dave was appointed Managing Director. Under Dave's stewardship, CWE has continued to innovate and thrive, reflecting his strong leadership and unwavering dedication to excellence. His journey from apprentice to Managing Director is not only a personal achievement but also an inspiring example of growth and leadership within the industry.

Ash Darvill

Technical Manager

Ash was apprentice trained within the rail sector and now has over 15 years experience within both passenger and freight. Over the last eight years, he’s supervised and managed freight vehicle workshops, successfully carrying out vehicle GR’s, bogie overhaul programs, modifications, and repairs. Ash also works closely with customers to produce bespoke engineering solutions, project managing them from conception to completion. Ash is currently working to complete his ILM level 5 apprenticeship in Operations Management.

Ricky Ravenhill

Head of Commercial

After leaving school Ricky spent 18 years as a professional footballer representing clubs such as Doncaster Rovers and Bradford City, amongst others. Upon leaving the game in 2015, Ricky obtained a bachelor’s degree and subsequently joined the world of recruitment, specialising in engineering and manufacturing. After leaving his role there as head of business, he joined CWE as Commercial Manager, before being made Head of Commercial in 2024.

Mark Lifsey

Contracts Manager

Mark is an apprentice trained Tool Maker with an HNC in Mechanical Engineering. With 33 years of experience in engineering, Mark has a wide range of knowledge of machining and fabrication of complex products and refurbishment and upgrades of existing plant and equipment across a wide range of industries including rail, oil and gas, nuclear, material handling, power generation and steel manufacturing. He works closely with clients as a solutions provider to develop existing design and manufacturing methods to help improve industry performance, product liability, and lifetime performance. With over 28 years of employment at CWE Mark is the go-to person with a wealth of knowledge of the business and has been involved with all aspects of the business from H&S to project management.

Shamas Mahmood

Finance Manager

With over 10 years’ experience in Manufacturing, Shamas has gained valuable knowledge within finance from running the day to day to managing the finance function itself. He is regarded a team player and helps where he can as well as managing a team with high quality, accurate and timely reporting. Prior to CWE, Shamas has worked in Steel, Medical devices and Rail industry. Shamas studied at Sheffield Hallam University where he received a BA Hons in Accounting in Financial Management. He is in his final stages in completing his ACCA qualification and aspires to be a Finance Director.

Tom Johnson

Operations Manager

Tom has worked in manufacturing since 2006 and brings a wealth of experience to the company. Since starting his career as an apprentice, his previous positions have included test technician, project manager, continuous improvement manager, as well as a supervisor, production manager and operations manager. In his new role, Tom will be responsible for all of CWE’s manufacturing and overhaul activities both on and off site. This includes health and safety, production, purchasing and logistics.

Bruce Wright

HSEQ Manager

Sophie Scargill

Customer Accounts Manager

Sophie started her career in the sports industry, after graduating from Leeds University with a first class honours degree in Journalism. Her path soon jumped from the media world to the commercial world after securing a commercial manager role at a football club, whilst also playing the sport herself in the women's national league as a semi professional footballer. Sophie's passion is understanding customer needs, and her career progressed into the rail industry three years ago, eventually becoming CWE's Customer Account Manager, where she is on hand for any of your questions or problems.