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HSRG Annual Conference

On 14 June, the High Speed Rail Group (HSRG) held its Annual Conference for the first time in two years, at Birmingham’s Think Tank Science Museum

Focused in and around the theme of ‘Delivering Europe’s biggest infrastructure project’, the day highlighted the importance of HS2 as a transformative project at both national and regional levels, one that is essential to achieving the Government’s goals of levelling up and achieving net zero. The conference was a resounding success, and following a difficult period during which in-person events were limited by the pandemic, HSRG was delighted to be able to convene its members and supporters in person once again, to both celebrate the progress that has been made in delivering the network, and focus on the important steps still to come.

The event was well attended by rail insiders, political figures and a healthy number of HSRG apprentices; and featured keynote speeches from Minister for HS2 Andrew Stephenson, Network Rail Chair Sir Peter Hendy, and Transport for the North Chair Lord Patrick McLoughlin, along with a variety of panel sessions. Despite the varied and wide ranging nature of the speakers, who between them offered a number of different perspectives on the HS2 project, they were united in putting forward a hopeful vision for rail and infrastructure, one which reflects the importance of high speed rail to the future of the UK economy and the central role it must play in our transport network for decades to come.

Hosted by ITV’s Sameena Ali-Khan, the event also included a panel session supported by HSRG member companies currently working on HS2 – including SCS JV, EKFB and AECOM – to consider a variety of themes relating to the delivery of HS2, including how innovative new uses of data and digital technology are benefitting major projects, for example through cutting carbon and helping increase construction site safety and security.

Apprentices from the High Speed Rail Group Apprentice Network delivered an excellent panel session, titled ‘Our Future in UK Infrastructure’, giving an engaging account of their respective roles and where they see themselves progressing within the industry.

Birmingham City Councils’ deputy Leader Brigid Jones gave a keynote speech which discussed not only the opportunities that HS2 will offer, and indeed are already bringing to the city, but also the challenges that go with it, most notably ensuring that the delivery of the project helps to tackle some of the economic and social disadvantages that are evident in parts of the city.

The conference concluded with a ‘fireside chat’ with Maria Griffin, Hitachi-Alstom High-Speed JV Project Director, and Anthony Smith, CEO at Transport Focus; who considered the improved connectivity and capacity that HS2 will bring to the entire network, and how putting ‘empathy at the heart of the design’ will ensure that the needs of passengers of all ages and abilities are met.

Fittingly, HSRG’s Annual Conference was held alongside HS2’s impressive Curzon Street site, and site tours were held at regular intervals throughout the day, allowing attendees to witness first-hand exactly what the construction of Europe’s largest infrastructure project looks like, and get a sense of how the challenge of delivering a train service that fulfils the passenger demands of the future is being met.

A fantastic day all round, the day certainly gave pause for thought into the transformational impact major projects like HS2 can have; and the enormous benefits that will be felt by the country for generations to come.

Kilborn Consulting Limited is an independent railway engineering consultancy and design business, with over 21 years of railway experience.

We specialise in the design of new and altered railway Signalling & Telecoms systems for the UK railway infrastructure.

Our areas of specialism are:

•Signalling and Telecoms Consultancy, including technical advice & support; •Asset Condition Assessments, Correlation and Surveys; •Signalling & Level Crossing Risk Assessments; •Feasibility and Optioneering Studies; •Concept and Outline Signalling Design; • Telecoms Option Selection Reports (including AiP),

Reference System Design and Detailed Design; •Detailed Signalling Design; •Competency Management & Assessments; •Signal Sighting assessments, covering the full Signal Sighting Committee process with a competent Chair.

The new office which is located in the heart of Wellingborough can accommodate all staff and visitors alike and offer widespread views across Wellingborough and the surrounding green spaces.

We would be delighted to welcome you to our office to discuss your requirements and how we can support you to achieve those.

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