As part of efforts to involve more SME businesses in rail industry opportunities in the Midlands, the Rail Forum Midlands (RFM) have launched their third SME Challenge.
Part of the Rail Supply Group’s Rail Sector Deal Midlands Pilots, the latest challenge will focus on Depot Digitalisation and Sustainability for DB Cargo, who have major depots in Crewe, Stoke and Toton.
Intended to provide opportunities for SMEs to work collaboratively to develop and offer solutions to different needs from across the industry, the latest challenge is set to be formally launched at an online event on July 19, 2021.
The new challenge follows the recent announcement of the First of a Kind (FOAK) funding round by the Department for Transport and Innovate UK.
Bob Hodgson, Engagement Manager at RFM said; “We are really pleased to be working with DB Cargo to bring this third challenge opportunity to the SME community. Some of the areas SMEs could consider and that we will discuss at the launch event are digitally monitoring vehicle movements and work flow within the depot, depot emissions monitoring, asset mapping, intelligent lighting and heating and increased automation”.
Elaine Clark, CEO of RFM said; “This success demonstrates that the Challenges are providing real opportunities for SMEs to work collaboratively with clients to take their ideas from concepts through to the next stages of development and we look forward to watching them come to life.”
More information can be found on the challenges by contacting RFM and Midlands Rail via email.
RTM will be hosting our annual TCR Midlands event again next year on February 10, 2021. Register your interest here.
