The Sleeper's Blog

HS2: collaborate to innovate

17 July 2018Dr Chris Goodier and Dr Steve Yeomans, of Loughborough University’s Centre for Innovative and Collaborative Construction Engineering (CICE), talk about four new HS2 research projects which are set to challenge how we design, build and monito...

What about Brexit?

10 July 2018Darren Caplan, chief executive of the Railway Industry Association (RIA), dares to investigate the potential impact of Brexit on the UK rail supply sector. Everyone’s talking about Brexit – except the rail supply sector, it seems. Hav...

Surviving the heatwave: are we truly the laughing stock of the world?

29 June 2018It’s safe to say the internet has not been kind to the rail industry for the widespread disruptions that took place this week as a result of soaring temperatures up and down the country. Passengers have taken to Twitter to call the UK rail n...

How biometrics can help improve health and safety measures on railway construction projects

20 March 2018In this article biometric identity, time and attendance specialists Donseed look at how biometric technology is already starting to enhance health and safety measures on railway construction projects. Advances in technology are starting to transf...

How can UK rail become a global leader?

06 March 2018Alison Dervis, EY director, explains why more diverse thinking, innovation and industry collaboration will help deliver transformative change to the railway industry.

High-tech tablets and jars of honey: The assortment of gifts sent to Network Rail employees

27 February 2018Network Rail employees receive, on average, a gift every week from residents, rail organisations, and private companies, with items varying from jars of honey to brand new tablets. Freedom of Information requests submitted by RTM reveal the vast...

Big Rail Diversity Challenge 2018: Exciting details announced

09 February 2018The first details of this year’s Big Rail Diversity Challenge have been revealed and it’s safe to say the 2018 edition is set to be more thrilling than ever. Last year saw the RTM team attend the second edition in what is quickly beco...

#UKRIA2018 update: Packages going fast for the industry’s biggest rail awards show

23 January 2018Packages for this year’s UKRIA are selling out quick, and those hoping to attend are advised to act fast to avoid dissapointment at the rail industry’s biggest opportunity to network. Excitement was cranked up...

Colossal rail event continues to break records

09 January 2018Category sponsorships for UKRIA 2018 are selling quick following last week’s big announcement of comedian and actor Rufus Hound as host. This year’s event is headlined by HS2 chief executive Mark Thurston, who was revealed as keynote...

#UKRIA2018 host revealed

03 January 2018The UK’s most prestigious rail industry awards has ramped up the excitement for this year’s event as popular comedian Rufus Hound has been confirmed as host. A veteran of TV panels shows such as 8 Out of 10 Cats, Never Mind the Buzzco...

#UKRIA2018 is coming to town

12 December 2017Abnormally freezing-cold temperatures, brightly lit town centres packed with a frenzy of shoppers, and busy markets cooking up endless servings of German sausages could only mean one thing: Christmas is now just around the corner! And what better...

#UKRIA2018 picks up HS2 chief executive for keynote speech

08 December 2017Mark Thurston, chief executive of HS2, has been announced as the keynote speaker for this year’s prestigious UK Rail Industry Awards (UKRIA). Thurston, who took over at the country’s biggest rail project in March, is expected to offer...

#UKRIA2018: The results are in...

28 November 2017The time you were all waiting for has finally arrived: UKRIA’s cross-industry panel of senior-level judges have had their final say on which companies, joint ventures and individuals should be in the running to receive a prestigious accolade...

Eurotunnel rebrand: a more ‘Anglo-Saxon’ name?

21 November 2017The owners of Eurotunnel have decided to change its name to Getlink, a move which the company described as “very Anglo-Saxon.” Despite the company operating across both England and France it has decided to change its name as it looks...

Looking back over HS1, 10 years on

14 November 2017While the HS2 project continues to gain ground and press ahead with major contracts despite recent staffing controversies, today sees its older, considerably smaller sibling turn 10 years old. HS1, the line running between St Pancras Internationa...