SME Growth in Rail

Shortlist

SME Growth in Rail

One Big Circle:

One Big Circle, founded in 2017, has made rapid growth in the rail industry in the last 12 months despite having no previous experience in rail. Using expertise in digital video and integration they developed their AIVR product for rapid video data capture from operational trains. Within nine months of proof-of-concept AIVR was deployed operationally with Network Rail and Transport for Wales, enabling staff and stakeholders to rapidly access up-to-date trackside footage online, automatically captured from trains. The AIVR system allows users to easily see what they need to see - to manage off-track and asset conditions, increase safety, save time, reduce costs and significantly reduce boots on ballast. In addition, One Big Circle’s video and integration skills have been contracted by newly formed relationships with NR, BAE and the Manufacturing Technology Centre to deliver innovative solutions to rail challenges. This includes using Machine Learning to automatically detect hotspots on the conductor rail and detect unusual behaviour at stations. The success of One Big Circle is testament to both their determination and agility as an SME and the benefits of working collaboratively with industry innovators, ensuring we help them meet their challenges.

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3Squared Entry

3Squared is a Sheffield-based rail technology and software development consultancy, founded in 2002. Specialising in the development of digital apps for major clients across the construction, rail and manufacturing sectors, they operate in both the UK and internationally. 3Squared have long-established strategic partnerships with key technology providers to create integrated and robust solutions to companies’ individual needs. Their overarching aim is to help businesses take advantage of the latest technologies to overcome business problems, improve efficiencies and reduce cost. Nearly 20 years on since their inception, 3Squared are seen as the innovators and game changers across the UK rail industry. Specialising in technology consultancy and bespoke business development apps, they are proud to work with some of the biggest names in the rail industry, including Network Rail, East Midlands Trains, Bombardier, Freightliner and GB Railfreight.

What sets 3Squared apart is their intrinsic understanding of the key strategic markets in which they operate – construction, rail and manufacturing - and their expertise in developing new technologies, culminating in the successful delivery of cutting-edge solutions to drive the rail industry forward.

Shortlist

Motion Rail

Motion Rail was established by Emma Dymond, a competent and respected engineer and mother, in 2009. Progressing the business and securing work as Motion rather than a ‘one-woman band’ was a challenge. Ensuring Motion was self-sufficient as opposed to borrowing funds, Emma invested in people to grow the business. Employing and developing like-minded individuals and trainees on-site and in the boardroom, Motion has supported personal and professional development, several high-profile projects and delivered the largest circuit immunisation programme on Network Rail infrastructure. People-focused and recognising the power of gaming technology, Motion created the first virtual reality railway to provide workforce training using gamification. Realising the benefits and supporting the ‘Bossing the Crossing’ and ‘You vs Train’ campaigns, Motion collaborated with Network Rail and British Transport Police to take the railway to the classroom. This led to the creation of Motion Reality, a not-for-profit entity that has helped educate more than 300,000 youngsters about railway safety.

Putting people first, Motion has grown from one female engineer to employing a workforce of up to 55 and is recognised as an ethical, trusted and technically competent partner of choice – which gives back to the community.

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SEMP

SEMP are a UK company specialising in Systems Engineering, Safety and Assurance, with offices in Manchester (HQ), Bristol and Ontario, Canada, where they undertake a large proportion of our current business. SEMP have evolved, tested, and refined traditional models of Systems Engineering to support the specific characteristics of large infrastructure programmes, which require consideration beyond the technical and operational aspects when evaluating capability objective options. SEMP started with just two employees, but now mobilises a workforce of employees and associates that now numbers up to sixty at any one time across multiple projects, with the potential for further rapid growth. In the last three years SEMP has seen an increased turnover from around £1.5m in 2017 to around £6.5m (split by percentage across UK (45%), Canada (50%) and Australia (5%)) and although COVID has impacted on the availability of our core business and ability to undertake effective business development, the company is still thriving and looking to expand operations in new markets in the UK and across the world.