The Rail Supply Group wants to hear the views of the rail supply chain on what a sector deal for rail could include and what needs to be done to secure long-term, high-skilled jobs for Britain, both now and in the long term. 

Exploring Customer Experience, Innovation and Sustainable UK Rail, the newly formed RSG/Rail Delivery Group partnership, is calling on the rail industry to offer its views on a potentially game-changing rail sector deal.

The government, through its industrial strategy, is looking to work with different industrial sectors to release their potential for driving growth in the UK economy. This is an important opportunity for the rail sector to champion the substantial contribution it makes to the UK economy and to push for the necessary support to drive forward the UK rail supply chain. 

The industry believes that a rail sector deal can be game-changing and transformative for Britain’s rail network and customers. By working together with the broader industry, the supply chain can develop a world leading proposal for a deal that persuades the government to prioritise the sector and help unlock its future potential.

This is an opportunity for the industry to shape both the direction and delivery of increased future investment. A sector deal for rail can enable new businesses, collaborating with other complementary industrial sectors, to sell innovative products and services to rail, both here and in export markets. 

The newly-formed partnership between the RSG and the RDG wants to hear from every part of the rail industry, especially supply chain companies small, medium and large, to ensure that once submitted, it is clear to government that the sector deal for rail is robust and truly representative of the diverse range of businesses that contribute to the success of Britain’s railway.

Gordon Wakeford, chair of the Rail Supply Group, said: “This is a unique chance for the rail industry to highlight its importance to the economy as a leading driver of growth and prosperity. Working together we can develop a co-ordinated deal that covers both clients’ and suppliers’ needs, as well as bringing track and train closer together. The supply chain has a vital role in delivering a rail network that provides for Britain now and in the long term.”

Paul Plummer, chief executive of the Rail Delivery Group, which brings together train operators and Network Rail to improve the railway, said: The government’s green paper earlier this year was an open door challenge to industry to approach ministers with proposals that will transform their sector, investing in skills and jobs. That’s exactly what rail is doing, by working together to develop a compelling and transformative sector deal”.

The themes the Rail Sector Deal will explore are customer experience, innovation, including digitalisation and Sustainable UK Rail. To submit views, or for more information on how you can take part in the consultation, contact rsgenquiries@raildeliverygroup.com

The deadline for responses is Friday 6 October 2017.