Asset Inspect Powered by Pole Star

Pole Star has been in asset management for over 10 years. We started by creating a digital asset management platform which was widely adopted by Railways, Infrastructure, Attractions, and Energy. During that time Pole Star have been approached to carry out the inspections. We have facilitated this since 2017 on an occasional basis. In 2019 we made the decision to create an inspection business. Asset Inspect was born.

The Perfect Pairing

Pole Star's cutting-edge inspection software and Asset Inspect's precision inspection services provide unmatched performance and compliance.

We have learnt a great deal in 10 years of asset management and have seen the right way and sometimes the wrong way to inspect assets. We have taken our learning and applied it to Asset Inspect.

Meet the Team

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Edward Hiskins

Founder

In 2011, Edward founded Pole Star with the mission of providing accessible and efficient asset management solutions at the right cost and quality. Initially, he introduced an Enterprise Asset Management System (EAM) named Pole Star Systems, signing multiple major infrastructure companies such as Network Rail and TFL within just a few years. The system gained further recognition when ADIPS adopted it for conducting inspections and certifications for amusement devices throughout the UK. Responding to a surge in demand for physical inspections from existing clients, Edward conceived Asset Inspect. Edward, a Geotechnical Engineer who graduated with a BEng Hons from the University of Portsmouth in 2004, embarked on his career in ground investigation, contributing to projects such as the London Olympics while working for Arcadis and White Young and Green.

Edward started his career in Examinations and Inspections in 2007 working for Amey on behalf of Network Rail carrying out Earthwork Examinations as a EWE3 for the Western Route. After which he became the Earthworks Assessment Engineer for Network Rail in the Southern region. He then went on to become the Senior Asset Manager for Wessex at Network Rail. In 2017 Edward started the Asset Inspect department in Pole Star initially carrying out Earthwork Examinations. He then recruited a team of Structures Examiners to start work on the East London Line for TFL.

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Jon Turner

Head of Asset Inspect

Jon is an experienced professional in railway examinations, programme and project management. With a strong background in CEFA/CAFA management, Jon has successfully led various projects in the railway industry for nearly 20 years working for the biggest railway companies including Network Rail.Throughout his career, Jon has demonstrated exceptional skills carrying out and overseeing railway examinations, including specialist access (Diving/Roped Access/Confined Space) and operations, ensuring safety and efficiency. Having trained as a commercial diver and IRATA L1 he has a deep understanding of railway standards, systems and regulations, which has allowed him to effectively manage complex projects and deliver results.

Jon has also played a key role in growing the Asset Inspect department, since joining Pole Star drawing on his experience he has embedded a safe, efficient and value add ethos to the team. His attention to detail and extensive knowledge of the subject matter have contributed to the successful administration of examinations and compliance management.With his passion for the railway industry and dedication to excellence, Jon continues to make significant contributions to the field of asset management and examinations and sees the turnkey solution Pole Star offers its client as the future of examinations.

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Bob Birdsall

Examinations Manager

Bob began his career in Structures Examinations in 2011, initially with Carillion for London Overground's East London Line Route. As an STE4, he conducted examinations and also served as SSOWP and Examinations Planner, ensuring safe practices. Transitioning to the Highways industry, he worked as a structures inspector for Ringway Jacobs on behalf of Essex County Council. Currently, as the Examinations Manager at Asset Inspect, Bob plans and implements examinations across projects, offering collaborative mentoring and training to enhance examination techniques, processes, and technology.

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Neil Blackburn

Project Planner & Delivery Technician

Neil started his career at AMEC Rail in 2001, serving as a Works Data Clerk in the Permanent Way department. Following the privatisation of AMEC and its acquisition by Network Rail in 2002, he transitioned to the planning department in Signal & Telecoms. Neil later became Asset Data Manager at Metronet Rail before dedicating 14 years to Network Rail as a Maintenance Planner for Permanent Way. In July 2021, he joined Pole Star at the inception of the Asset Inspect department, now serving as our Project Planner and Delivery Technician, contributing valuable experience to our project management initiatives.

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Bradley Hart

Examiner

Bradley started his career working at a Highways Authority where he gained hands on experience in a variety of structural technicalities from organising specialist examinations to Civil Engineering projects. He is an EngTech Member of the Institute of Civil Engineers with many accompanying qualifications. Combined with his railway experience since joining Polestar, he is able to safely and methodically examine a wide range of structures in challenging environments.

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James Negus

Examiner

James entered the structures examination field in 2009, excelling in IRATA rope access and reaching Level 3 certification. After working as an STE4 examiner at Carillion from 2013, utilising rope access for challenging structures, he rejoined Asset Inspect in 2021. Prior to that, he engaged in various general examinations and maintenance on structures, showcasing his expertise in both rope access and examinations.

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Matt O'Brien

Lead Earthwork Examiner

Matthew cut his teeth in industry carrying out ground investigations as an engineering geologist for Geotechnical Engineering. As a geoenvironmental engineer Matthew went on to work for BAE Systems decommissioning royal ordinance facilities around the UK. Currently he is one of the UK's most experienced earthworks examiners with an extensive working knowledge of STE4 and STE5 site roles.

“We increasingly need to be able to bring together imperfect data to evaluate risk. In a space where strategic IT solutions are often slow and difficult to deliver, Pole Star have brought refreshing agility and engagement and in a short space of time been able to help us improve our decision making.”
Nick Tedstone
Professional Head, Network Rail
Trusted by leading asset managers
Network RailTFLOvergroundNational Highways

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