The NTC (new track construction) machine in action on the Dartmoor Line, via Network Rail

SPEED supplier partnerships pick up the pace

A new industry partnership for SPEED has been launched from the Railway Industry Association (RIA) and Network Rail yesterday on the 19th October, welcoming 150 suppliers to create an ongoing cross industry collaboration involving Network Rail, suppliers and other rail stakeholders to challenge inefficiency and deliver better outcomes for all.

SPEED (Swift, Pragmatic and Efficient Enhancement Delivery) is an innovative project established in 2020, as part of the Governments Covid-19 recovery plan, seeking to halve the time and slash the cost of project delivery, delivering better service for passengers and freight users.​ Rail Technology Magazine recently interviewed Christian Irwin about SPEED discussing it in further detail, which can be read here.

The launch saw keynote speakers including Christian Irwin (Director, Network Rail Investment Centre of Excellence), Rob Brighouse (Non-Executive Director, Network Rail), Rob McIntosh (Managing Director, Network Rail Eastern region), Cavendish Elithorn (Director, Department for Transport), Paul Harwood (Programme Director, GBRTT), Sue Millington (Head of Programme Management, Network Rail - Rail Investment Centre of Excellence), Jeremy Gerlis (Strategic Business Advisor, TCFB Ltd), and Rob Cairns (Capital Delivery Director, Network Rail Eastern region).

The launch was hosted jointly by RIA and the Network Rail Investment Centre of Excellence, offering attendees the opportunity to take part in a series of workshops and put forward ideas on the barriers to saving time and money. These will now be developed in further work by the new partnership to show tangible improvements.

If suppliers who were not able to attend the launch want to get involved in the Industry SPEED Partnership, they can register here to hear more about upcoming opportunities.

Network Rail representative Rob McIntosh, commented:

“Rail SPEED has already had a significant impact in streamlining the client activity in developing investment projects and renewals. We are already seeing practical examples of a new and better way of working, which is driving improvements in the cost and delivery timescales of our projects. This is very welcome news for passengers, taxpayers and government and demonstrates our commitment to being good custodians of the public purse. The opportunity and necessity now is to engage with the wider supply chain to bring in their knowledge and expertise and so I thank all those who contributed today and look forward to building an ongoing and deeper collaboration with suppliers.”

David Clarke, Technical Director at RIA, commented:

“I am sure all of Network Rail’s suppliers will join me in welcoming this important next step towards in delivering on Rail SPEED. Suppliers of all sizes have huge expertise and innovative ideas which can be brought to bear on this challenge and so it hugely encouraging to see Network Rail actively reaching out to the supply chain and seeking to establish an ongoing cross industry collaboration. RIA is delighted to support this important initiative as it is vital for the health of the whole rail industry that we deliver as efficiently as possible.”

Want to know more about the opportunities to become a key supplier to the UK rail industry? Attend TransCityRail and access an exclusive marketplace of buyers from Network Rail, HS2, Train Operators, Major Contractors, and all other tiers of the supply chain. For more information and to secure your place click here

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