Rail Industry Connect

FirstGroup plc has released its inaugural Climate Transition Plan, outlining a comprehensive strategy to drastically reduce emissions and promote sustainable travel across the nation. The plan is a great read and is available as a link in the article below.

Key players in the UK rail industry have convened in Birmingham to address the escalating challenge of cyber security risks to rolling stock, with a focus on collaborative solutions and proactive measures. This subject is one rail businesses CANNOT ignore - and need to get on top of. We've reported on some of the fantastic work Northern is doing too recently around cybersecurity. What are you doing to be cyber resilient?

Costain Group PLC has announced the appointment of Alistair Geddes as its new rail sector director, signalling a strategic push for growth in the UK’s vital rail sector. Geddes, who joins from Balfour Beatty, brings a wealth of experience to the role, having led their rail systems business as operations director. Congratulations Alistair!

Thanks Anjali Devadasan, an insightful interview with Rail Industry Connect and also I'm really pleased that we, at RBD Advisory Limited Stephen Collicott, were able to play a small part in your success at BCIMO. All the best.

We love stories like this. Former Royal Air Force officer Maggie McCann is leading the charge in encouraging fellow ex-service personnel to pursue rewarding careers on the HS2 (High Speed Two) Ltd high-speed rail project. Forces veterans have fantastic transferable skills to plug the skills gap, as highlighted here. We've seen so many companies benefitting from working within the Armed Forces Covenant in recent months. Make sure you become a signatory - there's so much potential out there.

The Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) has unveiled a groundbreaking new tool designed to significantly enhance rail safety by identifying and mitigating the risks associated with runaway rail vehicles. This is on the back of data-driven research - a great way of improving safety where possible.

Following an industry-wide review, conducted in collaboration with Network Rail, train and freight operating companies, and the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB), the ORR has identified areas for improvement in how the rail industry assesses the costs and benefits of safety measures. An essential read - and the report is included within the article.

A bold vision to create a “Northern Arc” economic powerhouse, powered by a new high-speed rail link between Liverpool and Manchester, has been unveiled by regional leaders. Do you think this will create the same potential that East West Rail promises to?

With Global Recycling Day taking place this week, it’s time to shine a spotlight on how the rail industry can embrace more sustainable water practices. While carbon emissions often dominate the sustainability conversation, there’s another critical resource we need to be smarter about: water. Thanks to Sarah Butcher of Welfare Hire Nationwide for her insight on this piece. How are you saving water on site?

We’ve mentioned on previous episodes of Rail Industry Connected about the challenges faced when introducing technological advancements into the industry. Technology is essential in enhancing and optimising work, but linking it with human input and using it to enhance and not replace is key to its success. Today, we speak to Tim Flower, UK Account Director for KONUX – a company providing technological solutions to address railway challenges. And we got to learn what a data lakehouse is... Thanks for joining us, Tim!