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Representing the supply chain and promoting a positive long-term vision for rail The Railway Industry Association (RIA) has been representing rail companies since 1845, and – under various names in the last 147 years – has acted as the voice of the UK rail supply community, speaking to decision makers and influencers, and bringing colleagues across the rail supply sector
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n a meeting in 1960 between RIA representatives and Dr Beeching, the then Chairman of British Railways, our predecessors made the case that the rail network is vital to the economy and that greater certainty on railway projects would help businesses. Plus ca change! In 2022, rail suppliers continue to face ‘boom and bust’ periods of investment, especially in enhancements to the network such as electrification, as well as uncertainty over funding decisions and upcoming procurements. It is the role of RIA, working with its members, to stand up for rail businesses in the supply sector who are impacted by policy decisions and to set out how we think the Government can get the most out of its railway industry. Bringing the industry together As a national trade body, much of our purpose is to offer a forum for dialogue and networking between industry colleagues, provide information and insight to members and promote exports of members’ products and services. Through over 80 events per year, our members have the opportunity to build relationships with potential partners, clients, government officials and overseas buyers. RIA also runs a dedicated Unlocking Innovation (UI) programme, which is open to all. Run in partnership with Network
One of RIA’s core functions is to communicate these concerns and experiences delivering projects, directly to policy makers. That means being the collective voice for rail supply in the UK, and getting the right people together in the same room.
Rail R&D and the UK Railway Research and Innovation Network (UKRRIN), the UI programme helps match ‘problem owners’ with ‘problem solvers’, so to speak. As part of this programme, RIA recently launched a new Innovation Strategy, which sets out how we think the Government and the new Great British Railways (GBR) can tap into ideas and innovations from the supply chain and academia, to improve how the railways are built, enhanced, and operated. RIA’s Exports function works hard to showcase the best of UK rail around the
world. We run regular trade missions, briefings and joins exhibitions in key markets for UK exporters, helping businesses make the most of trade opportunities. This is at an important time for trade, as the UK looks to boost ties with new international partners, such as Australasia, North America or in the Middle East. Being positive about the future At RIA, we believe the future for the railways, and UK rail suppliers, is bright. The work our members and the wider industry delivers speaks for itself and we should be publicly positive about promoting this. Take one journey of the new central section of the Elizabeth line and you cannot fail to be impressed. Alongside the awe-inspiring experience as a passenger, the scheme will help drive economic growth for decades to come and leave a skills legacy, with over 50,000 people having worked on it at some stage or at some level. Whether train manufacturing in Derby, station construction in the East Midlands, signalling expertise from Chippenham and Stockport, or telecoms and electrification support in London, this impact is truly national. We must also be relentlessly ambitious, and positive about our sector’s future. On the country’s biggest infrastructure project, HS2, a series of major milestones continue to be reached as Phase 1A from London to Birmingham progresses. Over 20,000 people Rail Professional
