Rolling Stock Networking showbigger and better than ever before

Anyone involved in Britain’s healthy rolling stock industry, whether as an operator, maintainer, component supplier, software developer or consultant, is welcome. Just register in advance for a free ticket and easy access on the day.

By Nigel Wordsworth

Rail Industry Jounalist and Commentator

To be held in Derby on Thursday 6 July, Rolling Stock Networking (RSN) will be bigger and better than ever in 2023. Nearly 20% more participants than last year will fill the sold-out venue, anxious to tell visitors all about their latest products and services.

And that’s not all! Rail Partners, the trade association for the nation’s train operators, is holding a conference that will be free to attend for visitors to RSN. The Railway Industry Association is assembling a ‘Small Business Showcase’, a much anticipated ‘Meet The Buyer’ event will be hosted by Jobson James Rail, and Rail Forum will be presenting TOCTalk Live – a fast networking opportunity with senior representation from a range of train operators.

Something for everyone

The RSN 2023 exhibition will have something for everyone. UK-based train manufacturers Alstom and CAF will have a strong presence, as will suppliers of all manners of components from seats to train graphics and from cables to windscreen wipers.

Depot operators aren’t ignored, as various exhibitors will be at RSN to discuss everything from doors and jacks to fasteners, coatings and even train washes!

In short, there is something for everyone at Rolling Stock Networking - all under one roof in the centre of the country.

Business opportunities – plain and simple

Organised by rail professionals for rail professionals, Rolling Stock Networking includes all the content you would expect from a major industry event, but without the frills.

There will be 147 exhibitors, all in one arena. Stands are almost all the same size, so the major players have no great advantage over smaller suppliers - they are all able to show their offerings on an equal basis.

Swiss manufacturer Stadler, which has recently supplied new trains to a number of UK operators, will be taking a stand.

The industry’s two main trade associations are each working with their members to present what visitors and exhibitors want to see.

The Railway Industry Association is presenting a Small Business Showcase, providing high-quality market access opportunities to its smaller members, while Rail Forum will be hosting a Meet the Board event immediately before the show opens, from 8:00 until 9:30 offering a cup of coffee and a breakfast roll to compensate for the early start. While the main show is open, Rail Forum will also be hosting TOCTalk, giving visitors an unrivalled chance to engage with senior representatives from a number of train operators.

Rail Forum, which is based in Derby, has invited delegates who are also members to join them for coffee and a breakfast roll before the Rolling Stock Networking show opens at 9:30. Starting at 8am, guests will be able to engage with a range of board members and guests to discuss strategic, industry direction, challenges, concerns, developments and innovations.

The Rail Forum Guests include:-

• Sarah Spink, Midlands Connect

• Kelly Warburton, GCRE

• Paul Harwood, GBRTT

• Ivan Youd, DBT

• Wendy Richards, DBT

• Jason Groombridge, Porterbrook

• Brian Freemantle, DfT

This early bird event will make an excellent start to a busy day at the Rolling Stock Networking exhibition and is not to be missed.

Showcasing smaller businesses

Much to learn from Train Operators

Rail Partners, which brings together independent owning groups, train and freight operating companies, is hosting the RSN Conference on the mezzanine level, easily accessed from the exhibition area. Free to attend, delegates can dip in and out, choosing the presentation that most suits them.

Show partner Jobson James Rail, the rail industry’s insurance broker, has put together a Meet The Buyer panel that should appeal to everyone. Delegates need to apply and book a time to meet commercial teams from Motherson Innovations, Clayton, Keolis Amey Docklands, Unipart Rail, the Department for Business and Trade, WH Davis and Alstom.

Rail Forum Board members who have indicated their attendance are:

• Will Rogers, Chair

• Michelle Craven-Faulkner, Vice Chair

• Mike Hulme, Alstom

• Nicola Phillips, Siemens

• Nick Andrew, CWE

• Dave Brookes, Elite KL

• Chris Wright, Nottingham Tram

• Donna Hoffman, Inside Out Group

• Lawrence Bowman, Network Rail

• Michael Grace, TXM Group

• Laura May, TUV Rheinland

The Railway Industry Association (RIA), which counts some of the industry’s largest companies among its members, is using Rolling Stock Networking to provide a platform for some of its smallest members to exhibit alongside the industry giants, providing an inclusive opportunity to make contacts, build relationships and increase market share. The economic benefits of developing SMEs is proven to increase employment, create high quality jobs and support the government in its aims for economic recovery and growth.

RIA operations director Gaynor Pates said: “We’re excited to be organising the RIA small business showcase, providing high quality market access opportunities to our smaller RIA Members.

“It is undoubtedly the case that SMEs and micro-companies contribute strongly to the railway with specialist products, innovative products new inventions or dependable everyday products and services.”

Small business that will be exhibiting with RIA at Rolling Stock Networking include:

• Complete Cyber

• Hey Me

• Rail Competence & Compliance

• RTS Solutions

• Seetru

• Water-Trak

“Make sure you come along to see them and take part in this essential event!” Gaynor added.

Talk to TOCs at TOCTalk

Rail Forum is giving Rolling Stock Networking delegates the opportunity to engage with senior representatives from across a range of Train Operating Companies at its novel TOCTalk Live sessions.

Using a ‘fast networking’ format, TOCTalk Live will help delegates understand what is happening within the TOC environment, how to engage in the new budgeting processes and how to support train operators by arranging for them to speak directly to those that are the cutting edge of National Rail Contracts.

The fast networking process means

International opportunities

Meet the buyer

More companies than ever before are sending procurement specialists to Rolling Stock Networking to take part in the Meet The Buyer event organised by Jobson James Rail.

For those visitors to Rolling Stock Networking wishing to expand their international business, a discussion with international trade adviser Bill Smith should be on the agenda.

Bill Smith is an international trade adviser specialising in advanced manufacturing and rail who supports the Midlands Engine, which is part of the Department of Business and Trade (DBT). He will be in the Meet the Buyer section and appointments can be sought through the Meet the Buyer application process, drop in appointments with Bill are presently available.

Alstom is sending four procurement representatives to make sure that as many companies as possible have the chance to meet with them.

A total of 11 TOCs will be participating as well as two owning groups, the Great British Railways Transition Team and London’s Elizabeth line.

TOCTalk Live runs

1:00pm – 2:30pm, giving registered attendees ample opportunity to visit the exhibition and Conference presentations too!

DBT is the department for economic growth, supporting businesses to invest, grow and export, creating jobs and opportunities across the country. It advises, supports and promotes British businesses wanting to grow and export by opening up new markets by removing barriers and striking trade deals, securing global investment from businesses and investors and championing free trade, economic security, and resilient supply chains.

Bill is able to connect delegates with the appropriate services and information that is available through DBT. He can also help in developing an Export Plan, guiding companies through the process as he has many years of exporting experience in rail and other highly regulated industries

In addition, Stadler and CAF are exhibiting in the main hall, so representatives on those stands can be approached directly without appointment.

While appointments for the MTB will first be available to RSN exhibitors, delegates may also enquire whether sessions are available with the commercial teams from Motherson Innovations, Clayton, Keolis Amey Docklands, Unipart Rail, the Department for Business and Trade, WH Davis and Alstom.

A Conference by Rail Partners at RSN 2023

Hosted this year by Rail Partners, the RSN Conference will take place throughout the day on the mezzanine floor above the main exhibition area. Organised in timetabled sessions, exhibition visitors will have the opportunity to take in those presentations that interest them and visit the exhibition stands betweentimes.

Last year Neil Ovenden, head of engineering at Rail Partners, was a speaker at the conference, delivering an overview of what the post COVID-19 pandemic GB mainline rail recovery opportunities and challenges might be for the rolling stock and associated products and services supply chain.

One year later, Rail Partners will be hosting the conference and introducing a number of speakers who will bring delegates up to date on progress being made to attract passengers back onto trains, to develop and grow the rail freight business, and meet the engineering challenges of the next few years.

Sustainability, the green agenda, decarbonisation, the national electrification programme and alternative fuels are sure to feature, so visitors to the show should check out the conference programme that will be publicised before the event on the RSN website to choose which sessions to attend.

Access and parking

The Derby Arena is easy to find – it’s the rounded goldcoloured building standing on Pride Park next to the Derby County football stadium. Sat nav users can just enter DE24 8JB or search for Derby Arena.

Rail Forum’s breakfast event starts at 08:00 and the main exhibition opens at 09:30. A waiting area and coffee bar will be open from 09:00. The exhibition closes at 15:30