RIA Update 105 The Voice of the UK Rail Supply Community SUMMER 2018
Transport Secretary confirms Trans Pennine will feature electrification
Transport Committee backs key ‘asks’
The Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling, has written to RIA’s Chief Executive Darren Caplan confirming that the Trans Pennine Route Upgrade The Transport Secretary will involve both civil engineering works and electrification. His letter follows recent uncertainty in the industry after media reports that electrification would not feature in the scheme.
RIA ramps up Brexit activity to prepare rail suppliers for different outcomes In the run up to the UK’s departure from the EU in March 2019, RIA is ramping up its activity on Brexit, with the aim of providing members with the necessary information to prepare and to act as a conduit between the industry and Government. RIA has launched a Brexit Online Community for those interested in the issue to see our latest announcements and resources, and the RIA team will be proactively meeting with Members to discuss how different Brexit outcomes could affect their business. [Continues on Page 4]
Innovation Conference wins Award! RIA has been awarded the Trade Association Conference of the Year Award at a ceremony on 10 July, for its Innovation Conference, which took place over two days in March in Leicestershire. Beginning as a one day seminar in 2009 [Continues on Page 10]
The Transport Select Committee’s rail infrastructure investment inquiry has backed RIA’s key lobbying asks on rail funding and electrification. On funding, the Committee said “We support the Railway Industry Association’s call for the Department for Transport to bring together all the key stakeholders, including suppliers, Network Rail and the Office of Rail and Road, to evaluate the effects of the current system on the renewals spending profile.” Similarly, on electrification, it called for Network Rail and the Government to engage with RIA’s Electrification Cost Challenge to see how the costs of electrification can be reduced. The report follows both written and oral evidence from RIA Chief Executive Darren Caplan and RIA Members.
RIA launches Annual Conference with star line up Under the theme “Growing a sustainable rail industry in uncertain times”, the RIA Annual Conference, taking place on 22 October, will feature one of the most sought-after industry programmes of the year. The event will bring together a number of senior players across the rail industry, including Transport Secretary Chris Grayling, Shadow Transport Secretary Andy McDonald, National Infrastructure Commission Chair Sir John Armitt, Crossrail Chairman Sir Terry Morgan, Porterbrook Chief Executive Officer Mary Grant, Transport for the North Chief Executive Barry White, Midlands Connect Founding Director, Maria P Machancoses, [Continues on Page 10]
The team celebrating the Award win!
Some of the speakers confirmed for the Annual Conference
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Brexit, Oxford Economics, Rail Sector Deal, & the RIA Rail Fellowship Programme – let’s promote UK rail in these uncertain times… Dear colleagues, On behalf of Team RIA, welcome to the latest RIA Update! Your award-winning trade association (see pages 1 & 10 on our Award win!) has been incredibly busy, working on issues of interest and importance to the UK rail supply community. The key theme for RIA at the moment, which is also the title of the RIA Conference on 22 October, is “Growing a sustainable rail industry in uncertain times”. And much of what we’ve been doing recently feeds in to that theme – we thank RIA members for helping promote these activities. Even though much of the mainstream media and political focus has been on passenger timetable changes, we at RIA have been working very hard to promote the positive side of rail, its jobs, GVA, the economic and connectivity benefits it enables, its innovations, skills and exports. And with Brexit coming ever closer, there has never been a more important time to promote the sector to policy makers. However, as the UK Government seeks sectors which can help promote a ‘Global Britain’, too often a list of prominent sectors is reeled off (particularly ‘aerospace’ and ‘automotive’) where rail doesn’t even rate a mention. We must all seek to redress this. Whilst there are clearly challenges on Brexit – achieving standards as harmonised as possible and retaining membership of the EU Rail Agency, accessing a skilled workforce, and securing trade/borders as frictionless as possible – there is a Brexit opportunity too. That is, as a peg to lobby Government to promote the UK’s world-class rail supply offering overseas, and play a strong part in post-Brexit bilateral trade deals. Elsewhere in the Update (page 4) you can find news of how RIA is ramping up its Brexit understanding for the benefit of members—we have set up a new Brexit Online Community, containing news and intelligence to help our members be more aware of the issues and to be able to plan for a ‘deal’ / ‘no deal’ Brexit. Please do use this in the months ahead. This year, RIA has sought to promote rail in a myriad of ways. You will recall we launched the Oxford Economics Report last February, to help RIA and its Members press the case for the importance of the sector. August has seen us launch our RIA Rail Fellowship Programme, where MPs visit suppliers to get hands-on experience of our sector, whilst RIA promotes the supply community to parliamentarians. Already RIA, and its Chief Executive has visited Vortok in Plymouth with local MP and Shadow Minister Luke Pollard and Wabtec Faiveley in Birkenhead with Alison McGovern MP. And over the next six months,
culminating in a Parliamentary Reception on 27 November, a number of visits are planned with MPs like Boris Johnson, Priti Patel, and Transport Select Committee (TSC) Chair Lilian Greenwood. We have made some good progress in our rail funding lobbying. As readers may know, we have been pushing the TSC inquiry to produce a recommendation to drive forward a process to smooth out ‘boom and bust’ in the rail Control Period (CP) funding system. This led to
Luke Pollard MP, RIA’s first Rail Fellow at Vortok the TSC making recommendations in June supporting RIA’s call for DfT to bring together key stakeholders to evaluate the effects of the current system on renewals spending, a key RIA ask. We will drive this forward further and are now embarking on another funding campaign to highlight the lack of a visible enhancements pipeline and will report more on this shortly. We are also grateful to the TSC for taking up our call on electrification, recommending that the DfT and Network Rail seriously engage with RIA’s Electrification Cost Challenge to explore cost reduction. And RIA secured from Transport Secretary Chris Grayling a letter, in which he confirmed electrification will form part of the Trans Pennine upgrade – so progress of sorts is being made, though there is much more to do. Finally, on other matters, congratulations go to RIA team members Finance Manager Terry Eastmond, Events Manager Katharine Anchorena and Membership Engagement Manager Monica Barbosa, the first three winners of the GEM (Going the Extra Mile) Awards! See page 11 on how you can nominate a team member if you have experienced the kind of exceptional performance and service which we are striving to deliver for you every day. So that’s it for now— have a great summer and look forward to seeing you at RIA events in the Autumn. Yours, Darren Caplan, RIA Chief Executive
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Guest Editorial: Franchises, electrification and a new Railway’s Agency: The Liberal Democrat view of our rail network In the second of our guest articles, Baroness Randerson explains what Lib Dem Policy means for rail High quality public transport is essential to grow British promised a fleet of new dieselbusiness, build sustainable communities and minimise electric hybrid trains when at the our environmental impact as we travel. Rail is an same time he proposes a ban on essential part of this mix. future sales of diesel cars. But rather than embracing this alternative, The Government is, however, passengers are being put off. In 2017/18, the total beginning to address one failure number of journeys fell compared to the previous year of privatisation: the separation of for the first time since 2010. track and train. If the new Timetable chaos, overcrowding, price hikes and partnership arrangements can help train operators and worn out trains mean that commuters are voting with Network Rail minimise disruption, identify alternative their feet. Season ticket holders took 63.4 million fewer journeys last year. Instead of investing in the future, we’re cleaning up the mess caused by mismanaged franchises and delays by Network Rail. Meanwhile, Chris Grayling sits back and does nothing. The solution is not to spend millions nationalising the railways for little gain. Our focus must always be to improve passenger experience, not to be ideologically wedged to particular structures. But train operating companies are contracted to provide a public service. Ministers need the teeth and the guts to hold them to account. No franchise has ever been terminated for poor Baroness Randerson speaks to David Begg at RIA’s performance. Yet GTR has presided over thousands of 2017 Annual Conference cancelled trains over several years. Meanwhile, former Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron had to run the routes and share expertise, passengers will benefit. trains himself on the Lakes Line for a fortnight after To expand this thinking across the rail network, my Northern cancelled all services. colleague Lord Bradshaw – himself a railwayman for 25 The Government should sack these operators and years – has proposed creating a Railways Agency to ban them for a period from bidding again. Ministers make the business case to the Government for future must reflect on the whether “cheaper is better” rail improvements. Passenger and freight train benefits passengers and could instead reward welloperators, Network Rail and industry representatives performing franchises through rolling contracts. can come together to set a long-term strategy for our Rail franchising should be underpinned by local railways. The current arrangement – where Ministers decision-making and diversity where it improves interfere in everything from timetables to the design of outcomes for passengers. Allowing government bodies, rolling stock – has proved haphazard. local councils, mutuals and cooperatives to form rail We need a rail strategy that is passenger-focused, companies could give groups who know their area a accountable to local people and capable of providing say on how their trains are run. the sustained investment that our network so The current chaos has distracted us from the need desperately needs. If rail continues to be side-lined, for sustained investment. Liberal Democrats support passengers and our planet will both continue to lose HS2 but it is only part of the picture, otherwise it risks out. being painted as a southerner’s idea of what is best for Jenny Randerson has been the Liberal Democrat’s Spokesthe north: being closer to London. Northern person on Transport since 2015. She was appointed to the Powerhouse Rail and Crossrail 2 are also needed, but House of Lords in 2011 and from 2012-2015 she was Parlianot at the expense of improvements to the rest of the mentary Under Secretary of State for Wales and Minister network. with responsibility for Northern Ireland. From 1999 - 2011 It is beyond me why the Government has cancelled she was a Member of the Welsh Assembly, representing the electrification of the Midland Main Line, the Cardiff Cardiff Central. to Swansea route and the Lakes Line. Chris Grayling has 3/12
Public Affairs & Policy RIA prepares for Brexit [Continued from Page 1] This follows a RIA Brexit Briefing held on 16 July where representatives of the EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, and the EU Railway Agency spoke, alongside RIA’s Senior Policy Manager Damian Testa. Damian also attended and spoke at a Parliamentary roundtable organised by UK Transport in Europe (UKTiE) – a Brussels based membership body—on 18 July. These events have provided valuable opportunities to promote RIA’s lines on Brexit and to set out key asks: standards to be as harmonised as possible, and the UK to retain some form of membership of the EU Rail Agency; access to a skilled workforce; trade/ borders to be as frictionless as possible; and rail to play an increasing role in DIT plans promoting the UK overseas, and to be part of any new post-Brexit bilateral Free Trade Agreements. While the Government has published a White Paper on Brexit which sets out its negotiating position, the main references to rail focus on cross border services and is silent on the rail supply chain. It is now increasingly evident that RIA members need to accelerate preparations for a ‘no deal’ outcome to Brexit. If you would like to speak to RIA on these issues, please contact Damian Testa (contact details opposite).
Shadow Transport Minister Rachael Maskell meets rail industry The RIA Northern Roundtable, held on 22 June, saw rail suppliers meet with Shadow Transport Minister Rachael Maskell, and key stakeholders from Transport for the North (TfN), Network Rail and the Northern Powerhouse Partnership to discuss the key issues
facing the region. The discussion looked at how devolution was impacting transport decision making, the need for more consistent funding for suppliers and the possible impact of Brexit on Northern companies. RIA would like to thank Hitachi Rail Europe for sponsoring the Roundtable.
Policy Manager Damian Testa speaks at Porterbrook Suppliers Conference Porterbrook held its Suppliers Conference in Derby on 13 June. With RIA’s Senior Policy Manager, Damian Testa, presenting the results of Porterbrook’s supply chain survey. The survey looked at the impact on the refurbishment supply chain of the increasing trend for new trains. Damian also took part in a panel discussion on market issues. RIA will be holding its own rolling stock event, most likely in September, with a view to having an open discussion on these issues, with a clear ask around smoothing the rolling stock pipeline.
RIA Rail Fellowship Programme launches RIA has launched the Rail Fellowship Programme, a new initiative to showcase the best of the UK rail supply chain. The initiative pairs Parliamentarians with RIA Members to promote the work they do. Participating fellows will spend a ‘hands on’ day on site to find out what the rail supply chain does. Over 14 MPs have already expressed their interest in participating, with visits already held for Plymouth MP Luke Pollard and Wirral South MP Alison McGovern, with many more planned!
RIA & HSRIL join forces for Party Conference
Sponsors Gary Dixon & Julia Potts, Hitachi (left) with Shadow Transport Minister Rachael Maskell & RIA Chief Executive Darren Caplan (right) at the RIA Northern Roundtable.
RIA will hold four events in partnership with High Speed Rail Industry Leaders (HSRIL) at Labour and Conservative Party Conferences this year. These include a policy-focused Rail Interview with the Transport and Shadow Transport Secretaries on each Sunday followed by a Drinks Reception with key transport politicians on the Monday’s. 4/12
CONSULTATION HUB An overview of the recent policy consultations in rail
COMPLETED CONSULTATIONS
OPEN CONSULTATIONS
Response to TfN’s Transport Strategy
ORR Draft Determination
TfN published its draft Transport Strategy, which became a statutory document in April when TfN became the first Sub-National Transport Body. The strategy is underpinned by a long term rail strategy, which sets out plans to develop and enhance the rail network within the region. RIA has welcomed this and has responded to the consultation.
The ORR determine what Network Rail should deliver in Operations, Maintenance and Renewals over CP6 and how it will be regulated. ORR’s role is to determine whether delivering the Government’s High Level Output Specification (HLOS) is affordable within the SoFA settlement. The ORR published for consultation, on 12 June, its proposed decisions in both these areas, referred to as its Draft Determination. This is an important piece of work in the Periodic Review 18, and RIA will be submitting a substantive response to the consultation, which closes on 31 August. If you have any key points that you would like RIA to include in its response, please send these to Peter Loosley by 17 August. To help inform RIA’s response and the implications for members, RIA, jointly with CECA, held a session with the ORR (represented by John Larkinson, Director, Railway Markets and Economics), on 9 July, for members to discuss the Draft Determination.
Midlands Connect STB Consultation In May, Midlands Connect issued a consultation on it becoming the second sub-national statutory transport authority. In our response, RIA supported this proposal on the back of the anticipated benefits it could provide: increasing efficiency, reliability, quality and resilience in the transport system; enabling economic growth across the Midlands; and providing certainty for private investment through publication of a statutory transport strategy that drives infrastructure investment.
ORR’s Approach to managing change affecting the PR18 settlements
Enhancements in CP6
The ORR has consulted on its proposed approach to managing change that affects the PR18 settlement. These changes would typically take the form of: • Substantial organisational changes, in particular a substantial shift of responsibilities of the routes or the System Operator; • Route boundary changes which will be more relevant to routes in England & Wales; • Reductions in funding for individual routes/the System Operator (which, due to ring-fenced funding, will not be relevant to the Scotland route) or • Changes to what a route is expected to deliver as a result of, for example, an enhancement decision. In our response to this consultation, RIA agreed that the managing change process should be proportionate, consistent and transparent and clearly show the reasons for a change along with an explanation of the basis for decisions taken in relation to it. We also agreed that the ORR, in line with other regulators, should have legal recourse to prevent exceptional change through a licence-based mechanism. 5/12
The ORR is separately consulting on its proposed role for enhancements in CP6, in respect of enhancements that are funded by DfT and Transport Scotland and delivered by Network Rail. It does not cover third party funded enhancements. The consultation is open until 31 August and you can send any key points into RIA by 17 August.
Get in touch with the Policy & Public Affairs Team: Peter Loosley, Policy Director peter.loosley@riagb.org.uk Damian Testa, Senior Policy Manager damian.testa@riagb.org.uk Max Sugarman, Senior Public Affairs & PR Manager max.sugarman@riagb.org.uk
Exports Indonesia & Thailand Mission Working in Partnership with DIT, RIA arranged a rail sector mission to Indonesia and Thailand on 26 to 29 March, which is part of the DIT High Value Campaign (HVC) programme for the SE Asia region. Senior representatives from 18 UK companies participated, with the delegations holding group meetings with senior rail and metro officials in both markets. The delegation also took part in Rail Asia Expo 2018 in Bangkok on a UK Pavilion arranged by DIT. The ongoing nature of the programme of work in the markets leads to more private finance being used, with many foreign state aided projects. With UK Export Finance now having a representative officer in Jakarta, this may help UK companies and local contractors compete. UK companies will increasing need to work with local partners or have a local presence to win business. They may also need to come with finance. Opportunities are extensive for new projects including High Speed Rail in both markets, metro lines and station development including TOD. Yet, mainly PPP or financial investment is needed. Maintenance and enhancement of the existing systems also offer long term opportunities for UK companies with the right local support. Presentations are available from RIA’s Export Director on request (details opposite).
stated their intention to review the Singapore to Kuala Lumpur High Speed Line and the Klang Valley 3 MRT line project.
Andrew Dugmore, President and Neil Davies, Technical Sales Manager – Rail from new RIA Member TRB Lightweight Structures with RIA Exports Director Neil Walker exhibiting at Rail Solutions Asia
UK Export Finance (UKEF) workshop Members are reminded of the offer available to UK companies from UKEF who can support their international sales via government–backed finance support. RIA exhibited and attended the workshop in 9 May, with over 400 leaders in trade policy and business from around the world including UK Government Ministers and major overseas contractors. RIA made good connections with some overseas contractors who are looking to use UKEF Export Project Finance to fund construction projects overseas and need a minimum 20% UK content to get funding. As a result of this, RIA is expecting to assist at a UKEF event with an overseas contractor looking to build a railway in a third market in the near future.
International Trade Select Committee hold inquiry into exports
Rail Mission Delegates in Indonesia
RIA attends Rail Solutions Asia 2018 RIA recruited seven companies for our UK Pavilion with DIT TAP grant support for the UK SME’s, arranged by RIA. The exhibition was very well attended from the Asian region, with RIA and the companies getting some very good exposure with the VIP and senior delegates. All companies’ feedback was very positive, although following the visit, the newly elected Government has
May saw RIA’s Export Director Neil Walker and Senior Public Affairs & PR Manager Max Sugarman meet with the International Trade Select Committee Clerk to promote rail as a key export, outlining the case for rail in trade and Brexit discussions. RIA was subsequently asked to respond to the International Trade Select Committee inquiry on UK investment policy with our paper being submitted in early June. 6/12
THE INDUSTRY GEARS UP FOR INNOTRANS As InnoTrans approaches, RIA has begun preparations. 34 delegates attended a pre-briefing seminar for UK companies who have signed up to this year’s RIA UK Pavilions. This included an overview of RIA, the German market, InnoTrans arrangements, UK Export Finance Support and the press and media activity. RIA has sold all our traditional exhibition space allocated in halls 2.2, City Cube A and 23b, forming the three UK Pavilions which includes around 40 companies plus with another 80+ independent UK Exhibitors elsewhere within InnoTrans. With many Members attending, the UK is very well represented at the show. All 21 RIA administered DIT SME TAP grants of £1500 per company have now been allocated. The key updates for InnoTrans include: • A strong RIA team will be attending InnoTrans and Members are welcome to visit us in the RIA lounge in the RIA UK Pavilion in hall 2.2 for a coffee and chat. Members are welcome to bring a small selection of company brochures that we will gladly display on their behalf. • RIA is pleased to confirm that the Chris Grayling MP, Secretary of State for Transport has accepted RIA’s invitation in principle to visit InnoTrans 2018, subject to change. He is attending to support UK exporters and as part of his likely programme, RIA will work with DfT to arrange a series of short stand visits to Member and UK companies exhibiting on the UK Pavilions and elsewhere.
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Exhibiting Members have received a separate request from RIA’s Export Director about a possible visit to their stands The RIA/DIT InnoTrans prestigious reception is set to take place on that Wednesday evening in the Berlin Room, Hall 7.3 between 6pm and 8pm and is by invitation only. It is expected that key influencers, government officials, industry leaders and international guests will attend the reception along with a likely keynote address from the Secretary of State, Department for Transport (TBC). Invitations are limited to 2 officials per company. Special thanks to the evening’s sponsors: UKRRIN, Furrer+Frey, Ramboll and SNC-Lavalin Atkins. Members can sign up on the RIA website. RIA in Partnership with DIT is arranging a three day ‘Meet the DIT International Trade Adviser’ at InnoTrans, with British Embassy officials from various parts of the world who cover the rail sector in their market being available for short 12-1 meetings. More information will be available soon on how to book appointments, interested Member companies are asked to look out for further details.
Taiwanese Bureau of High Speed Rail
RIA at Rail Live
In June, RIA’s Policy, Technical and Export Directors met with Mr Chang, from the Bureau of High Speed Rail, Taiwan. Mr Chang will lead a team in their new Rail Bureau to form a similar role in Taiwan to the UKs RSSB and ORR. He is interested in railway safety verification specification in the UK and its overall verification & validation mechanism along with how the UK railway industry works. He will hold separate meetings with RSSB, NSARE and other stakeholders.
RIA ran a stand in the Exports Hub at Rail Live providing advice to UK exporters interested in overseas markets as part of a combined approach with the DIT Regional Teams, UK Export Finance and Rail Alliance. RIA’s Export Director also spoke to Secretary of State for Transport, The Rt Hon Chris RIA Export Director Neil Grayling MP discussing RIA’s Walker with the Secreinvolvement at InnoTrans. tary of State
Get in touch with the Exports Team: Neil Walker, Exports Director neil.walker@riagb.org.uk
RIA’s Policy, Technical and Export Directors met with Mr Chang, from the Bureau of High Speed Rail, Taiwan.
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Innovation & Technical RIA’s continues to taking leading role in rail innovation RIA has always been involved in innovation in the rail Industry by being the leading technical networking forum where engineers and innovators have met and sparked ideas. Below, the Technical and Innovation team set out a few of the many initiatives RIA supports to spur innovation in the sector.
Innovation Conferences In 2009, RIA’s then Technical Director Francis How set up the first RIA Innovation Conference (RIC) to bring the industry together to look at the issues surrounding innovation and to highlight ways forward. Thanks to the active participation of RIA’s members, industry stakeholders and selected guests, RIC has gone from strength to strength, with RIC 2018 registering over 250 delegates for the two-day event, with keynote talks from Network Rail’s David Waboso and Jon Shaw, promoting innovation in their programmes. It was just reward for RIA’s Technical Director David Clarke and the RIA organising team, as well as speakers and delegates at RIC 2018, to be awarded the Trade Association Forum’s ‘Conference of the Year’ prize. RIC 2019 will take place on 19/20 March at a new and bigger venue, so please reserve those dates now.
UK Rail Research & Innovation Network RIA has already played a key part in founding the UK Rail Research & Innovation Network (UKRRIN) – a group of Universities dedicating their resources to rail R&D at the higher levels of technology readiness, and to working in close partnership with industry to achieve the rollout of innovation. RIA has already worked with UKRRIN and Network Rail to promote two Digital Railway events at Birmingham University, each attracting over 200 delegates to share ideas and build the supply chains vital to delivering the most important programme for generations. RIA has an ongoing commitment to support UKRRIN and in particular to provide the channel linking UKRRIN to industry.
Innovation Leadership Group Many of you will be aware of the Technical Leadership Group (TLG) which leads the rollout of the Rail Technical Strategy and delivery of the Capability Delivery Plan (CDP). Reporting into TLG is the Innovation Leadership Group, where RIA represents the interests of industry, as well as leading on the
‘Routes to Market’ workstream, currently planning a resource hub to guide businesses through the processes involved in product acceptance, safety cases and other rail system application issues.
A packed hall at RIA’s March Innovation Conference
Unlocking Innovation Scheme RIA is also well known for promoting the popular Unlocking Innovation events. These are large events, putting as many new ideas as possible in front of the typically 200+ delegates. Inputs from RIA members, UKRRIN and the ILG programme mean that RIA will now also be promoting single-topic UIS events, focussed on areas where improvements in technology enable innovation. The first of these is on 27 September exploring Composite materials. It will take place at the National Composites Centre in Bristol and be promoted with both the NCC and Composites UK. With speakers from the Rail, Composites and Aerospace industries, plus workshops and an exhibition, we aim to cover the topic in some detail. With a 100 delegate limit we expect this event to be full and advise booking early via the RIA website. In conjunction with Network rail we are also planning an Unlocking Innovation event on Digital to include sensors, data, analytics and cyber security, pencilled in for November 6 at a bigger venue to allow for more delegates. Other topics in development include Automation/Robotics, and the capabilities of the UKRRIN Centres of Excellence and how to work with them.
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2018: The Year of the Digital Railway After many false dawns it looks like 2018 will be the year in which the first main line Digital Railway Project moves into procurement. RIA expects the prequalification process for East Coast to commence within weeks. We also have seen around £5.5 billion allocated to signalling renewals of all kinds in CP6 including the forthcoming signalling frameworks. We also expect to see more Traffic Management projects coming to market on the ‘Software as a Service’ model. RIA welcomed the fact that the Digital Railway (DR) procurement strategy uses many of the ‘intelligent procurement’ approaches that RIA has campaigned for including; outcome specifications, whole life costing, life cycle relationships and collaboration. However, we remain concerned that it will be some time before activity levels rise above the current low which has led to a backlog of renewals and redeployment as well as redundancy of scarce skilled resources. RIA have therefore continued to highlight the inefficiencies of the ‘boom and bust’ cycle that has applied to every control period and press for a smoother more predictable flow or work. We firmly believe this will drive a reduction in unit costs and in recent months we have worked with members on two initiatives. Firstly we developed a paper to identify the non-supplier cost drivers of cab fitment costs identifying issues such as lack of as built information requiring backwards engi-
Technical Interest Group dates announced We are delighted to announce our Autumn Technical Interest Group (TIG) Progamme. These are informative events where technical representatives of member companies hear from the System Owners, OEMS and Tier 1s and can discuss the issues. We always build in networking time for delegates to talk about building supply chains. A typical TIG takes a half day and venues are either RIA HQ or member sites offering an opportunity to look at the operations there. If you have input on topics, or want to offer your site as a venue, please contact Richard Jones, Technical and Innovation Manager (details opposite): • SigTIG (Signalling) – 4 September • InfraTIG (Infrastructure) – 11 September • Information Management Group (Digital, sensors, data, cyber security) - 25 September • Electrification TIG – 2 October • Traction & Rolling Stock Group – 14 November • Safety Standards & Sustainability Group - 20 November • Vehicle/Track Interface Group – 4 December For timings and venues, please go to www.riagb.org.uk and go to Events.
neering, duplication of surveys and, of course small volumes preventing economies of scale. Secondly as part of the ‘Sector Deal’, RIA led a workstream which aimed to demonstrate that given an environment of ‘intelligent procurement’ and confidence in volumes it would be possible to achieve the 30% cost reductions envisaged in the Early Contractor Involvement work. The workstream identified a range of opportunities for cost reduction and their report was included in the draft ‘sector deal’ shared with Government at the end
The organisers of the Digital Railway: Delivering Differently Conference—a collaboration between Network Rail, RIA and the University of Birmingham of June. At the beginning of July RIA collaborated with the Digital Railway Programme and University of Birmingham to run a two day conference attended by over 250 industry stakeholders. The delegates learnt about; the plans for CP6 signalling renewal frameworks, UKRRINs R&D capability, progress on the sector deal, lessons learnt from Cambrian, Thameslink, Crossrail and worldwide projects and the appetite for Digital Railway roll out was emphasised by LNW Route Director Martin Frobisher. The event included an exhibition and was an excellent opportunity both for networking and raising industry knowledge of the DR plans.
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Get in touch with the Technical & Innovation team: David Clarke, Technical Director david.clarke@riagb.org.uk
Richard Jones, Technical Manager richard.jones@riagb.org.uk
Member & Event News Annual Conference Announced!
Innovation Conference wins award
[Continued from Page 1] Siemens Mobility CEO, Gordon Wakeford, National Skills Academy for Rail (NSAR) Director of Strategy, Shamit Gaiger and many more. With the UK preparing to leave the EU in March 2019, a new Control Period approaching and Government’s challenge to decarbonise and digitalise, our one-day programme aims to develop a sense of unity within and across the rail business community as well as inspire action and nurture collaboration. The Annual Conference will also include RIA’s AGM. RIA Annual Conference’s programme will combine keynote speeches and panel sessions which will discuss key topics from the industry, including: • How to deliver rail industry growth across the country? • Industry Leaders on the future of rail • Skills and Diversity: Building a sustainable future • Rail 2050: What is the future of rail? For more information and registrations, please visit: www.riagb.org.uk/AnnualConference2018 RIA would also like to thank its Annual Conference sponsors:
[Continued from Page 1] for around 50 delegates and has since evolved into a two-day conference with over 200 delegates attending in 2018. The Innovation Conference this year saw key industry leaders participate such as Digital Railway Managing Director David Waboso and Network Rail Chief Engineer Jon Shaw as well as speakers from other industries like wind and power, to see what lessons could be learnt for rail.
LPA Group Gold Sponsor
Colas Rail Silver Sponsor
‘Plus 1’ Rail Reception to bring current and future rail leaders together RIA is partnering with the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) and Young Rail Professionals to invite their members to join the ‘Plus 1’ Rail Reception on 4 September at the KIA Oval, 6-8pm. This event is designed to bring together young rail professionals with experienced industry leaders to enable them to learn from each other and celebrate a vibrant and diverse rail workforce. Therefore, if you are over the age of 30 you must bring with you someone working in a rail organisation who is under 30 to ensure we have the right blend of youth and experience! Lilian Greenwood MP, Chair of the Transport Select Committee, has confirmed her participation as a speaker for the reception. Register at www.riagb.org.uk/RIA/Events_Joint
RIA Hub coming to Railtex 2019 This year, RIA will have a dedicated hub – an area of RIA Member stands, located together with RIA’s own stand – and a programme of activities including presenters at Railtex’s RIA-hosted Knowledge Hub. There will also be networking drinks reception and a dedicated platform for SMEs to showcase their products and services, and a conference is also being planned. We invite all RIA members to book a stand within the RIA hub at Railtex, which will enhance your presence at this important event. As a RIA hub exhibitor, you’ll have additional exposure through: • RIA hub’s section on the Railtex website (with an extra 50-word entry – same or different from the one for the online and catalogue exhibitor entry) • Railtex’s and RIA’s newsletters, with a special feature presenting what you will be showcasing at the exhibition (sent to around 75,000 industry contacts) • Railtex’s Preview, Show Catalogue and other event related materials. Furthermore, the RIA hub will be constantly promoted during the events days, as a key feature of Railtex 2019, inviting attendees to visit the hub and take part in our unique programme of activities. Book your stand and ask to be at the RIA hub via: www.railtex.co.uk/2019 If you have already booked a stand and would like to change your location to the RIA hub, please contact: Natalie.Parker@mackbrooks.co.uk
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Terry, Katherine and Monica first winners of GEM Awards The Going the Extra Mile (GEM) Awards are a new initiative for RIA staff members to highlight and reward team members who go above and beyond in supporting RIA Members. The first GEM Award was handed out in April and will be awarded monthly to the RIA Staff Member who has put in a special effort. RIA Directors will decide who gets the prize, but any member of RIA Staff, including the Directors and Chief Executive can receive the award. What’s more, RIA Members can suggest a staff member to receive the award by emailing Gaynor Pates (contact details below). We encourage all RIA Members to recommend a GEM winner! Winners will receive an £80 voucher at a retailer of their choosing. The first three winners of the GEM Awards have now been announced:
with improvements to its design and content. The next stage of website update is providing Members with Online Communities where they can see the lasts insights and intelligence from RIA and the wider industry. This includes presentations and briefings from Technical and Special Interest Groups. To join an online community, go to www.riagb.org.uk and sign in using your email and password. From there, you can find the key online communities under the RIA Function headings.
The new and improved RIA website, with new services and information for members.
Get in touch with the Membership & Events and Business Administration Team:
Terry Eastmond, Finance Manager (top left), Monica Barbosa, Membership Engagement Manager (bottom left) and Katherine Anchorena, Events Manager (right) with RIA Chief Executive Darren Caplan
Shaun Forrester wins at RIA Golf Day! Congratulations to Shaun Forrester of Anderton Concrete who won the RIA Golf Day on 28 June with 34 points. The day was kindly sponsored by Anderton Concrete and organised by Chris Harris of Tratos. Shaun (left) received a bottle of bubbly from the Club professional Patrick Brady who sponsored two prizes for players to win.
RIA goes digital with online communities RIA Members will have noticed that our website (www.riagb.org.uk) has seen some major changes, 11/12
Gaynor Pates, Membership & Events Director and Business Administration Director gaynor.pates@riagb.org.uk Katherine Anchorena, Events Manager katherine. anchorena@riagb.org.uk Monica Barbosa, Membership Engagement Manager monica.barbosa@riagb.org.uk
Ann-Marie Esiaka, Business Administration Manager annmarie.esiaka@riagb.org.uk Amalia Damberger, Operations Executive amalia,damberger@riagb.org.uk Zamzam Osman, Executive Assistant zamzam.osman@riagb.org.uk
New Members
Find out about our Members at our online directory at www.riagb.org.uk
RIA would like to welcome its newest Members:
Mobius Networks
Field Consulting
Viper Innovations
BWB Consulting
University of Southampton Somafel University of Birmingham Waterman Group R&W Rail Easi—Dec PCP Gratings TRB Lightweight Structures
University of Huddersfield PACE Network
TSO
National College for High Speed Rail Produced by:
Incremental Solutions
Railway Industry Association 22 Headfort Place London SW1X 7RY
Phone: 020 7201 0777 Email: ria@riagb.org.uk Website: www.riagb.org.uk Follow us on Twitter @railindustry
Please let us know if you have any comments or suggestions on this newsletter. Please circulate to your colleagues
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