The panel discussed the challenges of securing funding for rail projects and how costs often escalate during design. They shared how SYSTRA’s MVP approach and focus on buildable design help secure funding and keep projects on track.
TransCityRail is a series of regional supply chain engagement conferences focusing on rail investment in the North, Midlands, and the South of England.
Every event attracts leaders of industry from Network Rail, HS2, Major Contractors and TOC’s to the mainstage, delivering keynote speeches and panel discussions as part of a concerted effort to engage the supply chain, discussing the region's programme of works and £billions in contract opportunities.
For a short period only, we’re making some of the content from each TransCityRail available for you to watch on-demand FREE OF CHARGE!
Simply register now and get instant access to some of the most important conversations on rail investment, £billions in contracts, and how to become a key supplier to the rail industry.
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Available On Demand
Andrew Pritchard, Director of Policy & Infrastructure, East Midlands Councils, Strategic Policy Advisor at Midlands Connect
Andrew talks about the economic rise of the East Midlands, driven by the Government's £1.5 billion for regional devolution as a catalyst for light and heavy rail expansions…
Andrew Pritchard Director of Policy & Infrastructure, East Midlands Councils, Strategic Policy Advisor Midlands Connect -
Available On Demand
Leaders Debate - Why is Rail Resilience Important? In Partnership with ARUP
Mark talks from the heart about rail worker safety, safe digital control of work, and why robust risk assessment is at the heart of ensuring that everyone is home safe every day…
Sharon Lee Director Arup
Tim Norton Head of Rail Resilience and Response Department for Transport
Faye Beaman Director Arup -
Available On Demand
Karen Heppenstall, Head of Rail, Midlands Connect
Karen explains why Midlands Connect is focusing on developing strategic investment plans like the Midlands Rail Hub, HS2, freight, and rolling stock upgrades to transform the region…
Karen Heppenstall Head of Rail Midlands Connect -
Available On Demand
Strategic Partner - YOKOGAWA - Mark Breese, Principal Consultant Yokogawa RAP
Mark talks from the heart about rail worker safety, safe digital control of work, and why robust risk assessment is at the heart of ensuring that.
Mark Breese Principal Consultant Yokogawa RAP -
Available On Demand
Alexandra Batey, Phase 2b Development Director, HS2
Alexandra uses her keynote to state HS2 is happening, it is being built and there are huge opportunities available for suppliers…
Alexandra Batey Phase 2b Development Director HS2 -
Available On Demand
Leaders Debate - Rethinking Project Delivery In Partnership with the Midlands Rail Alliance
Panellists from major contractors converge to discuss project design and delivery when multiple stakeholders with competing interests and disciplines collaborate…
Dr Alasdair MacDonald Regional Director for Wales, North and Central Balfour Beatty
Helene Berthonneau Environmental Manager Skanska
David Edwards Project Technical Director Skanska
Tim Fawcett Birmingham Cities Lead Mott MacDonald -
Available On Demand
Strategic Partner - Andrew Dugdale, Market Director, Systra
TransCityRail veteran, Andrew, discusses where better journeys begin, making the case for 21st-century connectivity as an enabler for communities to prosper in every way…
Andrew Dugdale Market Director Systra -
Available On Demand
Leaders Debate - The Tech That Makes Railways Work! In Partnership with Rail Technology Magazine
RSSB, Network Rail and Digital Catapult talk about emerging technologies, AI and the trajectory tech is setting for the future of the rail industry…
Andy Lord Commissioner Transport for London
Darren Jowett Head of System Authority Network RailA signalling and assurance expert with over 30 years’ experience in leading innovation-focussed engineering projects and programmes. A highly skilled and respected industry leader excelling in helping the rail industry implement technology improvement and support its people through both process and governance change.
Working in the Network Rail System Authority Darren chairs and provides industry expertise to a number of industry groups including the Drivers Advisory System Board (chair), Future Control Command Signalling Guiding Body, Overspeed Management Task Group and the Vehicle Train Control & Command Signalling Interface Committee.
The System Authority owns, and maintains the industry agreed Digital Rail Requirements suite leading on their support and ongoing maturity development. Additionally, the System Authority is leading on the Speed Management and absolute train positioning concept where Darren is the technical lead.
Vaibhav Puri Director of Sector Strategy and Transformation Rail Safety & Standards Board -
Available On Demand
Martin Colmey, Operations Director, Central Route, Network Rail
Martin highlights the challenges of operating today's railway, plans for CP7 and how the supply chain can help Network Rail…
Martin Colmey Operations Director, Central Route Network Rail -
Available On Demand
Leaders Debate - What do Future Leaders Think of Rail - In Partnership with TransCityRail
Apprenticeships in the rail industry are as important as any other strategy to keep the railway alive. In this panel, we asked a handful of the apprentices from the audience to join us on stage to talk with us about their experiences and why they chose the rail industry as their vocation…
Edwin Russell Project Manager Apprentice Network Rail
Alexander Christie Undergraduate Engineer WSP
Charlie Hudson Associate Project Management Apprentice Amey
Agata Otto Apprentice - Civil Engineering Systra -
Available On Demand
Richard Mann, Rail Strategy Lead Midlands Connect
Richard explains how Midlands Connect is making transport in the Midlands fairer, greener, and stronger and discusses what’s stopping cities from delivering higher-productivity jobs …
Richard Mann Rail Strategy Lead Midlands Connect -
Available On Demand
Leaders Debate - Tackling Climate Change - In Partnership with HS2
HS2, Midlands Connect and the RSSB join forces for an engaging conversation on what tackling climate change looks like for the rail industry…
George Davies Director of Sustainability RSSB
Dr Rachel Allison Climate Change Specialist HS2Dr Rachel Allison is a climate professional who has worked across academia, consultancy and industry. She is a specialist in climate change with experience of researching the physical science basis, supporting climate mitigation efforts and delivering climate adaptation solutions. She is currently Climate Change Specialist at HS2 where she acting as a subject matter specialist, providing technical knowledge and support on climate adaptation and resilience management across the whole HS2 project. Additionally she supports HS2’s colleague carbon conscious training, facilitating workshops which provide colleagues with a recognised certification in carbon reduction and climate action.
Richard Mann Rail Strategy Lead Midlands Connect -
Available On Demand
Toby Rackliff, Strategic Lead, Rail Policy, West Midlands Rail Executive
Toby talks about delivering a revolution in rail services for West Midlanders and the challenges of a tangible step-change in a cash-constrained world…
Toby Rackliff Strategic Lead, Rail Policy West Midlands Rail Executive -
Available On Demand
Jon Fox, Regional Partnerships Director, GBRTT
Jon finished the day by explaining the work GBRTT are doing around delivering a reformed and interconnected railway and how they will bring together track and train…
Jon Fox Regional Partnerships Director GBRTT -
Available On Demand
Maria Machancoses, Chief Executive, Midlands Connect
Maria, Chief Executive at Midlands Connect, highlighted the wealth of rail projects across the Midlands, including major developments like the Midlands Rail Hub, HS2, and freight initiatives. She emphasised the significant opportunities these present for industry involvement in both heavy and light rail sectors
Maria Machancoses Chief Executive Midlands Connect -
Available On Demand
Rich Watts, Rail Sector Director, BAM Nuttall
Rich shares exciting insights on "the role of Supply Chain in facing the CP7 Efficiency Challenge
Rich Watts Rail Sector Director BAM Nuttall -
Available On Demand
Leaders Debate - West Coast Partnership Development
The panel highlighted how future high-speed rail services can boost connectivity and economic growth in the West Midlands. They called for collaboration to maximise the benefits of both new infrastructure and the existing West Coast Main Line.
Chris Breslin Development Specialist – Placemaking & Regeneration Team Network Rail
Craig Wakeman Head of HS2 & Strategic Partnerships TfWM
Shamit Gaiger OBE Managing Director West Coast Partnership Development -
Available On Demand
Gregory March, Freight Business Development Manager, Network Rail
Gregory discussed the vital role of rail freight in supporting the Midlands’ economy and national infrastructure projects like HS2. He also highlighted the importance of considering freight needs when planning and expanding the rail network.
Gregory March Freight Business Development Manager Network Rail -
Available On Demand
Leaders Debate - How does SYSTRA work with Contractors and Network Rail to deliver MVP and secure scheme funding?
Rich Johnson Rail Engineering Manager Kier Group
Chris Atkins Programme Manager Network Rail
Andrew Dugdale Market Director Systra
Michelle Flint Discipline Lead (Systems) SYSTRA -
Available On Demand
Leaders Debate - Strategic Approaches to Decarbonizing Rail Freight: Lessons and Synergies
The Arup-chaired panel explores the challenges and opportunities of decarbonising rail rolling stock, with a focus on freight. It examines why electrification alone isn't enough and considers alternative energy solutions.
Paul Long Head of T&RS Engineering Freightliner Group Ltd
James Alton Senior Consultant ARUP
Gregory March Freight Business Development Manager Network Rail
Phil Smart Assistant Policy Manager Rail Freight Group
Richard Carr Technical & Innovation Director Rail Industry Association -
Available On Demand
Apprentice Panel - An Apprentices Journey in partnership with RTM
This session spotlighted five nominated apprentices who shared their personal journeys into the rail industry. Through their stories, you'll gain a fresh perspective on the sector and a deeper understanding of how to support and retain the next generation of rail professionals.
Daniel McSharry Assistant Signalling Design Engineer Kilborn Consulting
Robert Stimson Degree Apprentice Civils Mott MacDonald
Millie Semple Commercial Procurement and Supply Chain Apprentice HS2
Adam Salum Engineering Technician Systra
Haider Khan Project Graduate Amey -
Available On Demand
Presentation - LearnLive
Stuart Heaton Founder Learn Live
Roy Rowlands Director Cognitive Media Group -
Available On Demand
Adam Checkley, Infrastructure Director, Central Route, Network Rail
As Network Rail enters CP7, facing tighter financial constraints and shifting policies, there's an urgent need to reignite that collaborative, innovative spirit. Adam highlights the vital role the wider supply chain has historically played in driving innovation and improving asset delivery in the rail industry.
Adam Checkley Infrastructure Director, Central Route Network Rail -
Available On Demand
Dave Lock, Project Client Director, HS2 Ltd
Dave, the Project Client Director for Curzon Street, outlined the scale and complexity of the build, highlighting the significant opportunities it presents for suppliers.
Dave Lock Project Client Director HS2 Ltd -
Available On Demand
Leaders Debate - The Procurement Act and what it means for the supply chain
This panel explores how the Procurement Act will reshape public sector supply chains—making procurement more transparent, accessible for SMEs, and focused on social value. Key changes include simplified bidding, a supplier debarment system, and tighter oversight. Learn how these shifts could affect your business.
Sol Tannir Strategic Account Director Social Value Portal
Helen Taylor Work Winning Director Kier
John Simons Procurement Director SCAPE -
Available On Demand
John Emanuel, Co founder and Chief Technology Officer, Urban Mass
John highlights the innovative, non-traditional approach to designing and installing next-gen transit and the exciting opportunities it presents for authorities, operators, investors, and suppliers both in the UK and globally.
John Emanuel Co founder and Chief Technology Officer Urban Mass -
Available On Demand
Steven Ireland, Head of Stations, Security and Customer Relationship Management, Network Rail
Steven oversees a £16m annual budget and 200 staff on the Central Route, managing relationships with train operators, suppliers, and over 1.2 million weekly passengers. With upcoming station improvement projects across the Midlands, he shares insights into the opportunities ahead.
Steven Ireland Head of Stations, Security and Customer Relationship Management Network Rail -
Available On Demand
Tom Painter, General Manager, WMRE / Head of Rail, TfWM
Tom shares the successes of the West Midlands Rail Programme and outlines the West Midlands Rail Executive’s future vision. He discusses plans within the GBR context, the role of the WMCA Mayor, and how the Integrated Settlement could boost local accountability—plus the region’s key rail priorities moving forward.
Tom Painter General Manager, WMRE / Head of Rail TfWM
Supporting Organisations
