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Rail Forum, a collaboration between the industry and the UK government, has announced a challenge competition to encourage SME businesses (small and medium-sized enterprises) to create freight terminals of the future. Lead industry partner will be the rail-minded aggregates corporation Tarmac. A formal launch is planned for later this month.
In its fourth year, the SME Rail Challenge is designed to help identify the needs of industry and steer towards rail-based solutions. The format is designed to provide opportunities for businesses to work collaboratively. The intention is that input from clients and potential clients will help develop and offer solutions to actual needs. As a well-recognised customer of rail freight across their entire UK operation, Tarmac has been chosen as the lead partner on the project.
Formal launch this month
Drawing on the expertise of over 330 member businesses across the UK, the Rail Forum actively supports the national rail agenda and the UK government’s industrial strategy – outlined in the Rail Sector Deal, signed off by the serving transport secretary Chris Grayling back in 2018. That document recognised the lack of capacity for rail freight growth and encouraged initiatives to invest in the necessary skills and resources to deliver long-term passenger and freight capacity and reliability. From that has come the initiative of the annual SME Rail Challenge, which encourages collaboration, promotes members’ capabilities, leads a number of regional skills initiatives and supports innovation and export priorities. Read more
Source: RAILFREIGHT.COM
