Grab your name badge, breakfast and start your networking early

Relaying the track to the future for the Midlands

Rail’s role in shaping the future

Across the Midlands there are plenty of projects for industry to be involved with, Midlands Rail Hub, HS2, and freight are just some of the major headline projects for heavy rail and in light rail, there are line expansions as well as upgrades of rolling stock and technology. Listen to Maria, Chief Executive at Midlands Connect explain the opportunities.

• Shamit Gaiger OBE, Managing Director, West Coast Partnership Development
• Chris Breslin, Development Specialist – Placemaking & Regeneration Team, Network Rail
• Craig Wakeman, Head of HS2 & Strategic Partnerships, TfWM
  
  

• Rich Johnson, Rail Engineering Manager, Kier Group
• Chris Atkins, Programme Manager, Network Rail
  
  

This event chaired by Arup will discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with decarbonising rail rolling stock, with a particular focus on freight operators. This cross-sector panel will explore why electrification alone is insufficient and examine other solutions. We will highlight innovative proposals that underscore the complexity and potential of various energy solutions and discuss the role of energy and global stakeholders in this transition. We will draw insights from other transport sectors, identifying lessons learned and potential synergies. The discussion will also address strategic approaches and planning necessary to deliver on the Government’s decarbonisation target and operator business objectives. 

Panellists inlcude:

• Paul Long, Head of T&RS Engineering, Freightliner Group Ltd 
• James Alton, Senior Consultant, ARUP 
  
  
  

Grab a coffee, mid morning snack and a fist full of business cards during the first networking opportunity of the day

Construction of Curzon St station started in January 2024 with main contractors MACE DRAGADOS forming a JV to move the station's development through many phases until it opens for passengers in 2029 creating a huge opportunity for suppliers now.

Join Dave, Project Client Director for Curzon Street and discover the vast requirements of this project and what opportunities exist for a diverse range of suppliers.

Grab your lunch, talk to the speakers about how you can help with their challenges and network with new customers

The Procurement Act significantly impacts the supply chain by making public procurement processes more transparent, accessible to a wider range of suppliers, particularly smaller businesses, and by introducing stricter oversight mechanisms, ultimately aiming to improve efficiency and value for money within the public sector supply chain; key changes include simplifying bidding processes, creating a debarment system to exclude unsuitable suppliers, and placing greater emphasis on social value considerations when awarding contracts. .Join the discussion to understand the key elements and how the Procurement Act will impact your business.

• Robin Lapish, Supply Chain Lead, HS2
• Jonathan Curtis, Procurement Operations Director, Network Rail
• Sol Tannir, Strategic Account Director, Social Value Portal
• Rich Watts, Rail Sector Director, BAM Nuttall
• Helen Taylor, Work Winning Director, Kier

Steven manages an annual budget of £16m and around 200 members of staff across the Central Route. The team also manage the relationships with not only, the train operators and suppliers but also a footfall of around 1.2m customers every week. With projects pending such as improvement to stations across the Midlands, it is certainly an exciting time to be involved. Join Steven as he explains all.