RIA Update 108 by Railway Industry Association

Update Spring 2019

108

Landmark RIA report shows electrification can be delivered for less than half the cost RIA Technical Director and report author David Clarke with Transport Select Committee Chair Lilian Greenwood MP & RIA Chief Executive Darren Caplan at a Parliamentary roundtable on electrification

Rail electrification can be, and is being, delivered for less than half the cost of some past projects, according to a landmark new Electrification Cost Challenge Report, written by RIA. Published on 14 March, the report sets out why costs have risen on some previous electrification projects, but also highlights best practice on schemes currently being delivered both in the UK and internationally. It calls for lessons to be implemented from past schemes and for the Government to implement a ten-year rolling programme of electrification, in order to build up capability within the supply chain. The report responds to a recommendation from last years’ Transport Select Committee inquiry into rail infrastructure

RIA signs partnership with Australasian Railway Association RIA has signed a new partnership with the Australasian Railway Association (ARA), leading to greater co-operation and collaboration between the two industries. The agreement will see: • The exchanging of information linked to research and innovation (not IP protected) undertaken in either country; • Sharing and exchanging information and approaches relating to skill needs, training and the attraction of career aspirants to the rail industry; [continued on page 7]

Left to right: Sydney Trains Chief Executive Howard Collins OBE; ARA Chairman Bob Herbert; Exports Director Neil Walker; and Michael Ward, HM Consul General.

22 Headfort Place, London SW1X 7RY +44 (0) 207 201 0777

investment, which called for the Government to work with RIA and Network Rail to ‘produce a report on cost-effective electrification within 12 months [September 2019]’. RIA is now working with both to deliver on this recommendation. The report received strong support from the rail industry, the media and politicians, including from Network Rail Chief Executive Andrew Haines. It was also discussed at a Parliamentary roundtable on 27 March. [More on page 4]

Rail Sector Deal – Recruitment of a new Programme Manager The RSG is recruiting a new Programme Manager to support and co-ordinate the delivery of the Rail Sector Deal. The role involves coordinating the Sector Deal’s various workstreams and ensuring appropriate and timely reporting of progress to the RSG. It is envisaged that the successful candidate will be able to work on Sector Deal activity at least three days per week; and whilst s/he may be drawn from the rail industry, when in post s/he needs to remain independent and to allocate activity time with the various parties according to the needs of delivering the Sector Deal. To find out more and see the job description, please contact ria@riagb.org.uk. Candidates should send their CV and a cover letter by COP 9 April to RIA Chief Executive Darren Caplan (darren. caplan@riagb.org.uk) and RDG Planning, Engineering & Operations Director Mark Gaynor (mark.gaynor@ raildeliverygroup.com).

RIA Innovation Conference sees record attendance The RIA Innovation Conference, which took place on 19-20 March saw nearly 300 delegates attend, for two days of fascinating talks, workshops, seminars and networking. Keynote speakers included Network Rail Chief Executive Andrew Haines, HS2 Ltd Chief Executive Mark Thurston and South Western Railways Managing Director Andy Mellors, as well as a number of leading figures from both within the rail industry, and from other sectors. A Special Report on the Innovation Conference can be found on page 10.

A packed hall for the RIA Innovation Conference at Telford International Centre.

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

RIA Update 108 Spring 2019

Growing a sustainable rail industry in uncertain times This Update cannot go by without mentioning David Clarke’s excellent work on the Electrification Cost Challenge Report, which shows how we can take half to two thirds of the cost out of electrification schemes compared to some problem projects, essentially dovetailed with a visible rolling programme of electrification from Government which the rail supply sector can plan for. Following the launch of the report in mid-March we held an Electrification Parliamentary Roundtable at which Transport Select Committee Chair Lillian Greenwood and Labour Shadow Transport Secretary Andy McDonald supported the report, and asked that we add environmental, air quality and socio-economic benefits to the cost-effectiveness argument – watch this space, going forward.

Dear RIA Colleagues, Well no one could say it’s been a quiet start to the year! Uncertainty… Since January we’ve had Network Rail’s 100-day plan, announcing a devolved regional and routes restructure, the Williams Rail Review has published a second tranche of papers and seems to be heading in the direction of a localised systems for different localities approach… and there is Brexit, which continues to pose parliamentary questions but not answers. We’ve also had a new Control Period, CP6, commencing on 1 April with record Operations, Renewals and Maintenance investment for the next five years, but precious little sight of enhancement projects, other than the CP5 Hendy Tail improvements we already know about. And there’s been plenty of negative press coverage on major rail schemes like Crossrail and HS2, despite the huge economic and connectivity benefits they bring. So I think it’s pretty obvious to surmise that we are indeed going through uncertain times when one reflects back on Quarter 1 2019.

There’s a lot more we’ve been up to. Just to mention a couple of highlights… RIA’s membership has now grown since 2017 from 190 to almost 270, so well done to Membership Engagement Manager Monica Barbosa for managing to speak with so many members and prospects so far this year! Ops Director Gaynor Pates and her team continue to go from strength-to-strength to seek to make our membership services, marketing and branding, events and business administration ever more effective. Exports Director Neil Walker has been leading the charge on overseas missions to Middle East Rail, Australia / New Zealand – where we formally launched our partnership with the Australasian Railway Association – and Rail Baltica, as well as negotiating to secure extra TAP grants.

Challenges and opportunities: Events, electrification, Brexit, and exports However, the team at RIA really is working hard on behalf of you, our members, to try to navigate this uncertainty, to help overcome the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities so the rail supply sector can grow whatever the political and economic environment.

Building a better RIA… and member engagement As I said in my address to the RIA Innovation Conference, we will continue to go all-out and work with you in trying to help grow the rail industry, making it even bigger and better in what are clearly uncertain times. But to do this, we also need to be building a better RIA with a high-performing team to deliver for you too. To that end, I would like to welcome Milda Manomaityte (Technical & Policy Manager) and Isabella Lawson (EA & Operations Executive) to bolster the full-time team. I would also like to congratulate Richard Jones, on promotion to Senior Technical & Innovation Manager, after almost two years at RIA for his hard work developing the RIA Unlocking Innovation programme, and much else besides.

In recent months, as I hope you’ll see in the pages of this Update, Team RIA has been working on a whole host of activities which we hope you feel are of value. In addition to a full Special and Technical Interest Groups programme and Public Affair & Comms Network, SME Group, and National Rail Contractor Group meetings, we also held our annual RIA Innovation Conference in Telford identifying innovation opportunities on the theme, ‘MADE in Britain’ (Materials, Automation, Data, Energy). The fact that Network Rail Chief Executive Andrew Haines and HS2 Chief Executive Mark Thurston gave keynote addresses is testament to this event’s growing reputation. Well done to Technical Director David Clarke, Technical & Innovation Manager Richard Jones, and the team for a great conference.

But I would also like to thank you, our valued members, for ramping up your involvement with RIA too. Attending our various events and meetings, responding to emails and intelligence, phoning us up and giving us your views and advice – all of this is essential to an informed, impactful and (hopefully) delivering trade association. Please do continue to tell us what you like about what we do, and also areas where you have concern. By engaging closely in this way, we can all help build a bigger and better rail supply sector, whatever the times.

On Brexit, our Senior Policy Manager Damian Testa has been providing regular updates on all the latest from Westminster and Brussels; and, importantly, what developments all mean for you as rail suppliers, to help planning through the uncertainty. Damian has also been working with Policy Director Peter Loosley on responding to the Network Rail 100-day plan and Williams Review to ensure RIA members’ asks are heeded, as well as spear-heading with Senior Public Affairs & PR Manager Max Sugarman’s our lobbying efforts to smooth boom and bust in rail investment and deliver a visible enhancements pipeline. 22 Headfort Place, London SW1X 7RY +44 (0) 207 201 0777

Yours, Darren | Chief Executive, Railway Industry Association PS Don’t forget to come to RailTex, taking place from 14-16 May at the NEC Birmingham, where RIA is running the ‘Future Focus Conference’ and SME and innovation hubs.

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

RIA Update 108 Spring 2019

Each Update, RIA publishes a Guest Editorial from a key industry figure. This quarter, we hear from the Department of Business Energy & Industrial Strategy, with former Minister Lord Prior writing.

Rail Sector Deal offers great opportunity for the industry You will already know that one of the routes by which this Government is delivering the UK’s Industrial Strategy is via a series of sector deals. I have been heavily involved with scrutinising a number of these deals and I believe strongly that industry knows best how to be more effective, how to deliver the best results possible, so providing jobs, good salaries and boosting productivity. Sometimes this will involve government doing things differently too, and sector deals are a way by which industry and government come together to work collaboratively to improve outcomes. The Rail Sector Deal And this is what has happened with the Rail Sector Deal, launched in December last year. The fact that it is one of only ten deals agreed, out of over 60 requested, demonstrates a show of confidence from government. The rail industry came together in a way that is frankly unprecedented since privatisation a quarter of a century ago and, with a team from DfT and my old department, focussed hard on the real challenges and opportunities and what to do about them. The results are impressive, with the potential to add several billions to the economy, create jobs that will endure because they focus on tomorrow’s technologies, while creating industrial capability in areas where the UK can lead the world. We have an extraordinary tradition of excellence in railway engineering that goes right back to the 1830’s. The digital revolution together with the imperative to address global warming has created a new opportunity for our industry. This is why rail is so central to our Industrial Strategy and so close to my heart. 22 Headfort Place, London SW1X 7RY +44 (0) 207 201 0777

What I particularly like about the rail deal is the way it is outward-facing, so demonstrating that the industry understands how it interacts with the wider economy and how it can contribute more. So it’s not just about making the railway work better for its own sake, it looks at how the passenger experience can be made better, how the UK balance of payments can be improved by exporting more, and how the railway can help support its supply chain better. And all this is without any extra money from the taxpayer. In doing all this it is well aligned with the Industrial Strategy Grand Challenges; the railway’s underlying low carbon character supports clean growth; on a small island with over 60 million people, rail is key in the future of mobility and in developing mobility as a service, while in turn providing an integrated, interconnected multi-mode transport system will make life easier as our society ages. And of course the necessary capacity will be provided by digital control systems and the services the public wants better understood by sharing and analysing the wealth of largely untapped data in rail. The Government’s Role What’s government’s role in all this? Mainly recognising the expertise present in industry and so getting the talent in the rail industry involved much, much earlier in the planning process, before specifying investments, leaving space for innovation to drive performance up and costs down. There’s also work on producing a clearer and smoother pipeline of investments in rail that will give industry the confidence to invest in the necessary equipment and skills to push the industry forward. And there’ll be challenges put back to industry too, both in terms of cost

The Rail Sector Deal

management, like getting the price of digital signalling down, but also in equipping itself for tomorrow, such as encouraging the crucial uptake of digital apprentices. I understand that industry and government groups have now been established to deliver the outcomes the deal has promised in digital signalling, how data is used, improving export performance and planning rail investment strategy better, supported by the likes of RIA, NSAR, UKRRIN and other ‘enduring bodies’ in the industry. Again, collaboration is key, but timing is great, with the Williams Review, Andrew Haines coming into office and CP6 starting, so an opportunity for real change. I and my former colleagues across government look forward to really exciting improvements to how Britain’s railway performs and delivers for the country – don’t let us down! About Lord Prior Lord Prior of Brampton was Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy from December 2016 to October 2017, with responsibility for the rail supply industry. He became Chair of NHS England in October 2018. ria@riagb.org.uk www.riagb.org.uk

RIA Update 108 Spring 2019

Public Affairs & Policy Open letter to Rail Minister calls for visibility of enhancements On the day of the Chancellor’s Spring Statement, RIA published an open letter to the Rail Minister calling for changes to the decision-making process for rail enhancements, to ensure greater transparency. The letter raises concerns about the new Rail Network Enhancements Pipeline (RNEP), the new pipeline approach, where individual projects progress through different stages before coming to market. It says that “whilst the RNEP stage-gate process may bring openness in terms of how future enhancement projects may be assessed, we now have reduced visibility of the actual upcoming work required on the network”. The letter highlights that the lack of openness about specific

Roundtable sees RIA members debate Western Powerhouse

Wales Office Minister and Transport for Wales Chief Executive James Price met with RIA members on 17 January to discuss the new concept of a Western Powerhouse, connecting the economic areas of Bristol, Cardiff and Swansea. The roundtable saw c.40 attendees, including representatives from various political parties. Thank you to sponsors WSP and Furrer+Frey.

Wales Office Minister Nigel Adams MP speaks to attendees

22 Headfort Place, London SW1X 7RY +44 (0) 207 201 0777

Rail Minister Andrew Jones MP - seen here speaking at RIA’s Parliamentary Reception recieved an open letter highlighting concerns about the enhancements process

projects goes against the Government’s own advice, as set out in its Outsourcing Playbook published in February. It also says that the Government is committed to making the new pipeline more transparent in its response to the Transport Select Committee’s report on rail infrastructure investment. Several issues are raised with the RNEP, including the fact that there are no construction-ready schemes, that a project could be scrapped, even at the final stages of the pipeline, and that there is no information on the length of time it will take a project to progress through the various stages. RIA is awaiting a response from the Minister, but will be campaigning on this issue throughout 2019.

RIA Rail Fellowship Programme relaunches

RIA responds to Williams Rail Review

Building upon the success of last year, the RIA Rail Fellowship Programme has relaunched for 2019. The initiative seeks to showcase the best of the UK rail supply chain by pairing politicians with RIA members to promote the work of the organisations that build, maintain and enhance the UK’s railways. The Programme concluded last year with a visit by DExEU Minister Chris Heaton-Harris MP to the National Training Academy for Rail (NTAR) and the 2019 Programme begins with a visit by Nicky Morgan MP to Loughborough University to see their new Repoint Project on Monday 8 April. To get involved in the Programme, email Max Sugarman (details on page 5).

RIA has submitted its response to the Williams Rail Review, highlighting the need for the supply chain to be considered as Chair Keith Williams makes his recommendations on changes to the rail industry. The response highlighted that smoothing rail funding and ensuring there was a visible pipeline of work was essential for the rail supply industry. On 26 February, speaking at the George Bradshaw Address, Williams announced the second phase of the call for evidence and has subsequently published evidence reports upon which the final recommendations will be built. RIA will again be working with members to develop a response to inform this phase of the review’s work and to promote the priorities of the rail supply chain. ria@riagb.org.uk www.riagb.org.uk

RIA Update 108 Spring 2019

Northern Rail Industry Leaders launch new White Paper Northern Rail Industry Leaders (NRIL), a group of around 40 rail businesses supported by RIA in the North of England, have published a new White Paper entitled ‘Building the North’s New Railway’s’. The report shows that: • Rail contributes around £7.3 billion in economic growth to Northern Powerhouse area, supporting some 132,700 jobs; • The North already has significant capabilities in delivering rail projects, with around 300 companies in the region, employing 58,000 people; • By maximising investment from TfN, HS2 Ltd and Network Rail, rail businesses could deliver an estimated

Parliamentary Roundtable discusses electrification

further £600 million in economic growth and 10,000 jobs (in addition to those provide by HS2 and existing programmes). The Report sets out a number of recommendations on how rail businesses can Building the North’s New Railways support planned rail investment, Report including developing digital and decarbonisation route maps for the North, pooling unspent apprenticeship levy funding to enable more SMEs to employ apprentices, and shifting to output specifications.

‘Rail Matters’ launches, a new industry programme

Following last year’s success, RIA is working with ITN Productions again [Continued from Page 1] on a news and current affairs-style where a cross-party group of programme for the rail industry. Parliamentarians heard from those ‘Rail Matters’ - the new industry delivering electrification schemes across programme - builds upon ‘UK Rail, World the UK. Class’, the programme developed last Speakers included Transport Select year with a number of RIA members and Committee Chair Lilian Greenwood industry organisations. MP and Shadow Transport Secretary ‘Rail Matters’ will explore the future Andy McDonald MP, who were of the world-class UK rail industry and joined by Liberal Democrat Transport the exciting opportunities for investment, Spokesperson Baroness Randerson, Dr innovation and industry growth that Alan Whitehead MP, Paul Sweeney MP, 2019 and beyond bring. It will also Ian Lucas MP, Tim Farron MP & Matt develop RIA’s annual theme of ‘building Western MP. a sustainable rail supply industry in Officials from the Department for uncertain times’. Transport, RSSB and RDG also gave The programme will premiere on their thoughts on how electrification 7 November at RIA’s Annual Conference fitted into the Government’s aim to in London. Find out more about how decarbonise the network by 2040. your organisation can get involved by going to the RIA website or contacting Max Sugarman.

CP6 begins

The new five yearly funding cycle for rail, Control Period 6, began on 1 April. RIA has urged in various industry forums for greater consistency and visibility of workloads for the new CP, following the ‘boom and bust’ experienced in past cycles, which has hampered investment, jobs and economic growth.

Contact our Policy & Public Affairs team Peter Loosley Policy Director +44 (0) 207 201 0777 peter.loosley@riagb.org.uk

www.riagb.org.uk Damian Testa Senior Policy Manager +44 (0) 207 201 0777 damian.testa@riagb.org.uk

www.riagb.org.uk Max Sugarman Senior Public Affairs & PR Manager +44 (0) 207 201 0777 max.sugarman@riagb.org.uk

www.riagb.org.uk Shadow Transport Secretary Andy McDonald MP speaks at the roundtable

22 Headfort Place, London SW1X 7RY +44 (0) 207 201 0777

Rail Matters will be a new current affairs-style programme for the rail industry

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

RIA Update 108 Spring 2019

Brexit Watch Political instability means Brexit outcome remains uncertain The outcome of the Brexit negotiations remains uncertain, with Government finding it difficult to find an option that the House of Commons will support. At the time of writing [Monday 8 April], the default position remains that the UK will leave the EU at 11pm on 12 April without an agreement – a socalled hard or ‘no deal’ Brexit. This would mean the UK will become a third country without any transitionary arrangements. All EU primary and secondary law will cease to apply to the UK from that moment onwards. There will be no transition period. This is likely to cause significant disruption for citizens and businesses. Looking back over the past few weeks, there have been a number of key updates. The Withdrawal Agreement The Government has been unable to pass its Withdrawal Agreement, with Parliament rejecting the deal for the third time by 344 votes to 286, a margin of 58. The Agreement was brought back to the Commons without the Political Declaration included due to the Speaker John Bercow’s stipulation that the same deal could not be presented to Parliament a third time. Following the vote on 29 March, the Government announced that ‘an alternative way forward’ would now be needed and has approached the Leader of the Opposition Jeremy Corbyn to see if there is a deal that the Labour Party will back. The move saw a number of Ministers resign, including the Wales Office Minister Nigel Adams 22 Headfort Place, London SW1X 7RY +44 (0) 207 201 0777

and DExEU Minister Chris HeatonHarris. At time of writing, negotiations with the Labour Party are ongoing. Indicative Votes MPs were unable to find a majority for any alternative Brexit deal in two rounds of indicative votes held on Monday 1 April. These included a motion on a customs union, a ‘common market 2.0’, a confirmatory public vote and a Parliamentary supremacy motion. Cooper-Letwin Bill On 2 April, a cross-party group of MPs, led by Yvette Cooper (Labour) and Oliver Letwin (Conservative), laid a motion which seeks to push through legislation, in one day (3 April), to stop a ‘no-deal’ Brexit. If passed into law, the Bill would require the Prime Minister to ask the EU for an extension to the Article 50 process beyond 12 April and would give Parliament the power to decide the length of this delay. The Bill is currently being debated in the Lords. The EU27 On 5 April, the Prime Minister requested an extension to 30 June. EU Council President Donald Tusk suggested extending the UK’s departure date by 12 months in order for the UK Government to find a agreement on Brexit. Previously the EU27 have stated that an extension would require the Withdrawal Agreement to be confirmed, an election or a second referendum.

Keep up to date with regular RIA communications RIA is continuing to keep members up to date with the latest Brexit developments. There are a number of resources for members to use: • RIA’s Brexit Checklist contains a list of key issues and areas which RIA members should be considering as the UK prepares to leave the EU. These are listed with links to key websites where further information is provided. The Checklist is a useful resource, no matter what the size of your business. • RIA continues to provide members with regular email updates, aiming to set out changes in the political situation and their possible implications for the rail supply industry. A regular ‘Brexit Watch’ is also included in the RIA Monday Mail. • The Brexit Online Community, on the RIA website, contains past updates from RIA, as well as posts on relevant events and activities by RIA and partner organisations. This can be accessed by logging in to the RIA website at riagb.org.uk • RIA has set up a dedicated RIA email, brexit@riagb.org.uk, for RIA members to use in the run up to and post Brexit. This can be used for any urgent queries (particularly in the event of ‘no deal’) or for general enquiries about the process and the impact on rail supply. RIA is also working closely with DfT regarding its operational response to Brexit, including the process to follow, and who to contact, should issues arise and should these need to be escalated. This information will be shared with members ahead of exit day. ria@riagb.org.uk www.riagb.org.uk

RIA Update 108 Spring 2019

RIA at RIA will have a greater presence at Railtex (14 - 16 May, NEC Birmingham) than ever before, with three RIA areas:

The RIA Hub This year, RIA will have a dedicated hub – an area of RIA Member stands, located together with RIA’s own stand – supplemented with a programme of activities including presenters at RIA’s Knowledge Hub, networking drinks reception and a dedicated platform for SMEs to showcase their products and services. RIA Hub exhibitors recieve a range of benefits and additional exposure, including inclusion on: • RIA hub’s website section (with an extra 50 word entry – same or different from the one for the show Preview) • Railtex’s and RIA’s newsletters, Railtex’s Preview show catalogue and other event related materials. Find out more on at www.railtex.co.uk

22 Headfort Place, London SW1X 7RY +44 (0) 207 201 0777

The Future Focus Conference This Conference will cover three key topics: • High Speed Rail, looking at adding capacity and connectivity to the UK rail Rail Minister Andrew network; Jones MP • Digital Railway, focusing on technology and how the supply chain can engage; and • Sustainability of the Future Railway, including decarbonising rail. Speakers include Rail Minister Andrew Jones MP, Crossrail 2 Managing Director Michele Dix, Michael Flynn of Digital Railway and many more!

The Knowledge Hub RIA’s educational theatre, the Knowledge Hub, is situated within the exhibition hall and freely accessible to all attendees. Join for project updates, industry briefings and forum discussions with influential industry leaders, including presentations from: • Robin Lapish, Supply Chain Manager, Rolling Stock, HS2; • Clair Mowbray, Chief Executive, National College High Speed Rail (NCHSR); • Mark Lomas, Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, HS2; • Anna DelVecchio, Commercial Account Director, Amey; • Tom Appleton, Director of Work Winning, Morgan Sindall; • And many more!

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

RIA Update 108 Spring 2019

Exports Middle East Rail sees 180 at reception Middle East Rail took place from 26 - 27 February, with over 180 VIP, senior regional rail guests, international and UK delegates attending a UK networking reception to start the exhibition. It was co-hosted by Her Majesty’s Consul General to Dubai, Andrew Jackson, RIA and Intec and held on the Royal Lawn at the British Embassy. The event wouldn’t have been possible without the key support of the reception sponsors, Bentley Systems, Bombardier Transportation and Unipart Rail, who along with the co-hosts all had an Middle East Rail VIP Opening Delegation call at the UK Pavilion, greeted by RIA Export Director, Neil Walker opportunity to make key note addresses in support of UK exhibiting. again, which was mirrored in the increased visitor flow to the The actual well-attended exhibition saw RIA and Intec in exhibition. partnership arrange a UK Pavilion for 30 UK companies, with 17 RIA will be back next year, which members will be able of these receiving DIT TAP grants. Working with DIT, RIA arranged to register for in March 2020. If you would be interested in a local regional rail briefing, as the market begins to warm up exhibiting, please contact Neil Walker (details on page 9).

RIA submits evidence TAP Grants AusRail Plus to International RIA is pleased to announce after UK rail suppliers are invited to sign up to negotiations with the DIT, we have agreed exhibit on a RIA arranged UK Pavilion at Trade Committee On 18 February, RIA submitted evidence to Parliament’s International Trade Select Committee, for its inquiry on the Government’s support for exports. In the submission, RIA called for greater support from the Department for International Trade (DIT) in promoting rail products and services overseas, including greater use of rail content in the GREAT campaign, more grant funding for SMEs looking to export through the Trade Access Programme (TAP) and for increased support for rail at international exhibitions and trade missions. The evidence has been published on the Committee’s website with evidence sessions expected to take place in May. 22 Headfort Place, London SW1X 7RY +44 (0) 207 201 0777

DIT Trade Access Programme (TAP) Grants for key exhibitions in the next financial year, where RIA will be forming a UK Pavilion. TAP grants are available to SMEs looking to exhibit overseas, with the aim of opening up opportunities to export A limited number of grants will be available for those wishing to exhibit on a UK Pavilion at Trako 2019 (September in Gdansk, Poland), AusRAIL Plus 2019 (December in Sydney, Australia) and Middle East Rail 2020 (March 2020 in Dubai, UAE). Please contact Exports Director Neil Walker (contact details on page 9) for more information.

AusRail PLUS 2019. The exhibition (www.ausrail.com) is Australia’s leading railway exhibition and conference and takes place this year in Sydney between 3 – 5 December. It will be supported by 12 Department for International Trade (DIT) Tradeshow Access Programme (TAP) grants worth £2000 per UK SME company. It is a major Australasian rail event, supported by the major Australasian rail associations including: ARA (which RIA has now signed a partnership with), RTAA, IRSE and RTSA. RIA expects places to sell out fast, so please contact Exports Director Neil Walker (details on page 9). ria@riagb.org.uk www.riagb.org.uk

RIA Update 108 Spring 2019

which involved looking at third market opportunities. Mission members also took part in a networking reception with key industry members and officials hosted by DIT at the British Embassy.

Central and Eastern Europe Rail UK visit

On 5 - 6 December 2018, RIA on behalf of DIT Poland and regional DIT Posts arranged an inward visit programme for 23 senior rail visitors from Poland, Slovenia, Czech Republic and Romania representing Governments, State Railways companies, A UK delegation visits Bombardier Australia in March train operators and regulatory bodies. The visit to the UK was aimed at learning (£14 billion) transport package. It’s more about UK railway ticketing systems and also investigating additional heavy rail [continued from page 1] related information. capacity including a rapid regional rail • Closer working arrangements in The group had a packed programme network and potentially commuter rail trade fairs and rail exhibitions in capacity in Wellington (most likely light and over the two days held meetings with either Australia, the UK or in third rail) , and reintroducing commuter rail in DfT, TfL, RDG, the Dispute Resolution countries, where appropriate; Ombudsman, Transport for the North, Christchurch. • Access to meeting facilities in the The delegates had a full programme in Transport for Manchester, Transport Focus offices of ARA or RIA by members Auckland, Melbourne and Sydney holding and a number of RIA member companies. of either organisation. The visitors had time to attend a RIA meetings with key transport officials, arranged industry networking reception contractors and infrastructure owners and The partnership was welcomed by both operators plus a site visit to Bombardier and visit London Bridge NR and TfL stations the UK Minister for Trade and Export during the visit, as they consider their Promotion Baroness Fairhead who said the in Victoria State. own integrated ticketing and passenger Government “very much look forward to In addition, the British High information needs. the enhanced co-operation that this new Commissioner in New Zealand and HM agreement with Australia can bring”. The Consul General Sydney, hosted their own Australian Deputy Prime Minister Michael respective networking receptions for McCormack MP also welcomed the news, senior rail officials and the visiting mission saying it “is yet another partnership delegates. which will build upon our strong trade relationship”. Contact Exports Director Neil Walker to find out how you can take The Turkish Transport Minister has stated advantage of this new partnership. that the country will invest €39 billion The Eastern European delegation at RIA HQ ($46.4 billion) on railways in the next five years, transform all lines to be electrically If members wish to receive the presentations from ME Rail or New Zealand/ operated, raise productivity to the Australia mission, or learn more about maximum level and expand their highTwelve companies joined a RIA and RDG the key trades fairs, costs and related TAP speed network to 41 cities. arranged trade mission to New Zealand grants, please contact Neil Walker, below. and Australia which was supported by DIT RIA working closely with the DIT 4 – 8 March. team in Istanbul recruited a delegation to exhibit at TRANSIST 2018 Istanbul It is a good time to enter the Transport Congress and Exhibition, Australasian rail market. There is an Neil Walker taking place in Istanbul from 7 to 9 infrastructure boom in Australia, with Exports Director November 2018. In addition to exhibiting their State and Federal Governments +44 (0) 207 201 0777 on a UK GREAT branded stand, mission announcing nearly £113.18 billion for delegates took part in a local market neil.walker@riagb.org.uk infrastructure. briefing by DIT Turkey, meetings with www.riagb.org.uk Similarly, New Zealand’s Government Istanbul’s Metropolitan Municipality and is proposing two new light rail lines for key contractors working in the sector, Auckland, as part of a NZ$28 billion

ARA partnership

Turkey

New Zealand & Australia

Contact Exports:

22 Headfort Place, London SW1X 7RY +44 (0) 207 201 0777

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

RIA Update 108 Spring 2019

RIA Innovation Conference Special Report RIA’s award winning Innovation Conference returned for its eleventh year, taking place over 19 - 20 March at the Telford International Centre. Nearly 300 delegates attended over the two days, which contained a busy schedule of presentations, exhibitions, table sessions and networking. The 19 March began with a welcome from RIA Chief Executive Darren Caplan, who outlined RIA’s recent work on innovation, including the Unlocking Innovation Programme (see page 12). He also announced that this would be the last time the Innovation Conference was held in Spring, with a new date next year in the Summer.

filming the event actually came up with a solution themselves and started getting involved in the session . In terms of practical applications, Thurston gave a number of case studies, including the use of autonomous construction vehicles, the recycling of heat generated by the rail system (recently proposed as a way of heating homes from HS2 in the Old Oak Common area), smart asset management and the application of digital railway. Andrew Haines was similarly emphatic about the need for change in the industry. He highlighted that Network Rail had to shift from an engineering company to a customer-facing business, highlighting that some past projects were great HS2, Network Rail & TfL feats of engineering, but had not yet delivered benefits to rail passengers. The two days saw speeches from key client organisations He set out the changes Network Rail was making to its including by Mark Thurston, Chief Executive of HS2 Ltd and structure, including the further devolution to five regions and Andrew Haines, Chief Executive of Network Rail and Claire thirteen routes, and how Network Rail was becoming more Porter, Head of Transport Systems Engineering at TfL. accessible to rail suppliers, and open to new ideas. He also spoke about the need to decarbonise the rail network, using both Thurston set out the scope for innovation on HS2, suggesting electrification and emerging technologies like hydrogen and that the project was an opportunity for the rail industry to bring battery. new techniques and technologies into the sector. He highlighted that the construction industry’s productivity lagged behind a Haines’ presentation was followed by Professor Andrew number of other sectors, as well as the economy as a whole. Doherty, Network Rail’s Chief Rail Technology Officer and Toufic Machnouk, Route Programme Director, as well as a Thurston spoke about the ways in which HS2 Ltd was seeking to promote innovations, including a dedicated innovation hub on number of presentations from the Network Rail R&D team. Doherty said that the use of innovation to improve the rail the HS2 website, and through activities like hackathons. Raising network was not new, quoting the reduction in rail breaks due the point that innovation can come from anywhere, Thurston to a suite of changes in track monitoring. Similarly, Machnouk recounted how at one hackathon, the camera crew who were gave an inspiring presentation on the need for leaders in rail to challenge conventional thinking. On the second day, the Conference heard from Claire Porter of Transport for London. She set out the Mayor’s key aims from his Transport Strategy and set out the role of the new TfL Engineering division, which cut across all modes of transport to help support TfL’s technical work. Porter highlighted past innovations like in the use of CAD modelling to deliver the Neasden Heavy Maintenance Facility, as well as the delivery of track on Crossrail. Porter said that TfL was looking to work with suppliers to innovate, mentioning the TfL Standards Challenge, a new initative with RIA to enable suppliers to question overly rigorous standards. HS2 CEO Mark Thurston speaks about the opportunities the project presents 22 Headfort Place, London SW1X 7RY +44 (0) 207 201 0777

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RIA Update 108 Spring 2019

M.A.D.E in Britain A key theme throughout the Conference was M.A.D.E in Britain. Building on RIA’s Unlocking Innovation events, M.A.D.E stands for Materials, Automation, Data & Energy. Throughout the two days there were a number of workshops on the four themes, covering areas like the Government’s challenge to decarbonise the network by 2040, the role of cyber security in rail and the use of automated technologies in delivering projects. On the need for decarbonisation, Andy Mellors, Managing Director of South Western Railway and Chair of the IMechE’s Railway Division and Andrew Kluth, RSSB’s Lead Carbon Specialist, spoke on the The Skills andhall Diversity how to new entrants into thejourney’ industry A packed hears Panel from discussed Andy Mellors onget ‘the decarbonisation need for rail to reduce carbon emissions over the coming years. Mellors said that the Government had set ambitious targets to operators to decarbonise their fleets, Learning from other industries but that this had to be delivered whilst also giving passengers reliable, comfortable and affordable rail journeys - as highlighted As with past RIA Innovation Conferences, a number of by the priorities of passengers in Transport Focus’ National Rail presentations were focused on what the rail industry could Passenger Survey. learn from innovation in other sectors. This Conference was no Kluth, who had helped develop the Rail Industry different. Decarbonisation Taskforce’s interim report, published in March, Phillippa Oldham, Head of National Network Programmes spoke about the findings of the Taskforce, which showed that at the Advanced Propulsion Centre, spoke about the similar electrification remained the top of a hierarchy of options to challenge to decarbonise that the automotive industry decarbonise the network, with emerging technologies being was facing. She highlighted that different technologies for used fo less investively used routes. haulage and passenger vehicles would be needed, and that improvements in existing technologies offered a lot of UKRRIN and routes to market opportunity in reducing emissions. Andrew Hawthorn of Altran UK spoke about their work with On the first day, Professor Clive Roberts of the University of Rolls Royce in the aviation sector. In particular, he spoke about Birmingham presented on the UK Rail Research & Innovation SECT-AIR, a new initiative to reduce software engineering costs, Network (UKRRIN), a £92 million partnership between industry which - similar to UKRRIN - brought industry and academia and academia that is designed to provide a step-change in together. He said that as software was becoming more advanced innovation in the sector and accelerate new technologies and (and there was greater use of it in aeroplanes) that there was a products from research into market applications globally. need to ensure greater reliability of use. He said the consortium Roberts set out the four Centres of Excellence (in digital, had been successful in delivering solutions in this area, thereby rolling stock, infrastructure and testing) and some of the reducing costs, and would be expanding over the coming four ongoing projects being delivered. These include the University years to cover issues in cybersecurity. of Southampton’s work into track stiffness, the University of Peter Kirk, Managing Director - Specialist Services, at Huddersfields work on pantograph technology and the University Balfour Beatty, spoke about the advances in the construction of Birmingham’s collaboration with Porterbrook to develop a UK industry. In a thought-leadership video, Kirk showcased what hydrogen train. the construction site of the future could look like, with reduced Roberts also set out the benefits to industry organisations of human onsite activity, thereby increasing the safety of the site. getting involved in UKRRIN and in a panel discussion following This could be achieved by the uptake of drones and automated his presentation, representatives from Siemens, Balfour Beatty construction vehicles, the greater use of sensors to monitor and Unipart Rail all described the value they had found from activity and through virtual and augmented reality technology. being involved. Roberts said that there was now a process by The presentations showed that other industries were facing which industry organisations could apply to join UKRRIN, which similar challenges and solutions that could be applied to rail. was live on the UKRRIN website. RIA would like to thank all those who spoke, attended or A dedicated UKRRIN hub in the exhibition of the Conference participated in the Innovation Conference. also showcased the value of the organisation. A poll at the A special thanks to sponsors: Platinum Sponsor Schneider end of Roberts’ session showed that attendees had a better Electric; Gold Sponsors Altran, LPA Group & Omnicom Balfour awareness of what UKRRIN does, although there was still room Beatty; & Silver Sponsor ABB. for increasing the organisation’s presence to industry. 22 Headfort Place, London SW1X 7RY +44 (0) 207 201 0777

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RIA Update 108 Spring 2019

Technical & Innovation Unlocking Innovation relaunches At the RIA Innovation Conference on 19 March, Chief Executive Darren Caplan announced the relaunch of the Unlocking Innovation programme. Unlocking Innovation events started almost a decade ago, with more than twenty events held in that time, focused on one clear principle: bringing those with technical challenges together with those who have innovative solutions. The events help build new supply chains, by bringing clients, existing suppliers and new innovative companies, under one roof. The refreshed Unlocking Innovation programme will stay true to that principle, working with industry partners like the UK Rail Research and Innovation Network (UKRRIN), to find solutions to future challenges the industry may face.

Over the past year, Unlocking Innovation has focused on the theme of M.A.D.E in Britain, where M.A.D.E stands for Materials, Automation, Data & Energy - key areas where the UK could develop a competitive advantage with the right approach to innovation. The next Unlocking Innovation event will take place on 30 May and will cover Automation. It will be held a Factory 2050 in Sheffield, part of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) in Sheffield, where work is going on to map the way to a more productive future (see page 7). The event will explore areas like virtual reality, automated manufacturing, and robots and the role of drones in performing inspection and maintenance tasks.

UI: Energy

UI: Data

Nearly 180 railway industry suppliers, rail operators and rail clients met in Birmingham on 8 January to discuss opportunities created by rail digitalisation to utilise data. The Unlocking Innovation event was supported by Transport Systems Catapult and welcomed over almost 120 organisations. The conference focused on three key areas where data can have a significant impact to rail – Rolling Stock, Infrastructure and Cross Industry Cooperation. Some thirty speakers representing Tier 1, mid-sized and SMEs were presenting their solutions and best practices. One of the key features of the event were the Elevator Pitch sessions, offering an opportunity for SMEs to share their products and services. “It is important for us to understand how we can work with SMEs in combining our differing capabilities to utilise and manipulate the rail data and thereby develop opportunities to address different business sectors,” Patrick S. Clipperton, Top: Schneider Electric showcasing an Business Development Manager at Tier innovative new technology at UI: Energy 1 supplier Thales Ground Transportation Bottom: Delegates network at UI: Data commented after the event. 22 Headfort Place, London SW1X 7RY +44 (0) 207 201 0777

The UI: Energy event took place on the 26 March at the Schneider Electric campus in Coventry. The event was attended by 74 attendees from 54 companies. The event looked at how the energy market is rapidly changing. The process of generating and demands for electricity is in flux, with greater use of electric road vehicles. It seems likely that the electrical distribution networks may change too. The whole-day event featured a range of speakers setting out the challenges to the industry in CO2 reduction, the policies at Network Rail and Transport for London in response to that challenge, the academic support that is available to suppliers, and funding sources for innovation in energy. Speakers included Andrew Kluth, author of the DfT De-Carbonisation in Rail report, Rob Forde of Network Rail on their funded R&D programme for the next 5 years, TfL’s Michael Scott-Robinson talking about their energy innovation strategy, and Charles Calvert of Birmingham Centre for Rail Research & Engineering on their work with Hydrogen powered trains, plus Dave King of Vivarail and many more. ria@riagb.org.uk www.riagb.org.uk

RIA Update 108 Spring 2019

Challenge Programme Update

RIA is working on a number of challenges which share the common characteristic that, if properly addressed, have the potential to improve the efficiency and whole life cost of delivering railway projects.

Electrification

On 14 March RIA published its Electrification Cost Challenge which, based on data from RIA Members and Network Rail, demonstrates that electrification can be and is being delivered affordably for between 33% and 50% of the cost experienced on some recent ‘problem’ projects. The report highlights a huge amount of learning and good practice derived from recent projects and calls for a rolling programme of electrification to allow suppliers to invest in the people, plant and process which will drive further continuous improvement. Electrification is the first choice in a hierarchy of options to decarbonise the railway as recognised by the Industry Decarbonisation Taskforce. The taskforce, which RIA is a member of, are now working on their final report which will include

economic appraisal and route mapping of the technical options. RIA support for this work has included opportunities for RIA Members to engage with the team at through Electrification TIG, a presentation and workshops at the RIA Innovation Conference and the Energy Unlocking Innovation Event.

Standards

Building on last years’ Network Rail Standards Challenge, which RIA members helped to design, RIA has now developed a similar process with Transport for London, starting with a workshop on 24 January attended by

Nigel Holness, Managing Director of London Underground, six TfL Professional Heads and RIA members. The aim is to challenge overly onerous standards to increase efficiency savings and innovation.

Signalling

RIA members helped develop and provided a letter of support for the Digital Railway ‘Long Term Delivery Plan’ which was sent to DfT at the end of February. This is effectively the ‘detailed 5-year plan and longer-term roadmap’ referred to in the Rail Sector Deal. RIA has been approached by Network Rail to assist them in ‘Project 190’ which will consider the steps needed to achieve European Benchmark Cost levels. All this work supports the Sector Deal and RIA are briefing and supporting the Industry Leads; Rob Morris of Siemens and Shaun Jones of Thales.

Contact our Technical & Innovation team: David Clarke Technical Director +44 (0) 207 201 0777 david.clarke@riagb.org.uk

www.riagb.org.uk

The Infrastructure TIG in January involved a site tour at RIA member Bridgeway Consulting

Technical Interest Groups

Since the last Update we have held seven Technical Interest Groups three of which have been outside London. The last of the current round of events will be an InfraTIG at Balfour Beatty’s new Derby innovation centre on 02 May. We are now planning the autumn programme which promises to be just as good with a range of highquality speakers. The Technical Interest Groups between January and April 2019 have involved 275 people from 214 member 22 Headfort Place, London SW1X 7RY +44 (0) 207 201 0777

companies and stakeholders with 97% of the feedback being excellent or positive.

Richard Jones Senior Technical & Innovation Manager +44 (0) 207 201 0777 richard.jones@riagb.org.uk

www.riagb.org.uk Milda Manomaityte Technical & Policy Manager +44 (0) 207 201 0777 Feedback from Technical Interest Groups from January to April 2019 has been very positive, with 97% positive feedback and not a single negative response.

milda.manomaityte@riagb. org.uk

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RIA Update 108 Spring 2019

Events & Information RIA co-sponsor Women in Rail Awards The Women in Rail Awards in 2018 saw attendees from across the industry celebrating the role of women in the industry.

RIA is delighted to announce that it will be the co-sponsor, alongside RSSB, of the Women in Rail Awards on 15 May. This is the second year the awards have taken place, and this time they will be at the historic Roundhouse in Camden. The evening will be hosted by Rachel Riley, Television Presenter and STEM Ambassador. The Women in Rail Awards aim to showcase and reward individuals and companies (large or small) who have

First ‘Welcome to RIA event’ held

RIA held its first ‘Welcome to RIA’ event on 31 January, a new initative where new and existing RIA members get the chance to find out about the different services RIA has to offer. The first event saw nearly 30 attendees find out about the whys RIA could help their business, with presentations from the RIA team, followed by drinks and networking. A number of further events are planned for throughout the year.

The first Welcome to RIA event 22 Headfort Place, London SW1X 7RY +44 (0) 207 201 0777

made a significant contribution to improving gender balance, diversity and inclusion in the UK railway industry. The first Women in Rail Awards took place on 19 April 2018 to coincide with the fifth anniversary of the official launch of the Women in Rail group. Attendance was sold out in just 8 weeks and over 350 entries were received, demonstrating our industry’s commitment to supporting the Women in Rail agenda and rewarding those companies and individuals who

Dates for your diary RIA has a number of dates for your diary: •

RailTex – 14-16 May

•

RailWorx – 11-13 June

•

Big Rail Diversity Challenge – 27 June [Please let us know if you would like to join the RIA team]

•

The ‘Plus 1’ Rail Reception, jointly organised by Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA), Young Rail Professionals (YRP) & RIA will this year contain an afternoon workshop and evening reception - 11 July

•

The RIA Annual Conference & Awards Ceremony - 7 & 8 November (more information to follow)

•

Parliamentary Reception - 26 November

work hard to improve gender balance, diversity and inclusion in our sector. The Women in Rail Awards are attended by a cross section of the UK railway industry, including key stakeholders and decision makers, infrastructure providers, operators, manufacturers, rolling stock companies, technical consultancy companies and suppliers to name a few. Find out more at www.womeninrail. org/awards

RIN and RSN

RIA is a key partner with Jobson James Rail of the Rail Infrastructure Networking (RIN) events, which offer forums for those involved in rail infrastructure to network and develop their contact base. The next RIN will take place in Wigan on Thursday 9 May. The events are free to attend, and you can register at www. rinevents.co.uk RIA is also excited to announce the establishment of Rolling Stock Networking (RSN). Building on the success of RIN, these opportunities will give companies of all sizes active in the passenger and freight rolling stock sector an unmissable opportunity to meet customers and suppliers. The next vent is in the Derby Velodrome on 11 July - register for free at www.rsn.co.uk ria@riagb.org.uk www.riagb.org.uk

RIA Update 108 Spring 2019

New RIA team members

RIA has welcomed two new team members in 2019. Milda Manomaityte, who had been working as a consultant with RIA since July 2018, joins as a new Technical & Policy Manager, supporting both functions, and Isabella Lawson joins as new Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive and Operations Executive.

Milda is an events and marketing professional specialising in the aviation and rail sectors. Having started her carrier as a transport journalist, she have used those skills to co-found and run the Global AirRail Alliance, promoting rail access to airports.

Left: Milda Manomaityte, Technical & Policy Manager; Right: Isabella Lawson, EA & Operations Executive

Isabella is a recent Classics graduate from Roehampton Universitye. Isabella has previous experience in business operations and has recently been working in a hospitality start-up. Welcome both!

GEM Awards

Technical Director David Clarke secured a RIA GEM Award (Going the Extra Mile) for March, for fantastic David Clarke recieving his work drafting GEM Award the excellent Electrification Cost Challenge report as well as leading our biggest-ever RIA Innovation Conference in Telford all in the same month. Well done, David! If you, as a RIA member, would like to recommend a monthly ‘non-Director’ winner in the months ahead, please let Operations Director Gaynor Pates know (email on the right of this page), giving the reasons you would like to nominate them! If you would like to nominate a ‘Director’, please let Chief Executive Darren Caplan know via email (darren.caplan@riagb.org.uk).

RIA and RFM announce new membership offer

• £945 per year for those with a rail turnover of less than £1m; and • £1,558 per year for turnover between £1m to £2.2m. Normally, a joint first-year membership RIA and Rail Forum Midlands (RFM) have would be £1,350 and £2,225 respectively announced a new joint membership Put together, the joint RIA/RFM offer that will allow SMEs and entry membership will provide an attractive level rail companies with a rail turnover package of activities and events, which of less than £2.2 million to join both includes: organisations for a 30% discount. • Substantially preferential rates The offer means companies in the rail and complimentary tickets to industry can benefit from membership of leading RIA & RFM events; • The latest sectoral intelligence and insights from both organisations on industry developments across the UK and the Midlands; • Opportunities to get involved in RIA and RFM’s lobbying, policy, technical and innovation, exports, and market networking activity. For more information and terms and conditions go to: www.riagb.org.uk/ Left to right: Darren Caplan, Monica Barbosa RIARFM and bothDamian RIA andTesta RFM(RIA), for: Bob Hodgson (RFM) 22 Headfort Place, London SW1X 7RY +44 (0) 207 201 0777

Contact our Events & Information team: Gaynor Pates Operations Director +44 (0) 207 201 0777 gaynor.pates@riagb.org.uk

www.riagb.org.uk

Katherine Anchorena Events & Marketing Manager +44 (0) 207 201 0777 katherine.anchorena@riagb.org.uk

www.riagb.org.uk

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

www.riagb.org.uk Ann-Marie Esiaka Business Administration Manager +44 (0) 207 201 0777 AnnMarie.Esiaka@riagb.org.uk

www.riagb.org.uk Amalia Damberger Operations Executive +44 (0) 207 201 0777 amalia.damberger@riagb.org.uk

www.riagb.org.uk

Isabella Lawson EA & Operations Executive +44 (0) 207 201 0777 isabella.lawson@riagb.org.uk

www.riagb.org.uk

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

RIA Update 108 Spring 2019

Welcome to New Members

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. ÂŠ 2019 Railway Industry Association Produced by: Railway Industry Association Please let us know if you have any comments or suggestions on this Update. Please circulate to your colleagues. 22 Headfort Place, London SW1X 7RY +44 (0) 207 201 0777

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