Update 106

Update Autumn 2018

106

'UK Rail, World Class' launches RIA has partnered with ITN Productions to launch ‘UK Rail, World Class,’ a news style programme reporting on the rail industry and the groundbreaking innovations that are reshaping the future of travel.

The programme showcases immersive technologies, digital transformation, decarbonisation, and hybrid trains, to name a few; and

launched at the RIA Annual Conference on 22 October.

Participant companies in the programme include RIA members Aecom, Furrer & Frey GB Ltd, Keltbray Group Holdings Ltd, National College for High Speed Rail, Rail Products UK Ltd, SNC Lavalin Atkins, Telent Technology Services Ltd and Thales UK. Watch it at riagb.org.uk.

InnoTrans 2018: UK railways on display

The Transport Secretary Chris Grayling joined rail companies in Berlin in mid September for InnoTrans.

RIA showed Grayling around a number of rail companies, including those exhibiting on RIA’s three GREAT Pavilions, to discuss future trade in the rail industry.

In the evening, he spoke alongside Sir Sebastian Wood, British Ambassador to Germany and RIA Chief Executive Darren Caplan at the DIT and RIA Reception, which around 280 delegates attended.

[Special Report on page 8]

From left to right: Sir Sebastian Wood, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling MP and RIA Chief Executive Darren Caplan

22 Headfort Place, London SW1X 7RY +44 (0)20 7201 0777

News presenter Natasha Kaplinsky presents 'UK Rail, World Class', a news style programme showcasing the rail industry

New entry level membership

RIA is excited to announce a new landmark membership offer for sector entrants and smaller players in the rail supply community.

The new fee, which started at the beginning of September, is set at an annual rate of £875, which is half the price of the current minimum £1,750 level, and is designed to make RIA more accessible to companies with less than £1 million rail turnover and who are not owned by a company with more than £50 million turnover.

Existing members will benefit from the lower fee when the new membership year starts in April 2019.

This new level will enable more small organisations, micro businesses and individuals to join RIA, ensuring the voice of the UK rail supply community is even more representative and impactful in the coming years.

Find out more by contacting Membership Engagement Manager Monica Barbosa [details on page 13].

1

New polling reveals 'boom & bust'

A survey of business leaders in the rail industry by independent polling company ComRes has revealed the damage done by ‘boom and bust’ in rail funding.

The poll of more than 120 leaders revealed that virtually all suppliers, 99% of respondents, said there are peaks and troughs in rail funding to some degree, with two thirds saying the term ‘boom and bust’ best described the nature of Government spending in rail.

More than four in five respondents who saw peaks and troughs said that these had a negative impact on their organisations, with 61% having frozen recruitment as a result, 50% choosing not to employ a staff member and 45% deciding not to invest funds in their organisation as a result. Nearly all – 96% - said the Government must do more to smooth out rail spending The results were announced at the Annual Conference on 22 October and recieved significant press coverage. ria@riagb.org.uk www.riagb.org.uk

RIA Update 106 Autumn 2018

Chief Exec's Intro

Clearly, the Exports and Membership & Events team have been particularly busy with InnoTrans Berlin in September – see pages 8-9 for a special report:

Well, it’s been a busy and eventful Autumn so far at RIA Towers – at least there’s only seven weeks ‘til Christmas!

We hope you enjoyed the RIA Conference & AGM. At the AGM, I presented a review of 2018 and a 2019 Business Plans summary, and the plans have now been sent to members (if you haven’t seen them, let us know and we’ll send the link to you).

A report of the Conference can be seen on pages 10-11 of the Update. Transport Secretary Chris Grayling was our keynote speaker of the day, opening the conference; and he has written a bespoke article for the Update, on the opposite page – certainly worth a read.

The big announcement since the last Update was the Williams Rail Review. We welcomed the fact it is considering devolution, future challenges, and long-term cost pressures, but are concerned smoothing ‘boom and bust’ in rail investment and a visible pipeline of enhancement projects is not included in scope. Crucially, whilst RIA looks forward to engaging constructively with the Review – indeed we are in the process of setting up engagement with the Williams team at the time of writing – normal business needs to continues during the review, with decisions and investments taking place as normal (we must not simply put things on hold whilst the review is conducted).

There have been a number of recent lobbying wins for RIA involving our Public Affairs, Policy and Technical teams.

• Delivering three pavilions’ worth of exhibitions for RIA members / UK companies – some members already report tens of millions of pounds worth of business being secured; • Chris Grayling gave four hours to RIA's tour of the pavilions, helping promote UK rail suppliers’ goods and services; and is keen to ensure similar assistance at Middle East Rail in 2019; • RIA confirmed MoU activity with the the Australasian Railway Association (ARA) and the Malaysian Rail Industry Corporation (MARIC); and • Arranging a RIA/DIT Reception, including 280+ delegates, with rail representatives from 16 countries, and speeches from Chris Grayling and HM Ambassador to Germany.

September also saw the launch of RIA’s new entry level membership offer – halving the subscription fee for those with a rail turnover of less than £1m (see page 1 for more on this). This enables RIA's wider representation and augments RIA's ability to be the voice of the UK rail supply community. It has been welcomed by both prospective and existing members (and more than 10 new members joined within a month).

Gaynor (middle) receiving the award from Betty Amaah, iFinity Project Manager, and Russell Franks, iFinity Chief Executive - well done, team!

• On rail funding, the Government has now accepted the parliamentary Transport Select Committee’s recommendation made in June that it should work with RIA, Network Rail, ORR and other stakeholders to smooth out ‘boom and bust’; and as the Update article on page 1 says, we now have the findings of a ComRes poll which shows virtually all rail supplier leaders believe that this has resulted in significantly restricting recruitment and investment; • On Electrification, the Government has also accepted the TSC’s recommendation to work with RIA on the Electrification Cost Challenge – Technical Director David Clarke is drafting version one of the report currently; and • On the specific Transpennine Route Upgrade project, following media speculation that electrification schemes were threatened on the project RIA secured a public letter from Transport Secretary Chris Grayling to RIA, confirming that further electrification on the Upgrade was assured.

Congratulations to Membership, Events & Business Administration Director Gaynor Pates and team for winning a ‘Great Things’ Award from Advanced Solutions International, which recognises organisations which make fundamental improvements to digital engagement with members.

Three team members have won GEM Award (Going the Extra Mile), since July; Snr Policy Manager Damian Testa, Exports Director Neil Walker and Snr Public Affairs Manager Max Sugarman have delivered sterling work - pictures on page 15!

RIA has been at the September/October political party conferences, holding events including top rank politicians such as Chris Grayling, HS2 Minister Nusrat Ghani, Shadow Transport Secretary Andy Macdonald, and Shadow Rail Minister Rachael Maskell; and RIA attended a roundtable with Transport Minister Jo Johnson too. We hope members feel RIA is heading in the right direction, in securing political and policy support.

22 Headfort Place, London SW1X 7RY +44 (0)20 7201 0777

Enjoy the Update. Best wishes, Darren Darren Caplan, RIA Chief Executive

2

ria@riagb.org.uk www.riagb.org.uk

RIA Update 106 Autumn 2018

Guest editorial: Transport Secretary Chris Grayling writes for the Update

My priorities for rail suppliers: Investment, capacity and the Williams’ Review Building a vibrant, competitive and innovative railway that puts passengers first is not just a professional ambition.

I am one of those passengers; a rail commuter for over thirty five years.

A successful and reliable railway is personal.

Under British Rail and nationalisation, stations and routes were closing as the network was starved of investment.

Passenger numbers dwindled and the future looked bleak.

Privatisation has brought the railways back to life. Passenger numbers have doubled, and we are investing billions of pounds to deliver the modern services needed to keep Britain moving.

Crucial to that recovery has been £5.6 billion of private funding over the past ten years. In the last year alone, the industry have spent £1.3 billion on new rolling stock. North, south, east and west, new state-of-the-art trains are changing journeys for the better.

Future Investment As the outdated Pacers head to the scrapheap, passengers are seeing more spacious trains with more seats, more accessible toilets and real-time service updates. New fleets on Thameslink, Northern and the multi-billion Intercity Express trains will give passengers improved Wi-Fi, more plug sockets and CCTV – ensuring commuter journeys are safer and more comfortable.

Together, the rail industry is spending £48 billion to upgrade vital signalling and infrastructure, pressing ahead with transformational schemes like the £3 billion Transpennine upgrade, HS2 and 22 Headfort Place, London SW1X 7RY +44 (0)20 7201 0777

East West Rail – boosting capacity and delivering connections that will unlock economic growth, jobs and housing in the future.

Whilst the changes we have seen over the past twenty years are staggering, I believe now is the time for a revolution.

Capacity The system has almost no spare capacity, and when things go wrong there can be significant effects for passengers.

But we have ensured it is simpler and faster to get the compensation passengers deserve, extending Delay Repay 15 to cover Northern commuters, appointing a new ombudsman who will handle complaints and introducing speedy ‘one-click’ compensation on future franchises – making it easier for passengers to get what they are entitled to – and these changes are working to build a fairer system - the total amount of compensation paid has risen by 80 per cent in the past two years and over two thirds of claims are now resolved in two weeks.

Passengers

Like all passengers I want to see have confidence in a reliable railway, and I share the frustration and disappointment we all feel when things go wrong. The aftermath of the May timetable showed the margins for error on our railways are almost non-existent. The Office of Rail and Road’s interim report showed how multiple players in the industry blur and confuse lines of accountability. Our

3

commuter routes are packed – as recent disruption at Paddington shows, errors can quickly escalate into serious delays that degrade trust.

Williams’ Rail Review

It is clear that, for all the success we have seen on our railways, for all the investment that we are committing, radical change is needed. This is the time for an independent, bold and wideranging review that will examine how the government and industry can deliver a better service for passengers.

Keith Williams, the former chief executive of British Airways, with his vast experience in putting the workforce at the heart of a successful business, is the ideal man to lead this review. His insight and knowledge will help put passengers first and return public confidence at a time when confidence in the industry is low and passengers feel the railways do not work for them.

Backed by an expert panel of industry leaders, regional champions and passenger representatives, I expect him to propose ambitious recommendations for change in 2019, and we will begin reforms the year after.

I have long pressed for the industry and government to work more closely together, to unify track and train in order that we deliver our record investment more cohesively and efficiently. This review will build on that objective with a strong vision for the future, one that can restore confidence and pride in our railways, and deliver for passengers.

ria@riagb.org.uk www.riagb.org.uk

RIA Update 106 Autumn 2018

Public Affairs & Policy Leading politicians attend RIA Party Conference events

Shadow Transport Secretary Andy McDonald (left) and Transport Secretary Chris Grayling (right) spoke to Sunday Times Transport Correspondent Mark Hookham at the Rail Interviews, organised by RIA and HSRIL

RIA held two events each at Labour and Conservative Party Conference, in partnership with High Speed Rail Industry Leaders (HSRIL).

On each Sunday, RIA and HSRIL organised a one-to-one interview where Sunday Times Transport Correspondent Mark Hookham quizzed Shadow Transport Secretary Andy McDonald (at Labour) and Transport Secretary Chris Grayling (at Conservative).

In the Interview,Grayling called for a ‘revolution’ in the franchising system, which he said the Williams’ Review would

Witham MP Priti Patel (centre) meets the team at Bombardier’s Iflord Depot

RIA Rail Fellowship Programme sees rail introduced to MPs 22 Headfort Place, London SW1X 7RY +44 (0)20 7201 0777

examine. McDonald renewed Labour’s support for HS2 and renationalisation.

Then, on the Monday evenings, RIA and HSRIL organised drinks receptions, with Shadow Transport Minister Rachael Maskell and Bradford City Council Leader Susan Hinchcliffe speaking at Labour and HS2 Minister Nus Ghani speaking at Conservative.

Thank you to sponsors ABB, Bombardier, University of Birmingham, Freshwater, Kilborn Consulting, Porterbrook, Siemens and VolkerWessels for supporting this activity.

Six MPs have been introduced to the rail industry through RIA’s Rail Fellowship Programme, an initiative launched in May that sees parliamentarians and commentators gain an insight into the valuable work of the UK rail supply chain at a RIA member location.

“Fellows” spend a day ‘on location’ with a RIA member whose work is relevant to their role or constituency and experience opportunities reflecting the great diversity of technical disciplines within the rail sector.

Over the past months, Shadow Environment Minister Luke Pollard, Treasury Select Committee Member Alison McGovern, Transport Select Committee

4

RIA Parliamentary Reception announced for 27 November RIA has announced its annual Parliamentary Reception will be held from 4 to 6pm on Tuesday 27 November.

Rail Minister Jo Johnson and Industrial Strategy Minister Richard Harrington will give keynote speeches, setting out the Government’s priorities for the rail supply community.

This year, the Parliamentary Reception will host the Rail Fellowship Programme Award Ceremony, where MPs and suppliers who have taken part in the Programme will receive recognition for their participation, and where MPs will have the opportunity to speak about their experiences of the rail supply industry.

This event is sponsored by the Bombardier & Hitachi Rail Europe HS2 JV. Register to attend at the events page of the RIA website (www.riagb.org.uk).

Chair Lilian Greenwood, high profile Conservative Priti Patel, former Transport Minister Stephen Hammond and APPG for Rail Chair Martin Vickers have visited RIA members to find out more about the industry.

The MPs have had a diverse range of experiences, with Hammond changing a brake pad at Hitachi Rail Europe’s Ashford Depot, Greenwood learning how to drive a train on a simulator at the East Midlands Trains Driver Academy and Vickers seeing liquid steel being poured at British Steel in Scunthorpe.

RIA members are encouraged to contact Max Sugarman (details overleaf) if they wish to be part of the Programme. ria@riagb.org.uk www.riagb.org.uk

RIA Update 106 Autumn 2018

Scottish Transport Secretary speaks at RIA Roundtable RIA Chief Executive Darren Caplan (left) with Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure & Connectivity Michael Matheson MSP (right)

Rail suppliers met with key decision makers in Scotland on 4 September at the RIA Scotland Roundtable in Edinburgh.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson MSP set out his plans for Scotland’s rail network, alongside Transport Scotland’s Rail Director Bill Reeve and ScotRail Managing Director Alex Hynes.

In his opening statement, Matheson set out his three main priorities -the economic importance of rail, the need for a clear vision and outcomes from investment and a focus on how this will be achieved.

He said that rail is important to the Scottish economy, not least given the connectivity it creates and the community cohesion it supports and that there there

Members question DfT Perm Sec Bernadette Kelly

ORR publish Final Determination

On 31 October, the ORR published its Final Determination, approving Network DfT Permanent Secretary Bernadette Rail’s funding for the next five yearly Kelly was RIA’s guest at a Q&A discussion funding cycle, Control Period 6. at RIA HQ on 30 October.

The ORR approved £35 billion (£31 There was a strong turnout of over billion in England and Wales and £4 billion 40 senior rail suppliers, to discuss with in Scotland) as part of the £48 billion set her the major issues of the day, from the out in the Statement of Funds Available.

Williams Review, workbank stability / rail Positively, there was a recognition of funding, and Brexit, to decarbonisation the damage caused by ‘boom and bust’ and electrification, SMEs and sector deal. rail funding, with ORR proposing using The event gave the Perm Sec an ‘risk funds'; to allow increased spending opportunity explain her department’s in the later years of the Control Period, views on the issues of the day but also thereby smoothing out work profiles. enabled her to hear directly from the rail RIA welcomed this move and called for supply community on points important Network Rail and ORR to ensure the funds to them, RIA will continue to keep in are used correctly. contact with the Perm Sec and her team R&D funding was increased from £100 in future. million to £245 million, another positive move, although RIA is still urging for additional funds for rolling stock R&D, to match that given to infrastructure. The Final Determination can be found at orr.gov.uk Bernadette Kelly (left) with RIA Chairman David Tonkin 22 Headfort Place, London SW1X 7RY +44 (0)20 7201 0777

5

had been significant investment over CP5, in infrastructure, rolling stock and electrification schemes.

The Roundtable was attended by Labour and Lib Dem Scottish Transport Spokespeople, plus a number of Conservative MSPs. There were representatives from a wide range of RIA Members and stakeholders, including Rail Freight Group and ICE.

Contact our 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

Contact us on +44 (0)20 7201 0777 www.riagb.org.uk ria@riagb.org.uk www.riagb.org.uk

RIA Update 106 Autumn 2018

Brexit Watch RIA presents to Lords Committee on Brexit Senior Policy Manager Damian Testa gave oral evidence to the House of Lords’ EU Internal Market Sub-Committee on 11 October alongside the Rail Delivery Group and law firm Burges Salmon.

He spoke as part of the Committee’s inquiry on the Future UK-EU transport arrangements. Testa covered the rail industry’s key challenges posed by Brexit, including the need to maintain access to a skilled workforce and smooth cross border

RIA Senior Policy Manager Damian Testa speaks to the House of Lords EU Internal Market Committee

trade as well as seeing non-network wide changes to standards. He also highlighted the opportunity of trade deals with both EU and non-EU countries post-Brexit.

His evidence to the Committee came the same week as the Department for Exiting the European Union released two technical notices on the impact of a ‘No Deal’ on the rail industry.

The technical notices stated that the UK will not maintain a formal relationship with the EU Railway Agency, but encourages the rail industry to participate with the Agency at a technical and working level. The technical notices also said that the UK will only diverge from the Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSIs) where there are clear benefits for doing so and with full engagement with the industry.

For more information, please contact Damian Testa (contact details on page 5).

Brexit Checklist developed to help rail suppliers prepare RIA has developed a Brexit Checklist, which gives a number of points UK rail businesses may want to consider as the UK prepares to leave the European Union. The checklist lists practical measures for companies of all sizes.

The ‘living document’ has been prepared with RIA Member (through PACN) and Government input, and will continue to develop as we understand more about the final outcome of the Brexit negotiations.

A digital copy of the document can be found by signing into the RIA website, on the Brexit Online Community webpage. Alternatively, Members can contact Senior Policy Manager Damian Testa for a copy of the document.

The European Rail Agency and UK, post Brexit Senior Policy Manager Damian Testa sets out the case for the EU Railway Agency.

The UK currently applies EU technical standards (known as TSIs) for railway rolling stock, and infrastructure and equipment. This is beneficial to the UK as it means UK rail supply chain products can be exported to EU countries for use without modification, thus avoiding unnecessary cost increases and retaining economies of scale and competitiveness.

These TSIs are developed by the European Union Railways Agency (ERA).

The UK is currently a member of the ERA and has the ability to influence the development of new TSIs and changes to existing TSIs. Post Brexit, the UK 22 Headfort Place, London SW1X 7RY +44 (0)20 7201 0777

Government is proposing to no longer have a formal relationship with the ERA. This is problematic for the rail supply industry. RIA consider it essential that the UK is able, once it has left the EU, to continue to influence development of technical standards and the evolution of safety certification and train maintenance certification. This would ensure that domestic railway operations and cross border services between the UK and other member states remain both practically and financially viable.

No longer participating in the ERA would significantly reduce the UK’s ability to influence TSIs. If these then developed in a way that did not reflect the UK rail

6

industry, there is a strong likelihood of divergence. This risks creating a ‘bespoke’ UK market, requiring EU and overseas manufacturers to establish a separate product line solely for the UK. Ultimately, this could disincentivise investment and could result in jobs and manufacturing being moved out of the UK. There could be an additional impact on the supply chain due to the high level of integration between UK and EU rail supply chains.

This is why RIA has been lobbying the Government to negotiate membership of ERA as part of a Brexit deal, mirroring its approach to the EU aviation, chemicals and medicine agencies. ria@riagb.org.uk www.riagb.org.uk

RIA Update 106 Autumn 2018

Exports RIA discusses new Exports Strategy with DIT Minister From left to right: RIA Chief Executive Darren Caplan, Exports Minister Baroness Fairhead, RIA Exports Director Neil Walker and RIA’s Senior Public Affairs & PR Manager Max Sugarman

On Wednesday 5 September, RIA’s Chief Executive Darren Caplan, Exports Director Neil Walker and Senior Public Affairs & PR Manager Max Sugarman met with Baroness Fairhead, Minister for Trade & Export Promotion.

The meeting followed the publication of the Department for International Trade’s (DIT) Exports Strategy on 21 August, which is calling on more UK companies to trade abroad. The Export Strategy builds on the Government’s Industry Strategy, seeking to unlock the potential of UK business by setting a new

Turkey Event RIA led a rail discussion at a UK-Turkey Transport Infrastructure Collaboration event on third markets as part of a wider UK-Turkey Joint Economic Trade Committee (JETCO) meeting, led by the Trade Secretary Liam Fox and his Turkish counter-part.

The rail session was attended by RIA Members, Turkish companies and was chaired by Lord Janvrin, the PM’s Trade Envoy to Turkey. RIA led a discussion and overview of UK rail’s strengths and expertise with Turkish contractor Yapi Merkezi providing an overview of their experience and current projects in Africa.

Their UK office, YM Global Projects Ltd have now joined RIA as a member.

22 Headfort Place, London SW1X 7RY +44 (0)20 7201 0777

national ambition to increase exports.

The Strategy aims to raise exports as a proportion of GDP from 30% to 35%.

DIT have also appointed a network of nine Trade Commissioners (HMTCs) to lead DIT’s overseas network at a regional level, who will work closely with the British Ambassadors and High Commissioners in market.

The meeting with Baroness Fairhead provided the opportunity for RIA to discuss the value of rail for UK exports which is valued at £800 million by

independent researchers Oxford Economics.

RIA also set out its current activities on Brexit and exports and conveyed the need for rail to have a greater profile when selling the UK overseas.

Other areas of discussion focused around InnoTrans, the Trade Access Programme (TAP) funding issues, the role of exports in the Rail Sector Deal and how RIA can assist DIT further in developing rail exports, particularly through the GREAT campaign.

Export Champions required

Chinese Delegation

RIA is encouraging exporting Members to sign up as Export Champions as part of the GREAT campaign.

Export Champions are selected

by DIT to join the Exporting is GREAT campaign and join a UK-wide network of like-minded exporters; have access to a suite of customisable digital Exporting is GREAT assets and be considered for the campaign’s creative and related PR, social-media and advertising activity.

RIA is keen to increase the profile of rail in the GREAT campaign, so please contact Neil Walker (details on page 9) to find out more.

7

October saw a large Chinese delegation of around 10 companies (plus various subsidiary companies) and Chinese officials visit the UK for discussions around a UK/China Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

As part of the visit, a UK/China industry day was arranged that saw up to 50 RIA company delegates attend a China presentation and 1-2-1 meeting session with over 100 meetings taking place during the day.

The event provided Members with a great opportunity to showcase their skills and expertise to the visiting Chinese companies, as well as learning more about the Chinese market. ria@riagb.org.uk www.riagb.org.uk

RIA Update 106 Autumn 2018

InnoTrans Berlin Special Report From 18 to 21 September, the international rail community attended the world’s biggest rail trade fair in Berlin, InnoTrans.

There was a great presence from the UK, with RIA Members and UK companies out in force. Over 120 registered UK companies plus a number of UK based mulitnationals exhibited at the show.

The RIA Team attended to support three UK GREAT branded Pavilions, to show the Transport Secretary Chris Grayling around during his tour of companies and to host the UK delegation at an evening reception.

Overall, the show was highly successful, with some high-profile exporting activity, judged by the feedback from RIA member companies.

Transport Secretary’s Visit One of the highlights was the support that Secretary of State for Transport, Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP showed in supporting UK Exporters.

Following RIA’s invitation to attend

One of the busy GREAT pavilions at InnoTrans 22 Headfort Place, London SW1X 7RY +44 (0)20 7201 0777

InnoTrans, and with rigorous pre planning between DfT, DIT and RIA, his visit focused on a programme of calls around the exhibition with over 30 UK companies visited in many of the halls, a great achievement given the size of InnoTrans.

Some key outcomes From left to right: Transport Secretary Chris Grayling, Malaysian Ambassador to were achieved, such Germany, Her Excellency Sarah Al Bakri Devadason, Datuk Dr Yusoff Sulaiman, as contract signing, Chairman of MARIC & Darren Caplan, Chief Executive, RIA meetings with key client meetings or important or afternoon 1-2-1 meeting clinic with UK discussions along with lots of publicity companies over 3 days, with 145 meetings opportunities for the companies. booked and 40 UK delegates attending.

Another key event was the prestigious This has helped provide valuable reception RIA arranged with DIT and exporting opportunities around the world sponsors, (UKRRIN, Ramboll, SNC Lavalin/ for Members.

Atkins and Furrer + Frey) - a major RIA also looked to forge new international networking reception for members and relationships, with the signing of two UK Companies. Attendance on the night MoUs with counterparts in Malaysia and was around 280 delegates, with rail Australasia. representatives from 16 International An MoU was signed, in the presence countries attending. Grayling spoke of the Transport Secretary and Malaysian alongside Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Ambassador to Germany, with the Germany Sir Sebastian Malaysian Rail Industry Corporation Wood and RIA’s Chief (MARIC), with a similar separate MoU Executive Darren Caplan. announced between RIA and the Australasian Railway Association (ARA).

Forging new global The new partnerships will help the partnerships different countries’ rail industries by promoting closer ties and knowledge transfers and promoting greater trade RIA and DIT arranged links. The UK, Malaysia and Australia have a ‘Meet the DIT Rail a number of high-profile rail projects Trade Adviser’ with which will benefit from collaboration 19 DIT Commercial between the different industries.

Officers from various British Embassies and Caplan called the partnerships as a High Commissions from “great example of an industry reaching around the world. They out to fellow colleagues across the globe, held either a morning to develop new trade links.”

8

ria@riagb.org.uk www.riagb.org.uk

RIA Update 106 Autumn 2018

A Malaysian trade delegation visit RIA members TRB Lightweight Structures in July

Malaysian Internal Mission

The briefing session was followed by the Victorian State Government hosting a networking reception for their companies and a large contingent of RIA members.

Looking Ahead

7 – 9 November sees a RIA & local DIT rail trade mission to Turkey, set around a A senior team from Invest Selangor Berhad unique visit programme and a shared UK from Malaysia visited the UK on the 26 GREAT exhibition stand at Transist 2018 July, to gain a wider understanding of UK Istanbul Transport Congress and Exhibition. rail skills and composite production, linked See next update for mission feedback. to partnering.

5 December sees a large delegation Following a meeting with the GREAT This was as a direct follow-on from from Poland, Romania, Czech Republic and Campaign team at DIT, RIA is working to RIA’s involvement at Rail Solutions Asia Slovenia visit London, linked to a smart exhibition in May. As part of the visit, RIA increase the profile of the rail industry in ticketing study tour. RIA will be arranging arranged site visits to the National Training the GREAT Campaign. a programme and networking reception, Academy for Rail (NTAR) and RIA Members RIA requires imagery and content from interested members should contact Neil TRB Lightweight Structures.

Members, showcasing UK products and Walker for further information. innovations that can be promoted abroad.

RIA has started recruiting along with RIA Members that provide images that our Pavilion partner, Intec, for Middle are elected for use by the Campaign will East Rail being held in Dubai on 26 & 27 benefit from international exposure. To February 2019, please contact Neil Walker get involved, please contact Senior Public if you are interested in exhibiting.

With many opportunities in the Australian Affairs & PR Manager Max Sugarman railway sector and Australian companies keen to understand the UK railway sector, (details on page 5).

RIA took the opportunity of a large-scale Australian rail delegation visiting the UK Neil Walker the week before InnoTrans to help foster Exports Director partnering opportunities for Members. +44 (0)20 7201 0777 At an event held in the Australian High Commission, RIA briefed the visiting neil.walker@riagb.org.uk companies on RIA and our members' skills www.riagb.org.uk and expertise, whilst DfT provided an overview of the UK rail sector.

GREAT imagery needed

Australian opportunities

Contact Exports:

22 Headfort Place, London SW1X 7RY +44 (0)20 7201 0777

9

ria@riagb.org.uk www.riagb.org.uk

RIA Update 106 Autumn 2018

RIA Annual Conference Special Report The biggest names in the UK rail industry spoke about the key rail issues, including funding, the Williams Review into the sector, Network Rail and High-Speed 2 (HS2) at RIA’s Annual Conference on Monday 22 October 2018.

This year’s conference carried the theme of ‘growing a sustainable rail industry in uncertain times’ and was moderated

by Transport Times Chief Executive David Begg. The theme sought to examine how the rail supply community can develop and grow, as a new Control Period begins, the UK leaves the European Union, the Government seeks to decarbonise and digitalise the rail network and the Williams’ Review and Labour’s plans for renationalisation promising to lead to significant changes to the structure of the industry.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling and Shadow Transport Secretary Andy McDonald, as well as the newly appointed Chief Executive of Network Rail, Andrew Haines, were among those addressing a packed conference.

Solving ‘boom and bust’ RIA’s Chief Executive, Darren Caplan, opened the full-day event – held at the Landmark Hotel in London’s Marylebone – focusing his remarks on topics including what he described as the “peaks and troughs” of rail funding that “jeopardise the ability of rail companies, particularly SMEs, to survive”.

Caplan told delegates that he hoped the “boom and bust” in Government funding for the industry could be ended “once and for all”, saying: “Let me be clear, we are not seeking more funding. But we are seeking funding to be delivered in a consistent manner”.

His speech also revealed the findings of a new survey by independent polling company ComRes, showing that virtually all suppliers, 99% of respondents, said there are peaks and troughs in rail funding to some degree, with two thirds saying the term ‘boom and bust’ best described the nature of Government spending in rail.

Grayling & McDonald The Transport Secretary, giving the conference’s first keynote speech, responded to Caplan’s call, saying: “While I will do my best to provide a smooth flow of business [from Government], and there is a pipeline coming through, it’s also your [industry’s] job to make [your] business as smooth as possible by winning business internationally.”

In his speech Grayling heaped praise on the technology he had seen first-hand at InnoTrans in Berlin the previous month, such as hydrogen-powered trains that have begun running in Germany. He added: “Digital is going to be a big theme of the next 10 to 15 years. My challenge number one to you is innovation.”

The Secretary of State also discussed the Williams Review, the investigation - to be led by former British Airways Chief Executive Keith Williams - into the structure of the rail industry, which was announced last month.

Grayling said: “It’s been a difficult summer for passengers. We need to use Williams' Review to ensure there’s no repeat.”

Grayling went on to say: “Even though I am surrounded in this room by engineering businesses, every one of you is actually a customer-service business. And the customer is the travelling public – that sometimes does get forgotten.”

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling gives his keynote speech to a packed room 22 Headfort Place, London SW1X 7RY +44 (0)20 7201 0777

10

Shadow Secretary of State for Transport Andy McDonald MP used his speech to respond to certain comments made by his Conservative counterpart, particularly ria@riagb.org.uk www.riagb.org.uk

RIA Update 106 Autumn 2018

Grayling’s criticism of Labour’s plans to renationalise the rail industry.

McDonald said: “I hear that Mr Grayling [speaking earlier] wants you to ask me if I’m going to nationalise the rail supply chain.

What utter nonsense.”

McDonald was heavily critical of the announcement of the Williams Review, saying: “I believe the review will have little genuine impact and that events will cause the Government to act long before Keith Williams reports back.”

He went on to say: “We don’t need another review to tell us the rail industry needs fundamental reform. Why on earth would the Government cast a further layer of uncertainty onto the companies in this room?”.

The Skills and Diversity Panel discussed how to get new entrants into the industry

Haines, Armitt & Morgan Panel discussions Network Rail’s Andrew Haines – who is just weeks into his new role, having joined from the Civil Aviation Authority - cited four challenges that were top of his in-tray: political uncertainty; “changes to Network Rail’s regulatory settlement and funding”; uncertainty because of the Williams Review (though, Haines said, he thought it was the “right time for [the] review”); and what he described as a “crisis of confidence” in the sector triggered by the problematic rollout of new timetables earlier this year. But he was keen to stress that each challenge offered “real opportunities”.

The conference also featured three panel discussions. The first examined the move towards more localised decision-making in transport and featured Maria Machancoses, Director of Midlands Connect; James Price, Chief Executive of Transport for Wales; Barry White, Chief Executive of Transport for the North; and Bill Reeve, Director for Rail at Transport Scotland. The discussion was useful in setting out the similarities and differences in the various sub-national bodies.

The day’s second panel saw five senior industry figures discuss ‘The Future of Rail’: Mary Grant, Chief Sir John Armitt, Chairman Executive of Porterbrook; Maggie of the National Infrastructure Simpson, Executive Director, Rail Commission (NIC), was among Freight Group; Simon Babes, Chair of Sir John Armitt speaks to moderator David Begg the other big names to address RIA’s SME Group & Managing Director, RIA’s conference.

Movement Strategies; Gordon Wakeford, CEO of Siemens Sir John sought to place rail in the broader UK transport Mobility Ltd UK; and Mark Bullock, CEO – Rail and Utilities, policy context, pointing out the relatively large size of Balfour Beatty. It was a wide-ranging discussion including topics Government support received by the sector. He said: “I think such as SMEs in the rail supply-chain, freight, the scheduling of there’s a real challenge to create vertical integration [in rail], maintenance work and, separately, Brexit. particularly if you have short-term franchises.”

‘Skills and Diversity’ was the topic of the third panel: Sir John outlined the rail projects supported by the NIC, but Adeline Ginn, General Counsel, Angel Trains & Founder and on the topic of HS2 said: “If high-speed rail does not go north of Chair, Women in Rail; Mohaned Ismail,National Vice-Chairman, Birmingham, then I would argue there’s not much point.”

Young Rail Professionals; Shamit Gaiger, Director of Strategy Sir Terry Morgan CBE was among the conference’s other NSAR, Programme Director RSSB & Deputy Director at DfT; and speakers, discussing both Crossrail and HS2. He said it was Mark Lomas, Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion at HS2 Ltd. “important to have [more] business support” for the latter They discussed topics including flexible working, name-blind project and that he hoped that it could act “as a shop-window to recruitment and whether diverse teams are more productive what we [the UK] do best”. teams.

22 Headfort Place, London SW1X 7RY +44 (0)20 7201 0777

11

ria@riagb.org.uk www.riagb.org.uk

RIA Update 106 Autumn 2018

Technical & Innovation

Unlocking Innovation with Composites The Unlocking Innovation Scheme (UIS) returned with a bang on 27 September with the first in a series of single-topic events.

The event focused on composites in rail and was fully booked with around 100 delegates in attendance. 14 speakers and a busy exhibition area ensured the day was packed full of content, kindly hosted at the National Composites Centre.

The day covered composites innovation in rolling stock and infrastructure, the latest in materials and even funding sources for R&D. Four workshop sessions looked at the opportunities and blockers in rolling stock and infrastructure, with speakers from Network Rail, Bombardier, National Composites Centre (NCC) InnovateUK, Rail Supply Growth Fund and the UK Rail

Attendees at the UIS Composites Event network Research and Innovation Network (Southampton University and Huddersfield University projects).

In the coming months, there will be more UIS single-topic events organised, including on the topics of Automation, Data and Energy.

Challenge Update RIA continues to work on a range of challenges which, if properly addressed, can improve the efficiency and whole life cost of delivering projects.

Electrification Cost Challenge: The report is being finalised currently and will be launched shortly with an aim of achieving maximum impact for the message. NR is showing strong interest in the report in terms of reviewing potential electrification schemes.

De-carbonisation Challenge: The RSSB hosted task-force report has had final review for submission to the 22 Headfort Place, London SW1X 7RY +44 (0)20 7201 0777

Minister soon. It identifies a hierarchy of options to de-carbonise traction but largely agrees with the RIA position that trains should use the electrified network whenever this is possible. The report will also propose the electrified network as the benchmark for judging other potential solutions for cost and carbon reduction.

NR/RIA Standards Challenge: The Standards Challenge process which RIA members helped to design continues to develop and there are now 27 challenges in progress. Network Rail has re-designed the relevant page of their website

12

acknowledging RIA’s contribution.

RIA Signalling Cost Challenge: RIA led a workstream as part of the sector deal to validate the conclusion of the recent Digital Railway Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) work that it was possible to reduce the current unit cost of signalling for both train and lineside if government agree to facilitate a cab fitment programme for all trains, support industry to smooth the profile of infrastructure renewals and support Digital Railway clients to create a collaborative and sustainable commercial environment. ria@riagb.org.uk www.riagb.org.uk

RIA Update 106 Autumn 2018

Technical Interest Groups SiGTIG, 4 Sept

passing asset information to contractors at the start of every project, and what information is expected back at the end.

There was a full house at the Signalling & Sheffield University’s Dr Adam Beagles Telecoms Technical Interest Group, where talked on UKRRIN, and the capabilities attendees heard from Caroline Ferry and of Sheffield University in R&D. Jeff Hills, Bonnie Schoenmaker from the NR CCS talk Technical Head of Discipline (Track) about the new DRACAS system for the DR IP Engineering at NR talked about programme. preparation for CP6. Finally, David Richard Barrow of RSSB updated us on Thompson, Chief Engineer Technologies, Balfour Beatty Rail talked about their work standards changes in signalling, including in measurement of track geometry with the new RIS standards. service train mounted equipment.

Andrew Simmons, Chief Systems Engineer on the DR Programme explained the programme governance and assurance arrangements, and shared a video of the Hybrid Level 3 trials.

RIA hosted the RSSB’s V/T Systems Crossrail Chief Engineer Chris Binns Interface Committee in the morning, and provided an update on this complex and then our VTIG meeting in the afternoon. challenging project.

RIA member Bjoern Kaempfer attended V/T SIC and provided a report into VTIG for RIA members. NR’s CTO, Andy Doherty, then provided a view of R&D. Finally, Stephen Lewis, Technical Consultant from Speakers included Ed Fowler, Exchange of British Steel updated us on their work on Asset Information (EAI) Business Change Bainitic Steels.

Lead at NR, who explained that NR will be

VTIG, 13 Sept

InfraTIG, 11 Sept

IMG, 25 Sept

At the Information Management Group (IMG) Babcock’s Jon Liddle gave the group an insight into the work of the Data and Information System Interface Committee (DISIC).

Ed Fowler from Network Rail joined us again, repeating his InfraTIG talk on EAI to this new audience.

Simon Clifford from new RIA member FETCH AI presented on the benefits of sharing information within the industry.

Using clever animations, he demonstrated how problems are solved quicker through collaboration.

ElecTIG, 2 Oct A full house heard presentations from Phil Doughty of NR and Joao Pombo of Huddersfield University on OLE/ Pantograph interface; from Dave Hewings of NR on lessons learned from AT and Classic electrification schemes; from RSSB’s Giulia Lorenzini on funding for energy innovation, and John Morris from Newcastle University on standards.

Contact our Technical & Innovation team: David Clarke Technical Director david.clarke@riagb.org.uk

Richard Jones Technical & Innovation Manager richard.jones@riagb.org.uk

A busy SiGTIG with Caronline Ferry of Network Rail speaking (top left) 22 Headfort Place, London SW1X 7RY +44 (0)20 7201 0777

13

Contact us on +44 (0)20 7201 0777 www.riagb.org.uk ria@riagb.org.uk www.riagb.org.uk

RIA Update 106 Autumn 2018

Events & Information Award-winning RIA Innovation Conference launches

A packed RIA Innovation Conference in March 2018, which won the TAF Conference of the Year Award

RIA’s award-winning Innovation Conference is back for its eleventh year.

Starting at 10am on 19 March and finishing at 4pm on 20 March, the Conference provides a unique opportunity for engagement on key innovation issues with RIA Members and invited representatives from the wider rail industry, as well as from academia and innovation bodies, attending. This year, the Conference will be at the Telford International Centre.

The theme of this year’s Conference is ‘MADE in Britain’. Building on RIA’s Annual Conference theme of ‘Growing a sustainable rail industry in uncertain times’, MADE stands for Materials, Automation, Data and Energy, all of which

will be considered during the two days in March.

RIA’s innovation events have built an impressive track record over the last decade; they have become key diary dates for innovators in the UK railway industry, in both the supply chain and in client and Government organisations, offering a mix of information, networking and interaction to make innovation happen. Last year, RIA’s Innovation Conference won the Trade Association Forum’s Conference of the Year Award, showing just how valuable this event has proven.

Regular participants include Network Rail, London Underground, HS2, DfT, BEIS, ORR, Train Operating Companies,

Railtex 2019

Sponsorship opportunities

RIA is a key partner of Railtex 2019, the UK’s premier exhibition of railway equipment, systems and services.

RIA will have a dedicated hub – an area of RIA Member stands, located together – supplemented with a programme of activities including a Conference area, a RIA-hosted Knowledge Hub, drinks reception and dedicated SME platform.

If you have booked a stand and would like to change your location to the RIA hub, please contact Exhibition Executive Natalie Parker: Natalie.Parker@mackbrooks.co.uk 22 Headfort Place, London SW1X 7RY +44 (0)20 7201 0777

If you’re looking to raise your profile with clients, key decision makers and the rail supply community, there are a number of sponsorship opportunities to consider.

A range of packages are available for RIA’s Innovation Conference, Parliamentary Reception, regional roundtables, interest group meetings and networking events.

14

Rail Delivery Group, RSSB, UKTram, UK Rail Research & Innovation Network, Transport Systems Catapult, KTN and InnovateUK. Key speakers from within and outside the industry address important themes surrounding innovation to provoke and inspire.

RIA Members now have exclusive access to a limited number of Advance Tickets priced at £395+VAT. Exhibition packages are available from £1150+VAT, including one delegate place. Find out more at www.riagb.org.uk/RIC1903 There are also a number of sponsorship packages available. Please contact Membership Engagement Monica Barbosa (details opposite).

RIA joins RIN

RIA has become a partner for the highly popular Rail Infrastructure Networking (RIN) events. These networking sessions are one of the fastest growing rail industry forums for those involved in rail infrastructure.

The partnership with RIN creators Jobson James Rail will help bring new contacts and energy to these highly successful events.

The next RIN will run in York on 22 November at York Racecourse. Find out more at www.rinevents.co.uk ria@riagb.org.uk www.riagb.org.uk

RIA Update 106 Autumn 2018

GEM Awards

Contact our Events & Information team:

There are three new winners of the Going the Extra Mile (GEM) Awards for RIA Team Members, covering the months of JulySeptember.

Senior Policy Manager Damian Testa, Exports Director Neil Walker, and Senior Public Affairs & PR Manager Max Sugarman all won the award for going above and beyond the call of duty!

A reminder that RIA Members can recommend a member of the team to be put for a GEM Award if you feel that individual has gone above and beyond in their role.

If you would like to suggest a team member, email RIA Chief Executive Darren Caplan at darren.caplan@riagb.org.uk

Gaynor Pates Membership, Events & Business Administration Director gaynor.pates@riagb.org.uk

Katherine Anchorena Events & Marketing Manager katherine.anchorena@riagb.org.uk

Annual Conference Raffle Winners Congratulations to the raffle winners at the Annual Conference on 22 October and thanks to all who bought raffle tickets.

In total, more than £1,400 was raised for Pancreatic Cancer UK. The winners are: • Nigel Huwson- Telent • Cliff Brown- KBR • Lisa McKay- Morgan Sindall • Wayne Butler- CCD Designs + Ergonomics Ltd • Joy Grover- Priestman Goode

Monica Barbosa Membership Engagement Manager monica barbosa@riagb.org.uk

RIA Chief Executive Darren Caplan (left) with (top to bottom) Damian Testa, Max Sugarman and Neil Walker • • •

Simon Scott- KBR Matt Phillips- SNC Lavallin Chris Docker- Atkins

Christmas Appeal

This year, RIA is working with international charity the Railway Children for our Christmas Appeal.

Railway Children has changed the lives of more than 300,000 children over the last 22 years thanks to the massive support they have from across the rail industry. They fight for children around the world that have no one else to protect and care for them. Children who are forced to survive on the streets and around the railways in India, Africa and here in the UK where they often put themselves in danger using public transport to run away from home.

This Christmas, with support from across the transport sector, Railway 22 Headfort Place, London SW1X 7RY +44 (0)20 7201 0777

Ann-Marie Esiaka Business Administration Manager AnnMarie.Esiaka@riagb.org.uk

Amalia Damberger Operations Executive amalia.damberger@riagb.org.uk

Children is changing that with their This Girl Can’t campaign. Their teams know how to spot the girls in danger and can reach them before it is too late – offering shelter, food, support and advice. Making sure they are safe and working with them and their families until they know how to stay safe for good. Make a donation at www.railwaychildren.org.uk/shecan

15

Zamzam Osman Executive Assistant zamzam.osman@riagb.org.uk

Contact us on +44 (0)20 7201 0777 www.riagb.org.uk ria@riagb.org.uk www.riagb.org.uk

RIA Update 106 Autumn 2018

New Members

RIA would like to welcome the following companies into membership:

Interested in Membership?

Find out about the benefits of becoming a RIA Member by contact Membership Engagement Manager Monica Barbosa on monica.barbosa@riagb.org.uk All RIA Members can be found on the RIA website. Š 2018 Railway Industry Association Produced by: Railway Industry Association Please let us know if you have any comments or suggestions on the Update; and feel free to circulate amongst fellow RIA colleagues.

22 Headfort Place, London SW1X 7RY +44 (0)20 7201 0777

16

ria@riagb.org.uk www.riagb.org.uk