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 Karen, Head of Rail at Midlands Connect explain the opportunities.

The East Midlands is at a turning point, with the potential to become a major economic powerhouse in the UK. The £1.5 billion funding announced by the Government for devolution across the region will help to unlock this potential and create thousands of jobs and opportunities for local people.The funding will be used to improve transport links in the East Midlands, including extending the Nottingham Tram system to serve Gedling and Clifton South, as well as connecting Derby with East Midlands Parkway with a Bus Rapid Transit System. It could also mean the reopening of the Maid Marion Line to passenger rail services.

This investment will help to create a more connected East Midlands, with better access to jobs, education, and leisure opportunities. It will also help to reduce congestion, improve air quality, and create more sustainable transport options. The East Midlands is an exciting place to be right now, and this investment is just the start of a bright future for the region.

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

Alex comes from a long line of engineers and gained a master’s degree in environmental engineering at the University of Nottingham. After gaining her degree Alex joined London Underground’s civil engineering graduate scheme which enabled her to gain experience working in different departments across Transport for London. After 12 years at TfL, Alex moved to HS2 in 2022 where she is Phase 2b Development Director. As the connection to Manchester is not happening, what does this mean for the Midlands? Join Alex to hear what the plans are and the scope of opportunities.

Adam Walsh, based in Derby, Derby, United Kingdom, is currently a Programme Procurement Manager at Network Rail. Adam deliver a supplier briefing on the Midlands Rail Hub in 2022. Given the changes and Network North, what changes have been made and what does this mean for the industry. Join Adam to learn about the opportunities for the region.

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

Spend across the central region through CP7 include track renewals schemes targeted at life-expired assets, signalling schemes, infrastructure projects to renew level crossings at Hartlebury, Blakedown and Bentley Heath as well as earthworks schemes to address high risk sites on strategic lines into Birmingham, and at Harbury and Ledbury. These are just some of the opportunities in the central region that Network Rail are spending. Listen to find more information of the many other opportunities

Connecting Cities – Rail Strategy in the Midlands

Richard is the Rail Strategy Lead for Midlands Connect, the sub-national transport body for the English Midlands. He is developing the overarching case for investment in regional intercity services and rail freight. Listen to Richard talk about how the Midlands are aimng to connect cities and the opportunities this presents for industry.

Jon as Regional Partnerships Director will highlight the historic and more recent challenges in delivering a reformed and joined up railway, but also the need for a strong working relationship with many partners across the Midlands such as the West Midlands Rail Executive. GBRTT with its home in Derby has a vision for regional partnerships in the future and they will provide bespoke (not 'one size fits all') partnerships - to match the ambitions for the region with a renewed focus on getting things done that make a difference to customers and partners. Listen to Jon talk about working with Midlands Connect and wider regional opportunities for the industry.