I had the pleasure of representing AARC Professional Services at the Rail Industry Association’s (RIA) Annual Conference in London last week – a two day event featuring representation from many of RIA’s 400 members, as well as a plethora of senior industry figures, including Rail Minister Lord Hendy, Chair of the National Infrastructure Commission John Armitt, Network Rail Chief Executive Andrew Haines, RIA Chief Executive Darren Caplan, Sir Jon Thompson – Chair of HS2, Chief Executive of East West Rail David Hughes and ORR Chief Executive John Larkinson.
Hosted by broadcaster Natasha Kaplinsky, Day one opened with an interview with Lord Hendy, talking about the ongoing reform of the UK’s railways and welcoming the appointment of Laura Shoaf as the new Chair for Shadow Great British Railways (GBR). Perhaps most significantly (considering his audience!), Lord Hendy also recognised the value of rail suppliers, highlighting their role in driving innovation and unlocking capacity in the industry.
‘Fireside chats’ saw Sir John Armitt and John Larkinson talk about the Government’s 10 year infrastructure plan and the ORR’s role in holding Network Rail to account respectively, with John Larkinson acknowledging the difficult start to Control Period 7 (CP7) experienced by businesses due to various factors, including cost pressures on renewals. The first day also featured a number of panel discussions, addressing skills (including the value of a diverse workforce), a regional focus, the opportunities afforded by devolution and the future of major rail projects. In respect of the latter, Sir Jon Thompson and David Hughes both agreed that the acceleration of planning processes by Government would speed up the delivery of projects – not just in transport, but across other industries. Day one was then rounded off by Angie Doll, Chief Executive of Govia Thameslink Railway, who emphasised the value of the rail industry as an enabler of growth, with a need to make it ‘the’ transport mode of choice.
Kicking off day two with a live version of their podcast ‘Green Signals’ were rail journalist Nigel Harris and Richard Bowker, former Chairman of the Strategic Rail Authority, who put special guest/former head of Virgin Trains Chris Green under the spotlight, with topics discussed including performance, the rate of reform, leadership and the importance of the railway.
Day two’s fireside chats included appearances from Chair of the Liverpool-Manchester Railway Partnership Board and former Rail Minister Huw Merriman, who admitted that it was a difficult decision to cancel Phase 2 of HS2 (with the process very much led by No.10) but whose overall enthusiasm for rail was infectious, as well as Clive Berrington, Network Rail’s Group Director for Railway Business Services. During his segment, Clive discussed the current issues facing the supply chain in year one of CP7, whilst also providing an update on the difficult expenditure choices being made by Network Rail given the recent need for more reactive works.
A panel discussion on ticketing chaired by Anthony Smith of the Independent Rail Retailers was then followed by an appearance, via webcam, by Network Rail CEO Andrew Haines, who celebrated the five-year funding settlement model for rail due to the certainty it provides, whilst recognising that the start of CP7 had been difficult. He also talked about value for money, acknowledging that giving certainty to the supply chain is a key part of this. The final keynote speech of the event was given by Anit Chandarana, Group Director, Systems Operator for Network Rail, who emphasised the importance of performance as the biggest driver of passenger confidence in the railway.
Certainly food for thought over what was, essentially, an enlightening two days. Supported by AARCPS colleagues Nigel Barber and Mick Gates, most importantly, it was an excellent opportunity to meet with other SMEs (small and medium size enterprises), comparing notes and hearing how they too are faring, against the backdrop of the current challenges facing the rail supply chain. If we are to believe what we heard during the conference, then there really is light at the end of the tunnel…
