3 minute read
Chief Executive’s foreword
Now, more than ever, we need a strong rail supply sector to reboot our economy. Darren Caplan, Chief Executive of the Railway Industry Association
At last year’s Annual Conference, giving my speech to a crowded room of members, I launched our annual theme for 2020: “Building customer-focused rail at home and abroad.”
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The theme aimed to capture the role of the rail supply sector in the changing industry landscape. “Building customer-focused rail” alluded to the shortly due Williams Rail Review and Network Rail’s restructure, both of which were to herald a new relationship with passengers and freight users, whilst “at home and abroad” sought to highlight the changing relationship the UK would have with international partners post-Brexit. Looking back, it seemed 2020 would the year of new beginnings for the industry, both domestically and internationally.
However, 2020 was certainly not the year we expected it to be. The Coronavirus pandemic took us all by surprise, and meant that many political priorities, like industry restructure, were postponed as the Government and UK rail dealt with the immediate situation. For businesses in the rail supply sector, the focus on the past few months has been squarely on getting work done in a difficult situation – ensuring passenger and freight rail services could continue to run for key workers and resources, whilst supporting employees and the public to go about their work safely. Along with other parts of the rail industry, RIA members were pivotal in keeping the UK running at a critical time. The industry should be proud of itself for this.
As we approach the end of 2020, thoughts now turn to what part the railway industry can play in an uncertain future. Some challenges and opportunities remain from last year – we still await the Williams Rail Review, we are yet to leave the EU transition period and the Government is yet to set out its Infrastructure Strategy or its plan for the decarbonisation of transport.
But some challenges – and opportunities – are new. We face a world where customer confidence will need to be restored for passenger numbers to return to the preCoronavirus period. We face an economy
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in drastic need of revival. And we face potentially tighter budget restraints, meaning the sector must be able to prove value for money for Government and clients.
Our theme for this year’s Annual Conference, and for 2021, is “How UK rail can reboot the economy”. RIA members have a vital role to play in the UK’s economic recovery – the railway network touches every nation and region of the country, meaning investment in rail will give a direct boost to the towns and communities that need it most. And, crucially, rail is one of the greenest modes of transport, meaning any recovery that focuses on rail will be a sustainable recovery too.
RIA, alongside Women in Rail, will also be launching at this year’s conference a crosssector Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Charter for rail, to help support social mobility, grow UK STEM skills, and increase the talent pool from which the future leadership of the rail sector will be drawn. We hope RIA members support this.
The RIA Annual Conference 2020 provides the perfect opportunity to discuss all these issues. And whilst we can’t meet in person this year our Conference will still be as vital as ever. We have Ministers, key policy makers and influencers, client representatives and industry leaders all ready to hear your thoughts and views.
Importantly, the Conference will also be an opportunity to celebrate the work of the sector of the past few months. Our Rail Industry Supplier Excellence (RISE) Awards will take place on 4 November and will provide a chance for the RIA members to relax and socialise, with a virtual but participative Cocktail-Making Masterclass delivered directly to the comfort of your own home. We look forward to what is set to be a night of fun and celebration!
I and the RIA team really do look forward to seeing many of you at the Conference, and discussing how rail can reboot the economy. If you or your colleagues want to come but are yet to buy a ticket, please go to www.riagb.org.uk/ac2020 or contact a member of RIA staff. See you there!
