Welcome to the July 2024 issue of our e-newsletter where you can read about industry events and publications as well as activities that the Rail Cluster project is leading or supporting.

New members
A warm welcome to new members of the Rail Cluster this month:

• AMS Equipment Ltd
• MM Search

• 708 registered individuals
• 475 registered companies
• 289 registered SMEs

We are introducing cluster networking events to give our members an additional route to showcase their business and its capabilities directly to the rail community.

If you are interested in finding out more about hosting a cluster networking event at your site/premises, please get in touch with mariannemailey@scottishengineering.org.uk.

We will work with you to promote the event, manage registrations and send out joining instructions and we can help in whatever way you need to maximise the value you get from hosting an event.

The benefits of hosting a cluster networking event are far reaching: 

• Better understanding of your company and its capabilities for the sector
• Showcase new products and services
• Raise your business profile
• Showcase your local facilities
• Share best practice
• Build relationships.

Rail Cluster member Progress Rail have published their 2024 Biodiversity report for their South Queensferry foundry site.

Progress Rail inherited the site in 2008 when much of the grounds were significantly overgrown, having been untouched since the early 2000s when Motorola left. They began their biodiversity programme in 2014 to ensure the site has a clean and sustainable environment which benefits local wildlife. Since then the projects has developed and the team has seen an increased species of trees, plants, wildflower, insects and mammals.

Their focus has been on creating various habitats for wildlife, including creating no-mow areas, a new pond for amphibians, planting new trees, flowers and shrubbery, and creating nesting areas among other measures.

Volunteers at Progress Rail have been keeping a close eye on the site and monitoring the development of plants and wildlife. They even patrol the migration route of toads to the site, collecting them and helping them to their destination as there are many hazards facing them along the way.

Have a look at the full report for a detailed account of the work Progress Rail have carried out and the benefits this has brought to the site.

Rail Cluster member Mott MacDonald has reappointed Professor Glenn Lyons as Chair of Future Mobility.

This follows Prof. Lyons' appointment in June as the new president of the Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT) for 2024/25.

Mott MacDonald also continue to sponsor his position at the University of the West of England Bristol (UWE Bristol) where he holds the post of Mott MacDonald Professor of Future Mobility.

Having worked in the role with Mott MacDonald and UWE Bristol since January 2018, Glenn’s tenure has been extended for a further three years, through to the end of 2027 providing a vital link between academic excellence, policy and practice.

Since taking up his role with Mott MacDonald, Glenn has been described as instrumental in positioning the business as a leader in the transport planning conversation, particularly in areas such as decide and provide, vision-led planning and triple access planning. 

Congratulations to member company Forte Engineering who have won the ‘SME Growth in Rail’ category at the annual Railway Industry Supplier Excellence (RISE) Awards, organised by the Railway Industry Association (RIA).
 
The Awards took place at The Landmark Hotel, London, with over 350 people in attendance. The evening was hosted by broadcaster and former Shadow Labour Minister Gloria De Piero, and featured keynote speeches from Steve White, Managing Director of Southeastern, and RIA’s outgoing and incoming Chairmen, David Tonkin and Noel Travers respectively.
 
Following an impressive display from LED Acrobats, the winners were announced, with Forte Engineering picking up the SME Growth in Rail Award. The judges commented on the strong commitment to social value and net zero demonstrated in the award entry.
 
Derek Riddell, Forte Engineering Managing Director, said: 
 
“We’re delighted to have won the SME Growth in Rail Award. This is dedicated to all of our staff who are the beating heart of our business. Our strong ethics and principles centre around treating our staff well so they enjoy their work, remain a loyal employee to the business, and ultimately deliver an excellent job for our customers. 
 
“We are especially proud to have been recognised for our commitment to social value and working towards net-zero, key priorities for us, and our clients, partners and the industry.”
 
For full details of all categories, judges and winners, please view RIA’s press release. 

Pictured left-right: Gloria De Piero (Award Host), Derek Riddell (Forte Engineering Managing Director), Paula Riddell (Forte Engineering Director), Mark McGlinchey (Forte Engineering Director), Alison Yim (Forte Engineering Communications & Account Manager), Daisy Chapman- Chamberlain (Award Judge - Innovation Manager, East West Rail)

Crewe-based rail cluster member and rail infrastructure design consultancy, enGauged, has announced its new corporate partnership with the National Railway Museum.

enGauged, a rail design practice committed to nurturing the next generation of railway engineers, has reaffirmed its values in this collaboration with the National Railway Museum.

The partnership aims to promote engineering in rail by recognising the importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, and the impact that this will have on future railway industry professionals.

enGauged is also committed to inspiring the engineers of tomorrow through its apprenticeship programme. In partnership with Liverpool John Moores University and The University of Salford, enGauged offers hands-on training and career development opportunities, enabling its apprentices to pursue BEng (Hons) degrees in Civil Engineering as part of their professional growth within the company.

As a corporate partner, enGauged will be connected to a network of industry leaders, gaining exclusive access to the National Railway Museum and Locomotion. This partnership provides an opportunity to influence the debate on essential issues in the engineering and rail industries, while also offering inspiring content for enGauged’s employees.

Specification Manager at Rail North Partnership Daisy Chapman-Chamberlain has shared her latest list of funding and engagement opportunities within the rail sector. 

Click below to read the extensive and detailed list. 

The Railway Industry Association (RIA) has announced that Lord Peter Hendy, who Chairs Network Rail, has been confirmed as a keynote speaker for the RIA Annual Conference 2024, which this year takes place on 6- 7 November, at the Leonardo Royal Hotel, London Tower Bridge. He will give his address at the Dinner on Day 1, 6 November.

Lord Hendy has a wealth of knowledge and experience at Network Rail as well as being former Transport for London Commissioner, in which he oversaw the successful operation of London’s transport for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

This year, the RIA Annual Conference focuses on the theme ‘A fresh start for rail?’, and, following this summer’s General Election, is sure to cover the most salient issues of the day impacting the railway industry.

BCRRE are delighted to bring you Event Number 12 in the ‘Supporting the Rail Supply Chain’ series. This one will focus on how we are Making our Railways Better from key industry stakeholders covering track to train, people and technology.

It will be filled with excellent speakers, useful information and networking opportunities to help support you and your company’s growth in rail.

You will hear from:

• Laura Smith, Programme Manager, Network Rail – change management.
• Lesley Cheeseman, Organisational Development Lead, Transpennine Route Upgrade – culture and behaviour.
• Calum Phelan, Industrial Fellow at BCRRE – Education and how we can support your organisation.
• Nicola Phillips, Siemens Mobility, Customer Services – rolling stock OEM, maintenance and refurb of rolling stock.
• Anna Barrett, Sustainability Procurement Manager at LNER – social and sustainable procurement for TOCs.
• Stephen Silvester and Bekki Banks, Invest Goole – an update on developments.
• Giles Peacock, Weston Analytics – how AI can be used in rail.

Unlocking Innovation: Connecting Regions, Igniting Opportunities

Explore the frontier of railway advancements as RIA bridge local expertise with national initiatives. Join them in shaping a seamless, efficient, and innovative future for UK rail.

In 2024, RIA are planning a series of Unlocking Innovation events where everyone involved in the UK’s railways can meet to share new ideas and tools that make the railways better and more efficient. These events will be a chance for people to learn about new technologies, find funding, and work together to make the rail industry the best it can be.

These events are open for all and free to attend to allow for a diverse range of participants. We especially welcome innovators from all sectors to come along and explore opportunities in the railway sector or share their expertise and inventions from other industries.

Further details about the event location will be announced soon.